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Phil Steele projects Penn State as 2025 national champion

The longtime college football analyst is praising Penn State as “the most talented team in the country” in 2025.

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Apr 26, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball while attempting to avoid a tackle from linebacker Kari Jackson (30) during the first quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The White team defeated the Blue team 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The momentum of expectations surrounding Penn State football for the 2025 season continues this week with one of the sport’s top prognosticators. In his recently released preview magazine for the upcoming year, popular college football writer Phil Steele has picked the Nittany Lions as his projected national champion.

“The last two years, a veteran-laden Big Ten team with players turning down the NFL has won the national championship,Steele wrote.Penn State fits that description perfectly.”

The longtime analyst also predicts the Nittany Lions will return to the Big Ten Championship Game in early December, this time capturing the conference crown.

“Of the final four teams [from last year’s playoff], Penn State returns the most, so they are a legitimate national title contender,he added.They get both Oregon and Indiana at home and do not play Michigan, but have to travel to Columbus. The last two national champions were veteran-laden Big Ten teams, and Penn State fits that mold this year.”

An opinion echoed by many in the national media, Steele highlights the returning leadership and production on the Penn State roster. He tabbed five Nittany Lions for his preseason All-American teams, including running back Nicholas Singleton and offensive guard Vega Ioane as first-team selections.

Specifically, Steele compared the Nittany Lions to last year’s national champion, Ohio State. Even after suffering a pair of stumbling blocks during the regular season, the Buckeyes’ talented roster was able to right the ship for the postseason.

“They face Ohio State on the road, but as the Buckeyes proved last year, making the playoffs is the key and they are the most talented team in the country and gained good experience winning a pair of playoff games last year,” he wrote.

Phil Steele’s 2025 college football season preview is available for order online.



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Matt is a co-owner and Editor of Basic Blues Nation. Launched in 2022, Basic Blues Nation is one of the fastest-growing websites covering all Penn State athletics. Matt is also a credentialed member of the Penn State football beat, and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America.

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