Think you know who will dominate college football in the long run? Phil Steele just dropped a bombshell, making a bold prediction about Rich Rodriguez surpassing Belichick and Frost. Get ready for a surprising take on West Virginia’s future. Will this forecast shock the college football world?

Renowned college football analyst Phil Steele has unveiled a compelling long-term forecast, boldly asserting that Rich Rodriguez’s tenure at West Virginia will ultimately eclipse the anticipated success of coaching stalwarts Bill Belichick at North Carolina and Scott Frost at UCF. This surprising prediction challenges conventional wisdom surrounding three of the most significant college football coaching reassignments this offseason.

For the immediate 2025 season, Steele concedes that North Carolina appears poised for a more favorable outcome. He points to a manageable schedule that could pave the way for an impressive eight-to-ten-win campaign under Coach Belichick, an acclaimed figure making a pivotal transition from sustained NFL dominance to the collegiate ranks.

However, the landscape shifts considerably when evaluating the long-term trajectory of these college football programs. While West Virginia and UCF currently navigate a rebuilding phase, their foundational efforts are expected to yield substantial returns over time, particularly under the leadership of a coach known for program revitalization and player development.

Phil Steele’s conviction in Rich Rodriguez stems from his proven track record, especially his transformative impact during his previous successful stint at West Virginia and his recent commendable work at Jacksonville State. Rodriguez’s innate ability to attract and develop talent is seen as a critical differentiator for long-term program stability and competitive excellence.

Projecting three years into the future, Steele unequivocally predicts that West Virginia, guided by Rich Rodriguez, will boast the superior record among the three institutions. This forecast underscores a belief that Rodriguez’s strategic player recruitment and systemic implementation will culminate in sustained performance that surpasses his highly regarded counterparts.

The discussion further delved into West Virginia’s prospects of reclaiming national prominence and consistently contending for the Big 12 title under Rodriguez’s guidance. Steele expressed absolute confidence, suggesting that the Mountaineers are well-positioned to achieve these aspirations, becoming consistent Big 12 contenders.

He elaborated on the inherently balanced nature of the Big 12 Conference, a league where rapid ascensions from the lower echelons to championship contention are not uncommon. Steele believes that once Rich Rodriguez fully implements his vision and the team begins to consistently win crucial close games, West Virginia football will be right in the thick of the title race.

Consequently, while the immediate season might present its challenges due to a tough schedule and significant roster turnover, the long-range outlook is overwhelmingly positive. Phil Steele firmly envisions West Virginia evolving into a formidable, yearly Big 12 title contender under Rich Rodriguez’s leadership, cementing his legacy at the institution.