Phil Steele's College Football Preview: A Tradition Endures
Phil Steele's College Football Preview stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of preseason football magazines, even in the digital age. This annual publication, meticulously crafted by sportswriter and analyst Phil Steele, has become a staple for fans seeking in-depth analysis, statistics, and predictions for the upcoming college football season. Steele is considered a "highly respected prognosticator" within the sports media.
The Rise of a Football Prognosticator
Phil Steele emerged as a prominent figure in sports media, focusing his expertise exclusively on college and professional football. His dedication led to the creation of Phil Steele Publications, the home of his renowned annual magazine.
The Genesis of the Preview Magazine
The first edition of Phil Steele's College Football Preview hit the shelves in 1995, marking the beginning of a now long-standing tradition. Steele personally authors almost the entire magazine, showcasing his comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills.
A Deep Dive into Content and Style
ESPN writer Pat Forde noted the magazine's consistent format, with Steele authoring every two-page team preview. Forde praised the publication's wealth of stats, facts, and figures, packed into every available space. The magazine was similarly praised by the News & Observer and Rivals.com. Chris Stassen, owner of football.stassen.com, has tracked the preseason magazines' accuracy since 1993 and rates Phil Steele's as the most accurate in its predictions.
Enduring Appeal in a Digital World
Despite the dominance of digital media, the preseason college football magazine market has persevered. While the number of options has decreased compared to two decades ago, Phil Steele's College Football Preview, along with Athlon and Lindy's, maintains a loyal following of fans eager for season previews and predictions. Football enthusiasts in Texas continue to support Dave Campbell's Texas Football, a publication that has been a fixture since 1960.
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Steele believes that the printed magazine provides a faster and easier reference compared to the internet, with information consistently located on each page for every team. He highlighted the convenience of quickly finding specific information, such as a score from three years ago, by simply knowing where to look. Steele’s edition spans 360 pages.
Nostalgia and the Physical Experience
The appeal of preseason magazines extends beyond their informational value. Many fans, including those in their 20s, fondly remember paging through the colorful pictures, comprehensive stats, and projected depth charts as they grew up.
Fans express a sense of satisfaction in reading a physical magazine while relaxing outdoors or on vacation, finding it more enjoyable than accessing the same content digitally. Chase Clemens, a reader who took Phil Steele's magazine with him on an Army deployment to the Middle East, emphasized the magazine's role in helping him through the summer months.
A Diverse Readership
Preseason magazines have found a dedicated audience among gamblers and those seeking engaging reading material. Lindy Davis, publisher of Lindy's annuals, mentioned the high volume of orders received from prisons, where individuals have ample time to read.
A Look Back at the History of Preseason Publications
The tradition of preseason college football publications dates back to at least 1891, with Spalding's Official Football Guide, edited by Walter Camp. Initially focused on explaining the rules, it evolved to include reviews of the previous season, team photos, and schedules. Early 20th-century copies can still be found on eBay.
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The first magazines emerged in the 1930s, with titles like Illustrated Football Annual and Stanley Woodward's Football. Street and Smith's, a long-standing publication, was launched in 1940. Other titles, such as Athlon and Game Plan, appeared in the 1970s, followed by Lindy's and Sporting News in 1982, and Phil Steele in 1995.
Adapting to the Modern Era
The rise of the internet significantly impacted the magazine industry, leading to the decline of many publications. Street and Smith's ceased publication in 2007 after merging with Sporting News, which transitioned to digital-only in 2012. Game Plan ended in 2014.
Surviving magazines have adapted to changes in retail, with grocery, pharmacy, and big-box chains reducing or eliminating newsstands. Steele now works exclusively with Barnes and Noble.
Finding Success in Special Editions
While traditional newsstands have diminished, the market for special-edition magazines has grown. These thicker, higher-priced publications, often focused on specific topics or celebrities, have found success, similar to the annual college football magazines.
Steele increased the price of his magazine from $12.99 to $19.99 and has seen his profits increase. He believes that the magazine's value justifies the price, suggesting that fans would still purchase it even at a higher cost.
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Sales and Distribution
While Steele declined to provide current sales figures, he maintains that they have remained steady. A 2014 New York Times article reported a circulation of 200,000 a decade earlier. Currently, 150,000 copies are printed, with a higher sell-through rate. The magazine is also available digitally, but digital sales account for less than a quarter of total sales.
Davis estimates around 85,000 sales last year. He noted that they sell 60-65 percent of what they used to sell at their height, which he considers very good.
A Renewed Focus on Print
After facing potential closure earlier in the decade, Athlon was acquired by The Arena Group. Following the loss of its licensing rights to Sports Illustrated, the company has refocused on Athlon and increased its print presence. In the past year, preview magazines have been published for various sports, including NASCAR, MLB, the Premier League, and the NBA and WNBA.
The Arena Group emphasizes the value of print in providing sports fans with a tangible experience. Paul Edmondson, CEO of The Arena Group, believes that magazines offer a physical connection to the content.
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