The pride of college football one week can quickly turn into its letdown the next.
BYU has now become the 10th team within the top 15 to suffer a loss over the past fortnight. Admittedly, some of these defeats came at the hands of other top-tier teams. However, that was not the scenario for many, including the Cougars’ 39-31, double-overtime loss to UCF on Saturday.
The defeat has dropped BYU in our Top 10 rankings from second place to seventh. In contrast, Tennessee has fallen out of the rankings altogether following their loss to South Carolina, and Texas Tech’s defeat against Cincinnati resulted in a swift exit from the poll for the Red Raiders. The simultaneous losses of the Red Raiders and BYU indicate that two of the Big 12’s most promising playoff contenders at the season’s start faltered on the same day.
In the SEC, Texas and Arch Manning, struggling with two consecutive losses, managed to hang on to defeat Ole Miss, thus removing the Rebels from the rankings as well.
After a weekend filled with surprises in Week 7 — when five of the top seven ranked teams were defeated — college football had yet another thrilling Saturday.
Some individuals even lost their jobs. NC State parted ways with head coach Dave Doeren after he oversaw a loss to Stanford on Friday night, ending his 14-year association with the program. Meanwhile, Indiana stayed in our rankings after they managed to withstand a visit to the Big House, and UCLA improved to 7-0 by triumphing over Michigan State.
The most secure teams in the Top 10 this Saturday were Ohio State, Georgia, and Notre Dame, all of whom enjoyed a week off!
BYU tight end Walker Lyons, left, observes as UCF players celebrate following the concluding play of the second overtime.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Now, let’s delve into the rankings!
This week: Off
Next week: at USC
The Buckeyes enjoyed a well-deserved week off after defeating Indiana, despite losing quarterback Julian Sayin in the process. Sayin will be out for an indefinite period due to a shoulder injury that may linger into the postseason. This situation doesn’t bode well as Ohio State is left with two inexperienced backups, freshman Luke Fahey and sophomore Tavien St. Clair. They will enter into an uncommon midseason battle for the quarterback position.
This week: triumphed over Pitt 52-23
Next week: at North Carolina
If you thought the Hurricanes might lose focus following their first AP No. 1 ranking since 2002, you’d be mistaken! Receiver Malachi Toney shattered the school’s single-game record for receptions with 16. He amassed 194 yards and three touchdowns while quarterback Darian Mensah and the team easily navigated past a Panthers squad that was significantly missing their starting quarterback.
This week: defeated Michigan 13-6
Next week: vs. Minnesota
Quarterback Josh Hoover isn’t at full health, as coach Curt Cignetti indicated in his post-game, on-camera interview. Nevertheless, the Hoosiers discovered a way to claim victory at the Big House in overtime. However, Hoover was 8-for-18 and recorded his first interceptions of the season. Indiana relied heavily on a tenacious defensive performance to prevail, managing to stop Michigan from scoring on three consecutive snaps inside the 10-yard line, thus forcing a field goal and overtime.
This week: won against Michigan State 28-10
Next week: vs. Nevada
The Bruins are on the verge of achieving an 8-0 record in Bob Chesney’s inaugural season as coach, with Nevada next on the schedule. Backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach continues to step in for the injured starter Nico Iamaleava (who will not return this season). He doesn’t need to be spectacular since this team has a robust defense and can run effectively. Running back Anthony Woods surpassed 100 yards, and three Bruins contributed rushing touchdowns.
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney and the Bruins are still undefeated through Week 8.
(Allen J. Schaben via Getty Images)
This week: Off
Next week: vs. Florida (Atlanta)
Kirby Smart likely wished he could quickly bounce back from the surprising home defeat to Auburn by dominating an opponent the following Saturday. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs received a break and will return to face a crucial matchup against the Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Florida comes in reeling from an upset loss at Texas. Typically, this annual rivalry series occurs in Jacksonville, but it’s shifted to Atlanta while renovations are in progress at EverBank Stadium.
This week: fell to UCF 39-31 in double overtime
Next week: vs. Arizona State
How do you follow up an exhilarating win over a top-five team? By flopping during a long-distance trip, apparently. This is precisely what the Cougars did. UCF’s Keyone Jenkins, rather than Bear Bachmeier, took the spotlight, throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns against a BYU defense that was ranked 12th in the nation entering the match. BYU’s offense also struggled to find their usual running rhythm.
This week: triumphed over Vanderbilt 34-17
Next week: Off
Had someone foreseen before the season that Kentucky would not only be in the Top 10 but also lead the SEC, it would have been quite surprising. Nevertheless, the Wildcats, under first-year coach Will Stein, stand at 7-1 atop the league. On Saturday, they rallied from a 10-0 deficit. If you’re curious how, here’s a jaw-dropping statistic: Vanderbilt managed just 15 yards rushing. The Wildcats are a legitimate contender, getting a bye before a huge game against Tennessee.
This week: Off
Next week: vs. Navy (Foxborough, Mass.)
Indeed, the Irish may have stumbled against BYU last week, but they are still strong enough to earn a spot in the Top 10 (in our opinion). Before facing Miami in one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups of the 2026 season on November 7, Marcus Freeman’s squad needs to first handle their responsibilities against Navy at the home stadium of the New England Patriots. Miami and SMU are looming as pivotal games if the Irish aim for a playoff berth.
This week: overcame Houston 21-13
Next week: at Cincinnati
The Utes stand as one of only three unbeaten teams in college football after pulling through at home against a determined Houston team. Quarterback Devon Dampier surpassed 100 yards on the ground and more than 200 yards through the air. He managed to overcome his two interceptions by leading Utah on a crucial 10-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The Utes’ defense played a vital role in securing the win as well.
This week: Off
Next week: vs. Virginia
Are the Demon Deacons the second-best team in the ACC under first-year coach Jake Dickert? They pushed Miami (which few have done this year) and secured a win at Purdue (which is increasingly looking impressive). Quarterback Gio Lopez has run for at least 50 yards and thrown for 250 or more yards in two of the past three games. Over the last four games, he has achieved 14 touchdowns (four of which were rushing) without throwing a single interception during that span.
