College Football Top 25 Rankings Week 7 (2026)
Table of Contents
- College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings: Full List
- College Football Week 8 Rankings: Top 10 Team Breakdowns
- College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings: Teams 11-25
- Biggest Movers in the College Football Week 8 Rankings
- College Football Week 8 Predictions: Biggest Games to Watch
- College Football Playoff Picture After Week 7
- College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings FAQ
- Final College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings Outlook
The College Football Week 8 Top 25 rankings have undergone a major shakeup following an unpredictable Week 7. BYU takes over the No. 1 spot after defeating Notre Dame 28-24, while Miami and Ohio State round out the top three.
Texas Tech and UCLA complete the top five, giving the 2026 college football rankings a different look as several traditional championship contenders struggle.
Georgia drops from No. 1 to No. 11 after losing to Auburn, Alabama falls to No. 16 following its second consecutive defeat, and Texas slides to No. 18 after another disappointing loss.
With multiple undefeated teams emerging and the College Football Playoff race tightening, our Week 8 college football rankings highlight the teams making the strongest cases for national championship contention.
Below are HOF's complete 2026 college football Week 8 Top 25 rankings, including updated records, Week 7 results, upcoming games and predictions.
College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings: Full List
Here are our updated Top 25 college football rankings for Week 8 of the 2026 season.
| Rank | Team | Record | Week 7 Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BYU Cougars | 6-0 | Beat Notre Dame 28-24 |
| 2 | Miami Hurricanes | 6-0 | Beat Florida State 43-35 (2OT) |
| 3 | Ohio State Buckeyes | 6-1 | Beat Indiana 19-15 |
| 4 | Texas Tech Red Raiders | 6-0 | Beat Arizona State 53-25 |
| 5 | UCLA Bruins | 6-0 | Beat Wisconsin 17-7 |
| 6 | Indiana Hoosiers | 6-1 | Lost to Ohio State 19-15 |
| 7 | Tennessee Volunteers | 6-1 | Beat Alabama 26-10 |
| 8 | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 6-1 | Lost to BYU 28-24 |
| 9 | Ole Miss Rebels | 5-1 | Beat Missouri 31-3 |
| 10 | Utah Utes | 6-0 | Beat Colorado 27-24 |
| 11 | Georgia Bulldogs | 6-1 | Lost to Auburn 27-24 |
| 12 | Kentucky Wildcats | 6-1 | Beat Oklahoma 21-13 |
| 13 | Houston Cougars | 6-1 | Beat Oklahoma State 35-32 |
| 14 | Iowa Hawkeyes | 5-1 | Bye |
| 15 | USC Trojans | 6-1 | Bye |
| 16 | Alabama Crimson Tide | 5-2 | Lost to Tennessee 26-10 |
| 17 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 6-1 | Beat California 41-7 |
| 18 | Texas Longhorns | 4-2 | Lost to Florida 27-24 |
| 19 | LSU Tigers | 5-2 | Beat Mississippi State 31-0 |
| 20 | Florida Gators | 5-2 | Beat Texas 27-24 |
| 21 | Boise State Broncos | 5-1 | Bye |
| 22 | SMU Mustangs | 5-1 | Beat Virginia 23-13 |
| 23 | Northwestern Wildcats | 5-1 | Beat Michigan State 24-21 |
| 24 | Missouri Tigers | 5-2 | Lost to Ole Miss 31-3 |
| 25 | Arizona Wildcats | 5-1 | Bye |
These are HOF's independent college football power rankings, not the official AP Top 25 poll.
College Football Week 8 Rankings: Top 10 Team Breakdowns
1. BYU Cougars (6-0)
Week 7 Result: Beat Notre Dame 28-24
Week 8 Opponent: At UCF, October 24
BYU takes over No. 1 in our college football Week 8 Top 25 rankings after securing one of the biggest victories of the season.
The Cougars defeated previously undefeated Notre Dame 28-24, earning a signature victory against a team that entered Week 7 ranked No. 2.
That result separates BYU from several other undefeated teams and strengthens its case as a legitimate national championship contender.
The Cougars now travel to UCF, where they will attempt to remain undefeated and maintain control of the Big 12 race.
Week 8 prediction: BYU enters with the stronger résumé and should be positioned to continue its unbeaten season.
2. Miami Hurricanes (6-0)
Week 7 Result: Beat Florida State 43-35 (2OT)
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Pittsburgh, October 24
Miami remains undefeated after surviving a dramatic double-overtime matchup against Florida State.
The Hurricanes' 43-35 victory demonstrated their ability to win close games, although the defensive performance raises questions heading into the second half of the season.
Miami has consistently produced offensively and remains one of the strongest teams in the ACC.
A matchup against Pittsburgh gives the Hurricanes another opportunity to strengthen their playoff résumé.
Week 8 prediction: Miami has the talent to remain undefeated, but defensive consistency will be critical.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Indiana 19-15
Week 8 Opponent: Bye; next at USC on October 31
Ohio State moves to No. 3 after earning a significant 19-15 victory over previously undefeated Indiana.
The Buckeyes' defense played a major role in the win, helping secure one of the most important Big Ten results of the season.
Although Ohio State has one loss, its victory over Indiana strengthens its position among the country's leading playoff contenders.
The Buckeyes now enter a bye week before traveling to USC.
Week 8 outlook: Ohio State has one of the strongest résumés among one-loss teams and remains firmly in the national championship discussion.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-0)
Week 7 Result: Beat Arizona State 53-25
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Oklahoma State
Texas Tech continues its impressive undefeated season with a dominant 53-25 victory over Arizona State.
The Red Raiders have emerged as one of the country's most explosive teams, and their offensive production has helped separate them from much of the Big 12.
At 6-0, Texas Tech joins BYU and Utah among the conference's undefeated contenders.
Week 8 prediction: Texas Tech has the offensive firepower to remain undefeated against Oklahoma State.
5. UCLA Bruins (6-0)
Week 7 Result: Beat Wisconsin 17-7
Week 8 Opponent: At Washington
UCLA continues its surprising undefeated run with another strong defensive performance.
After defeating Oregon 17-15 in Week 6, the Bruins followed that result with a 17-7 victory over Wisconsin.
The Bruins have demonstrated that they can win physical games without relying on high-scoring offensive performances.
Their 6-0 record puts them among the leading Big Ten contenders.
Week 8 prediction: UCLA's defense gives the Bruins a strong opportunity to remain undefeated, although Washington presents a challenging road matchup.
6. Indiana Hoosiers (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Lost to Ohio State 19-15
Week 8 Opponent: At Michigan, October 24
Indiana suffers its first loss of the season but remains inside the top six.
The Hoosiers pushed Ohio State throughout a competitive four-point defeat, showing they belong among the Big Ten's strongest teams.
A road matchup against Michigan represents another significant test.
Week 8 prediction: Indiana has a realistic opportunity to rebound, but avoiding a second consecutive loss is essential to its playoff outlook.
7. Tennessee Volunteers (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Alabama 26-10
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. South Carolina
Tennessee delivers one of the biggest statements of Week 7, defeating Alabama 26-10.
The Volunteers controlled the matchup against a highly ranked SEC opponent and added a valuable victory to their playoff résumé.
Tennessee's 6-1 record now places it among the strongest teams in the conference.
Week 8 prediction: Tennessee should enter its matchup against South Carolina with momentum and a strong opportunity to improve to 7-1.
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Lost to BYU 28-24
Week 8 Opponent: Bye; next vs. Navy on October 31
Notre Dame falls from No. 2 to No. 8 after losing to BYU.
The Fighting Irish remained competitive throughout the 28-24 defeat, but the loss ended their undefeated season.
Notre Dame still has a strong overall résumé and remains firmly in the playoff conversation.
Week 8 outlook: Notre Dame enters its bye week with an opportunity to regroup before facing Navy.
9. Ole Miss Rebels (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Missouri 31-3
Week 8 Opponent: At Texas, October 24
Ole Miss strengthens its top-10 position with a convincing 31-3 victory over Missouri.
The Rebels' defense delivered an impressive performance, holding a ranked SEC opponent to just three points.
Their upcoming matchup against Texas presents another opportunity to build on that momentum.
Week 8 prediction: Ole Miss enters with better recent form than Texas and has a strong opportunity to secure another significant SEC victory.
10. Utah Utes (6-0)
Week 7 Result: Beat Colorado 27-24
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. TCU
Utah remains undefeated after surviving a close 27-24 matchup against Colorado.
The Utes continue to rely on physical football and disciplined execution, keeping them firmly in the Big 12 championship race.
With BYU and Texas Tech also undefeated, Utah will need to maintain its consistency to stay competitive at the top.
Week 8 prediction: Utah has a favorable opportunity to remain unbeaten against TCU, although its narrow victory over Colorado suggests little room for complacency.
College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings: Teams 11-25
11. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Lost to Auburn 27-24
Next Game: Vs. Florida, October 31
Georgia experiences one of the biggest falls in the Week 8 college football rankings after losing to Auburn.
The Bulldogs drop from No. 1 to No. 11, although their earlier victory over Alabama remains a significant part of their résumé.
Georgia enters a bye week before facing Florida in a crucial SEC rivalry matchup.
12. Kentucky Wildcats (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Oklahoma 21-13
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Auburn
Kentucky continues its strong season with a 21-13 victory over Oklahoma.
After previously upsetting LSU, the Wildcats have established themselves as one of the SEC's most surprising contenders.
A matchup against Auburn provides another opportunity to strengthen their playoff case.
13. Houston Cougars (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Oklahoma State 35-32
Week 8 Opponent: At Baylor
Houston improves to 6-1 after winning a competitive 35-32 matchup against Oklahoma State.
The Cougars remain firmly in the Big 12 race and now face another conference test against Baylor.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Bye
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Northwestern
Iowa enters Week 8 rested and positioned to compete in the Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes' disciplined style of play makes them a difficult opponent, particularly in defensive matchups.
Their upcoming game against Northwestern could have important conference implications.
15. USC Trojans (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Bye
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Maryland
USC enters Week 8 following a bye, with its most recent victory coming against Penn State in Week 6.
The Trojans remain in the Big Ten championship discussion and have an opportunity to maintain momentum against Maryland.
16. Alabama Crimson Tide (5-2)
Week 7 Result: Lost to Tennessee 26-10
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Arkansas
Alabama falls to No. 16 after suffering its second consecutive defeat.
The Crimson Tide lost to Georgia in Week 6 before falling 26-10 to Tennessee.
At 5-2, Alabama faces significant pressure to respond against Arkansas.
17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat California 41-7
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Clemson
Wake Forest continues its impressive season with a dominant 41-7 victory over California.
The Demon Deacons have quietly established themselves as a serious ACC contender.
A matchup against Clemson offers another opportunity to strengthen their résumé.
18. Texas Longhorns (4-2)
Week 7 Result: Lost to Florida 27-24
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Ole Miss, October 24
Texas continues its decline after losing 27-24 to Florida.
The Longhorns have now suffered consecutive defeats against Oklahoma and Florida, dropping to 4-2.
Their upcoming matchup against Ole Miss could determine whether Texas remains a realistic playoff contender.
19. LSU Tigers (5-2)
Week 7 Result: Beat Mississippi State 31-0
Week 8 Opponent: At Vanderbilt
LSU responds to its previous loss against Kentucky with a dominant 31-0 victory over Mississippi State.
The shutout provides an encouraging defensive performance as the Tigers attempt to regain momentum.
20. Florida Gators (5-2)
Week 7 Result: Beat Texas 27-24
Next Game: Vs. Georgia, October 31
Florida earns a major victory over Texas, improving to 5-2.
The Gators enter their bye week with momentum before facing Georgia in an important SEC rivalry game.
21. Boise State Broncos (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Bye
Week 8 Opponent: At Washington State, October 24
Boise State remains among the leading Group of Five playoff candidates.
The Broncos return from their bye week looking to strengthen their postseason résumé against Washington State.
22. SMU Mustangs (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Virginia 23-13
Week 8 Opponent: At Stanford
SMU improves to 5-1 after defeating Virginia.
The Mustangs remain in the ACC championship conversation and have an opportunity to build on their record against Stanford.
23. Northwestern Wildcats (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Beat Michigan State 24-21
Week 8 Opponent: At Iowa
Northwestern continues its strong start with a narrow victory over Michigan State.
The Wildcats now face a challenging road matchup against Iowa, with both teams entering at 5-1.
24. Missouri Tigers (5-2)
Week 7 Result: Lost to Ole Miss 31-3
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Vanderbilt
Missouri drops in the rankings following a disappointing loss to Ole Miss.
The Tigers struggled offensively and will need a stronger performance against Vanderbilt to regain momentum.
25. Arizona Wildcats (5-1)
Week 7 Result: Bye
Week 8 Opponent: Vs. Utah State
Arizona rounds out our College Football Week 8 Top 25 rankings.
The Wildcats return from their bye week with a 5-1 record and an opportunity to continue building momentum against Utah State.
Biggest Movers in the College Football Week 8 Rankings
The Week 8 Top 25 features several significant changes following Week 7 results.
BYU Climbs to No. 1
BYU's 28-24 victory over Notre Dame is the defining result of the weekend.
The Cougars now own one of the strongest victories among undefeated teams and have earned the top spot in our rankings.
Georgia Drops 10 Spots
Georgia falls from No. 1 to No. 11 after losing to Auburn.
The Bulldogs remain a championship-caliber team, but the defeat significantly changes their standing in the national picture.
Tennessee Moves Into the Top Seven
Tennessee's 26-10 victory over Alabama provides a major boost.
The Volunteers now have a signature SEC victory and are firmly in the playoff conversation.
Texas Falls to No. 18
Texas has dropped dramatically after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida.
The Longhorns need a strong performance against Ole Miss to reverse their recent decline.
Florida Climbs Into the Top 20
Florida's victory over Texas represents one of the week's biggest results.
The Gators have strengthened their résumé and now prepare for Georgia following a bye week.
College Football Week 8 Predictions: Biggest Games to Watch
Several matchups could significantly affect the college football Top 25 rankings after Week 8.
Ole Miss vs. Texas
Ole Miss enters with momentum after defeating Missouri 31-3, while Texas is looking to recover from consecutive losses.
Prediction: Ole Miss has the stronger recent form and enters with the more convincing résumé, although Texas remains capable of competing with ranked opponents.
Indiana vs. Michigan
Indiana looks to rebound after its narrow loss to Ohio State.
The Hoosiers have demonstrated that they belong among the Big Ten's best teams.
Prediction: Indiana has a strong opportunity to return to the win column, but Michigan presents a difficult road challenge.
BYU vs. UCF
BYU enters Week 8 as our No. 1 team after defeating Notre Dame.
The Cougars must avoid a letdown following their biggest victory of the season.
Prediction: BYU has earned the advantage based on its undefeated record and signature victory.
Northwestern vs. Iowa
Northwestern and Iowa enter this Big Ten matchup with identical 5-1 records.
Both teams have relied on disciplined, physical football.
Prediction: Expect a competitive matchup in which defensive execution, turnovers and field position could determine the outcome.
College Football Playoff Picture After Week 7
The College Football Playoff race has become increasingly unpredictable entering Week 8.
Five teams in our Top 25 remain undefeated:
- BYU (6-0)
- Miami (6-0)
- Texas Tech (6-0)
- UCLA (6-0)
- Utah (6-0)
These teams have positioned themselves as serious postseason contenders, although their remaining schedules will ultimately determine their playoff standing.
Ohio State has strengthened its résumé with a victory over Indiana, while Tennessee and Ole Miss have added valuable SEC wins.
Meanwhile, Georgia, Alabama and Texas face greater pressure after disappointing results.
The biggest question entering Week 8 is whether the undefeated teams can maintain their momentum as conference competition intensifies.
College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings FAQ
What are the College Football Week 8 Top 25 rankings?
Our Week 8 Top 25 begins with BYU at No. 1, Miami at No. 2, Ohio State at No. 3, Texas Tech at No. 4 and UCLA at No. 5. The full list above includes all 25 teams, records and Week 7 results.
Who is ranked No. 1 in college football for Week 8?
BYU is ranked No. 1 in our 2026 college football Week 8 rankings after defeating Notre Dame 28-24 and improving to 6-0.
What are the top five college football teams entering Week 8?
The top five teams are BYU, Miami, Ohio State, Texas Tech and UCLA.
Why did Georgia fall in the Week 8 college football rankings?
Georgia dropped from No. 1 to No. 11 after losing 27-24 to Auburn.
Where is Alabama ranked in Week 8?
Alabama is ranked No. 16 after falling to 5-2 following losses to Georgia and Tennessee.
How far did Texas fall in the Week 8 Top 25?
Texas is ranked No. 18 after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida.
Which undefeated teams are in the Week 8 Top 25?
BYU, Miami, Texas Tech, UCLA and Utah remain undefeated entering Week 8.
Are these the official AP Top 25 rankings?
No. These are HOF's independent Week 8 college football power rankings, based on team performance, quality victories, consistency and playoff potential.
Final College Football Week 8 Top 25 Rankings Outlook
The College Football Week 8 Top 25 rankings for 2026 reflect a rapidly changing national championship race.
BYU takes over No. 1 after defeating Notre Dame, while Miami, Ohio State, Texas Tech and UCLA complete the top five.
Georgia's loss to Auburn, Alabama's defeat against Tennessee and Texas' continued struggles have created opportunities for several emerging contenders.
The Big 12 now features three undefeated teams in the top 10, while the Big Ten and SEC remain highly competitive.
With several important conference matchups approaching, the rankings could shift again as teams continue building their College Football Playoff résumés.
For player-prop trends, matchup analysis and additional betting research, explore HOF's sports betting research app.