2026 College Football Rankings Top 25 Week 9: Expert picks, analysis, AP projections including BYU, Utah

Geez, Louise! Week 8 was another one for the books! Ole Miss and Texas went punch for punch, and the Longhorns came out on top, while the Big 12's hopes of getting three teams into the college football playoff field took a major hit when BYU lost in The Bounce House, and Texas Tech was a no show at Cincinnati. All that and so much more shaped Week 8 and the future CFB picture. Let’s take a look at my Top 25 Poll entering Week 9!

1. Miami Hurricanes (+2)
2026 Record: 7-0 (5-0)
Last Game: 52-23 win vs Pitt
Next Game: At North Carolina — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET

From the opening kickoff against Pitt, Miami was in control and walked all over the Panthers and their backup quarterback. Miami put up 31 first-half points and rolled to 52 points, their second-most of the season. Malachi Toney caught a program-record 16 passes and finished with 194 yards scoring three of Darian Mensah’s four passing touchdowns. Miami heads to North Carolina, then Notre Dame, in its first back-to-back road games of the year.

2. Georgia Bulldogs (+3)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-1)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: Vs Florida — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET

Fresh out of the bye week, Georgia will face Florida in Atlanta before going to Ole Miss. Georgia has won five consecutive meetings against the Gators and are 8-1 over the last nine matchups, but all nine have all come in Jacksonville. In fact, that’s where they have been playing this rivalry since 1996. They are playing in Atlanta because EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is going under a “Stadium of the Future” renovation. Coming off a bye week, plus having more of a home-field advantage against Florida, is a good way to get your season back on track, along with the added motivation following the 27-24 loss at home to Auburn.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (-2)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-0)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: At #16 USC — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET

With Julian Sayin expected out for the season, Ohio State is in a pickle as they attempt to go undefeated in the regular season and run the table in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes go to USC this weekend and still have Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan. They’ve yet to announce the starting quarterback for USC, but a bye week should give the Buckeyes a little more confidence.

4. Utah Utes (+5)
2026 Record: 7-0 (4-0)
Last Game: 21-13 win vs #14 Houston
Next Game: At Cincinnati — Saturday at 3:45 PM ET

The winner in a massacre of a day for the Big 12 was the Utes! Utah survived Houston in a grind-it-out, late-night thriller and took sole possession of first place in the conference thanks to Texas Tech and BYU's losses. Utah continued its dominance early with a first-half shutout and continued its first-quarter stretch of only three total points allowed. Devon Dampier had a career day on the ground with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, plus 204 passing yards but two interceptions. Nov. 7 between Utah and BYU has game-of-the-year potential written all over it, but before that, Utah goes to Cincinnati in a sandwich spot. The Bearcats just beat Texas Tech, so Utah can't play with their food.

5. Indiana Hoosiers (+3)
2026 Record: 7-1 (4-1)
Last Game: 13-7 OT win at Michigan
Next Game: Vs Minnesota — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET

Josh Hoover took matters into his own hands to defeat Michigan in OT. Hoover ran the game's only touchdown in from four yards out to go up 13-6 in a game where field goals and field position impacted the outcome. The Hoosiers have now scored 20, 15, and 13 points over the last three games. It seems the Josh Hoover experience isn’t working out as expected, and the offense is becoming a liability. Hoover finished with a career-low 81 passing yards and threw his first interception of the season. Indiana’s defense faced 20 third downs and made a stop on 14 of them, but the offense was outgained 224-212 in yards. Indiana hosts Minnesota next, then has a bye week before wrapping up the regular season with USC, Washington, and Purdue.

6. BYU Cougars (-4)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-1)
Last Game: 39-31 2 OT loss at UCF
Next Game: Vs Arizona State — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET

Back-to-back thrillers! BYU went to the Bounce House and was upset in 2 OT, 39-31. It was pure pandemonium! BYU couldn’t convert on fourth-and-goal from the four in 2 OT, and UCF earned their highest-ranked win in program history. BYU’s defense allowed 463 yards and didn’t turn the ball over once. The Cougars' special teams came up big with a blocked field goal late, and Bear Bachmeier delivered time and time again on third and fourth downs (10/19). BYU hosts Arizona State next, then goes to Utah for first place in the Big 12.

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2026 Record: 6-1
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: Vs Navy — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET

Coming off the bye week, Notre Dame’s loss to BYU took a big hit when the Cougars lost at UCF on Saturday night. If Notre Dame loses to Miami, and BYU ends up not making the college football playoffs, then the Irish may be left on the outside looking in at 10-2 once again. Notre Dame can only control what they do from here on out, and playing Navy out of the bye week is a good opponent to rest your starters late against before Miami on Nov. 7. Notre Dame beat Navy 49-10 last year, and I’d expect something similar this season.

8. Texas Longhorns (+10)
2026 Record: 5-2 (2-2)
Last Game: 34-27 win vs #7 Ole Miss
Next Game: Vs Mississippi State — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET

Texas saved its season with a 34-27 win over Ole Miss that was never really close. Despite three turnovers from Arch Manning, he gained a lot of confidence in the win over the Rebels, and it was obvious watching. The Texas defense didn't get a sack versus Ole Miss, but did get plenty of pressure, forced three interceptions, and held the Kewan Lacy and Trindidad Chambliss duo to 54 rushing yards. Texas is back at home for a third consecutive time as they host Mississippi State, which could be starting a backup quarterback.

9. Ole Miss Rebels (-5)
2026 Record: 5-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 34-27 loss at #19 Texas
Next Game: Vs Auburn— Saturday at 12:45 PM ET

The Ole Miss defense forced Arch Manning into three turnovers, but they couldn't overcome their own offensive troubles as Trindidad Chambliss tossed a career-high three interceptions in the 34-27 loss at Texas. With two losses, Ole Miss is now among a plethora of SEC teams with their backs against the ropes. Despite shutting down Missouri's run game last week, Ole Miss gave up 207 yards and three touchdowns to Texas on the ground. Ole Miss has back-to-back home games against Auburn and Georgia next.

10. LSU Tigers (+2)
2026 Record: 6-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 38-17 win at Auburn
Next Game: Bye Week

LSU outgained Auburn 552-271 in yards and ran away with the game, 38-17. Auburn averaged 1.9 yards per carry, and Byrum Brown was held to 160 passing yards. Sam Leavitt continued his hot streak. Leavitt threw three touchdowns and 389 yards on 32-of-45 (71.1%), plus ran eight times for 54 yards and another score. Leavitt has eight touchdowns over the last two games and 741 total yards. Hopefully the bye week doesn’t cool off the offense because the rest of the regular season is brutal. LSU has back-to-back home games against Alabama and Texas, then heads to Tennessee and to Arkansas for the regular season finale. That’s three ranked opponents in a row. Nothing will come easy for LSU to make the playoffs.

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11. Kentucky Wildcats
2026 Record: 7-1 (5-1)
Last Game: 34-17 win vs Vanderbilt
Next Game: Bye Week

Vanderbilt built an early 10-0 lead at Kentucky, then the Wildcats woke up and put the gears into overdrive. Kentucky outscored Vanderbilt 34-10 from the second quarter on and remarkably dominated the run game. Kentucky held Vandy to 15 rushing yards on 17 attempts! The Wildcats earned three sacks and eight TFL, while running for 173 yards and three touchdowns themselves. Kentucky has three ranked games over the next three weeks: Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri. If Kentucky wins all three, they could realistically make the SEC Championship Game. What a time to be alive!

12. UCLA Bruins (-1)
2026 Record: 7-0 (5-0)
Last Game: 28-10 win vs Michigan State
Next Game: Vs Nevada — Saturday at 4:15 PM ET

UCLA faced a little adversity, falling behind 7-0 to Michigan State, but settled in with 28 points in the second and third quarters, plus outgained the Spartans 280-13 in yards. The Bruins defense had a career day holding Michigan State to 109 yards of offense. Michigan State’s two quarterbacks totaled 109 yards, 4.4 yards per pass, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Spartans only ran for 47 yards and averaged 1,6 yards per carry. It barely gets any better than that defensively. Next up for UCLA is Nevada, and I’d be shocked if the Bruins lose that game.

13. Alabama Crimson Tide (+1)
2026 Record: 6-2 (4-2)
Last Game: 31-20 win vs Texas A&M
Next Game: Bye Week

Alabama got back in the win column with a home victory over Texas A&M. Alabama’s defense forced three turnovers, held the Aggies to 2.9 yards per carry, and 278 total yards overall. One of the three turnovers was a Dijon Lee Jr. interception that was run back for 39 yards and a touchdown. Keelon Russell got back to dropping dimes with three touchdowns and 311 yards on 19-of-30 (63.3%) through the air. With Ryan Coleman-Williams out, Rico Scott stepped up with a career day of six catches for 156 yards.

14. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-8)
2026 Record: 6-1 (3-1)
Last Game: 37-24 loss at Cincinnati
Next Game: Vs #25 Arizona — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET

From the first offensive possession, nothing was going right for Texas Tech as they fumbled on their fourth play. The Red Raiders' only lead was 6-3 in the second quarter. Cincinnati scored on three straight possessions to take the lead in the first half, and Texas Tech couldn’t recover. Texas Tech turned the ball over three times, went 3-of-15 on third downs, committed 13 penalties for 85 yards, and Will Hammond didn’t have a touchdown for the first time all season. It was a bad day for the top of the Big 12.

15. Boise State Broncos
2026 Record: 6-1 (3-0)
Last Game: 31-10 win at Washington State
Next Game: Vs Texas State — Saturday at 10:00 PM ET

I thought Boise State was going to lose to Washington State, then a switch just flipped in the fourth quarter for the Broncos. Boise State scored a touchdown on three straight fourth-quarter possessions and blew the game open from 10-10 to 31-10 in the blink of an eye. The only team Boise State plays with a winning record on the schedule is Oregon State, and speaking of Oregon, Boise State’s win over the Ducks isn’t looking as good now. Although one could argue that Oregon was their best version in Week 1.

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16. South Carolina Gamecocks (NR)
2026 Record: 4-3 (2-3)
Last Game: 27-24 win vs #11 Tennessee
Next Game: At Oklahoma — Saturday at 4:15 PM ET

Whew! What a game it was between Tennessee and South Carolina! Dylan Stewart came up big with a sack-fumble in the fourth quarter with 33 seconds left that set up Malik Orsan with a game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. LaNorris Sellers had 96 rushing yards and two scores, plus 210 passing yards and another touchdown. That's two straight ranked wins for the Gamecocks. Next up, a road trip to Norman, Oklahoma, for the 4-3 Sooners.

17. Florida Gators
2026 Record: 5-2 (3-2)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: Vs #5 Georgia — Saturday at 3:30 PM ET

After four consecutive wins to start the season, Florida is 1-2 over the last three games, so the bye week came at a good time. The Gators had an extra week to prepare for their annual rivalry with Georgia. The Bulldogs are coming off a loss, whereas Florida beat Texas 27-24 in their last game. Trammel Jones Jr. will be the guy moving forward at quarterback after leading the Gators to a comeback win and totaling 196 yards and two touchdowns. It’s pretty incredible that Jones’ first two starts come at Texas, then in Atlanta versus Georgia. Everything after this should be a breeze!

18. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+3)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-1)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: Vs Virginia — Saturday at 3:45 PM ET

Wake Forest is quietly dominating. The Demon Deacons demolished Stanford (57-3), NC State (38-14), and California (41-7) over the past three weeks, posting a 136-24 score differential. Wake Forest enters the bye week in a beautiful spot to compete in the second half of their season for a rematch against Miami in the ACC Championship. Wake lost to Miami 33-20 earlier this season, which certainly gave the Demon Deacons confidence for this run.

19. Houston Cougars (+1)
2026 Record: 6-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 21-13 loss at #10 Utah
Next Game: Bye Week

I'm not moving Houston down at all after the 21-13 loss at Utah. The Cougars had the Utes on the ropes and gave them all they can handle. Houston's two losses this season were by two points at Texas Tech and eight points at Utah — two really hard places to play. Houston was visiting Utah for the first time since most of our grandparents were born, so I give major credit to Houston for hanging in the game. Connor Weigman had 302 total yards, but no touchdowns, and Mahki Hughes led Houston with 52 rushing yards and their only touchdown. Houston's defense picked off Devon Dampier twice, but only converted those turnovers into three points. Houston has a bye week before hosting Cincinnati on Nov. 7.

20. Oklahoma State Cowboys (+4)
2026 Record: 5-2 (3-1)
Last Game: 57-24 win vs Colorado
Next Game: At Iowa State — Saturday at 7:00 PM ET

Halftime was looking dim for Oklahoma State as they trailed 24-23 to Colorado. Then halftime happened, and I'd assume a speech sparked something because the Cowboys pulled away with a monster 34-0 second half. Oklahoma State ended the game with 599 yards of offense, 28 first downs, and Drew Mestemaker threw for a season-high 386 yards, plus four touchdowns. The Cowboys have back-to-back road games on deck with Iowa State and Kansas State before coming back home to host Texas Tech on Nov. 14.

21. Tennessee Vols (-8)
2026 Record: 6-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 27-24 loss at South Carolina
Next Game: Bye Week

After falling behind 14-0, Tennessee grabbed a 21-17 halftime lead, but South Carolina fought back and sacked George McIntyre, forcing and recovering a fumble to set up a Malik Orsan 48-yard field goal as time expired. McIntyre averaged 5.9 yards per pass and threw 23 passes as the Vols ran the ball 50 times! DeSean Bishop had 32 carries for 120 yards (3.7 ypc) and a touchdown, while the rest of the Vols combined for 18 attempts, 64 yards (3.5 ypc), and two touchdowns. That’s been their identity, along with their menacing pass rush that sacked LaNorris Sellers five times. Tennessee goes into the bye week with Kentucky, Texas A&M, LSU, and Vanderbilt awaiting them on the other side.

22. Missouri Tigers
2026 Record: 5-2 (2-2)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: At Arkansas — Saturday at 7:45 PM ET

After playing Mississippi State, Florida, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss over four straight weeks, it was the perfect time for a bye week. Missouri went 2-2 in that critical stretch, but the Tigers have another stretch of games that will likely make or break their season. Missouri goes to Arkansas this weekend, a great spot to win, then plays Texas, Georgia, and Kentucky before wrapping up the regular season at home versus Oklahoma. At least Missouri will make a bowl game after they beat the Razorbacks this weekend.

23. Oklahoma Sooners (NR)
2026 Record: 4-3 (2-2)
Last Game: 23-15 win at Mississippi State
Next Game: Vs South Carolina — Saturday at 4:15 PM ET

Oklahoma is back in my top 25 after beating Mississippi State on the road following getting kicked out after the 21-13 loss to Kentucky. The Sooners won't make the playoffs unless they win out, which would cause a lot of chaos. With South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Missouri all looming on the schedule, I'd say Oklahoma likely ends the regular season at 6-6 or 7-5 at best. Oklahoma has the 14th-toughest strength of schedule remaining in college football.

24. SMU Mustangs (NR)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-1)
Last Game: 59-20 win vs California
Next Game: At Syracuse — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET

SMU is back in my top 25 after a month-long layoff following the loss to Louisville. Since then, SMU has rattled off four straight wins over Missouri State (34-24), Boston College (25-16), Virginia (23-13), and California (59-20). I know it's not exactly the toughest competition, but SMU has won all four by 10-plus points and will likely make it a fifth straight at Syracuse this weekend. SMU recorded 492 yards of offense against Cal, gained 31 first downs, a season-high 59 points, and didn't turn the ball over once.

25. USC Trojans (-9)
2026 Record: 6-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 24-7 loss at Wisconsin
Next Game: Vs #3 Ohio State — Saturday at 7:30 PM ET

USC managed a season-low seven points at Camp Randall and 241 total yards. The Trojans posted -17 rushing yards on 25 carries! Jayden Maiva was sacked five times and threw two interceptions as the Trojans couldn't muster up any offense. USC hosts Ohio State this weekend, then goes to Indiana next. If they don't win at least one of those, their playoff hopes are over.

Out of the top 25

25. Oregon Ducks
2026 Record: 4-2 (2-1)
Last Game: 17-14 win vs Nebraska
Next Game: At Illinois — Saturday at TBD

The Ducks were dancing with the devil last week against Nebraska, and couldn’t keep up with Illinois this week. Oregon’s 21-10 loss at Illinois ends their playoff hopes and essentially will have a lot of players considering calling it quits early and hitting the transfer portal. With Northwestern, Ohio State, and Michigan over the next three games, there’s a good chance Oregon drops below .500, which no one saw coming in the summer.

23. Iowa Hawkeyes (-3)
2026 Record: 5-1 (2-1)
Last Game: Bye Week
Next Game: At Minnesota — Saturday at TBD

Iowa’s dream season ended when Minnesota’s Luke Drzewiecki nailed a 46-yard field goal as time expired to beat the Hawkeyes 13-10. It was Minnesota’s first time winning the Floyd of Rosedale trophy since 2023 and the second time in the past 12 years. If you thought a Minnesota versus Iowa game wouldn't have 6-of-30 third downs, both quarterbacks toss less than 140 yards, and feature five turnovers, well, you were wrong. The Gophers won an abysmal game where both defenses were in control from the opening drive. There were 23 points and 16 punts.

19. Auburn Tigers (NR)
2026 Record: 4-2 (2-2)
Last Game: 27-24 win at #1 Georgia
Next Game: Vs #22 LSU — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET

Well, the letdown spot was real. After beating #1 Georgia a week ago, Auburn lost at home to LSU 38-17. Auburn has now alternated wins and losses over the last six games and looked night and day offensively compared to last week. Auburn had 271 total yards and averaged 1.9 yards per carry against LSU. Auburn had two explosive runs of 16 and 34 yards, but combined for 14 yards on the other 33 carries. Auburn goes to Ole Miss next in a must-win spot for the Rebels.

New to the Top 25

17. South Carolina Gamecocks (NR)
2026 Record: 5-2 (3-2)
Last Game: 27-24 win at #7 Texas
Next Game: Bye Week

South Carolina got a big ranked win over Tennessee to give them back-to-back ranked wins over Florida and the Vols. After losing three-straight to Mississippi State, Alabama, and Kentucky; South Carolina is back in good graces with a favorable schedule out of the bye week.

23. Oklahoma Sooners (NR)
2026 Record: 4-3 (2-2)
Last Game: 23-15 win at Mississippi State
Next Game: Vs South Carolina — Saturday at 4:15 PM ET

Having a win over the No. 1 seed in the country could come in handy if the Sooners make run, but one more loss and they are out. The Sooners sent Kamario Taylor packing after three sacks and shutout the Bulldogs in the first half. If Oklahoma beats South Carolina this weekend, there will be some life to this Sooners team.

24. SMU Mustangs (NR)
2026 Record: 6-1 (4-1)
Last Game: 59-20 win vs California
Next Game: At Syracuse — Saturday at 12:00 PM ET

SMU has been rolling and they must take it one game at a time. SMU has dates with Wake Forest and Notre Dame on the schedule as their biggest chance at the ACC Championship Game, but first, they have to play Syracuse and Virginia Tech in trap spots.

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