Race for the CFP Week 8: Chaos Ensues

In perhaps the wildest weekend in College Football history, five of the top 7 teams in the AP Top 25 lost on the same day for the first time ever.

In a 31-3 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday, the Missouri Tigers missed an opportunity to establish themselves as playoff contenders. After being uncompetitive in Oxford, Mizzou will have to win out now for a CFP bid — which looks rather unlikely at this point.

Let’s get to the latest “Race for the CFP” entering Week 8:

SEC favorite: Ole Miss

The Rebels looked the part of SEC title contenders after their 31-3 convincing win over Mizzou. A huge opportunity awaits Ole Miss at Texas on Saturday night.

Big Ten favorite: Ohio State

The Buckeyes notched a big-time road win over defending National Champion Indiana, but the injury to Julian Sayin comes costly.

ACC favorite: Miami (FL)

The Hurricanes are 6-0 and come in at No. 1 in the latest AP Top 25 — looking like the best and most consistent team in the country.

Big 12 favorite: BYU

The Cougars are 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after delivering a 28-24 statement win over Notre Dame last week. A road test at UCF on Saturday afternoon following an emotional win awaits BYU.

Automatic Bid: Notre Dame

A close road loss at BYU isn’t going to diminish the Irish’s chances of making the CFP, but Notre Dame is still searching for a quality win on their resume.

Group of Six Automatic Bid: Boise State

Coming off their bye week, the Broncos are 5-1 and ranked No. 21 in the latest AP Top 25. Boise State is at Washington State on Saturday.

At-Large Bid Selections:

Georgia:

The Bulldogs are still in good shape after a home upset loss to Auburn, but Georgia showed their vulnerabilities.

Indiana:

The Hoosiers will look to bounce back on Saturday at Michigan after losing 19-15 vs Ohio State last week — their first loss since the 2024 CFP first round.

Tennessee:

The Volunteers improved to 6-1 and are No. 11 in the latest AP Top 25, jumping into the playoff picture after a statement win over Alabama.

UCLA:

The Bruins are 6-0 and are ranked No. 9 in the latest AP Top 25 after taking care of business in a 17-7 win over Wisconsin last week. UCLA hosts Michigan State on Saturday.

Texas Tech:

The Red Raiders are quietly 6-0 and ranked No. 8 in the latest AP Top 25 — coming off a 53-25 win over Arizona State last week. Texas Tech is at Cincinnati on Saturday.

Kentucky:

The Wildcats just keep winning under first-year head coach Will Stein. UK is 6-1 and ranked No. 12 in the latest AP Top 25 after a 21-13 road win at Oklahoma last week. Kentucky hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday night.

Top Four Seeds:

1) Miami (FL)

2) BYU

3) Ohio State

4) Ole Miss

Projected Bracket:

12) Boise State at 5) Georgia1

11) Tennessee at 6) Indiana

10) Kentucky at 7) Texas Tech

9) UCLA at 8) Notre Dame

Final Four Pick:

1) Miami (FL) vs 4) Ole Miss

2) BYU vs 3) Ohio State

National Championship:

Miami (FL) over Ohio State