Phil Steele's Top 12 College Football Teams That Will Surprise Going Into Week 8

As the 2026 college football season approaches, USA TODAY Sports assembled a 10-voter panel to power rank the top 25 head coaches in the country. Following a chaotic expanded playoff season and a wild coaching carousel, the master list features major shifts across every power conference. From established heavyweights holding down the top tier to rising program builders like Rhett Lashlee, Jon Sumrall, Clark Lea, Josh Heupel, and Sonny Dykes cracking the rankings, we break down every coach's career record, key achievements, and 2026 outlook. Check out our full 25-coach power rankings to see where your team's leader sits.

USA TODAY's Top 25 College Football Coaches Going Into Week 8

Following dramatic Week 7 upsets across the 2026 college football season, we audit scoring efficiency, yardage metrics, top-25 poll movements, and marquee results to predict the 12-team College Football Playoff field. Highlighted by Ohio State claiming the #1 overall seed, Miami, Georgia, and Notre Dame holding top-four 1st-round byes, BYU surging after upsetting the Irish, and UCLA crashing the bracket at 6-0, we break down every projected matchup. Check out our full Week 8 projections.

Predicting the 12-Team College Football Playoff Field Going Into Week 8

ESPN Ranks College Football's 6 Undefeated Teams by Strength of Schedule Right Now

Going 12-0 in modern college football is arguably the hardest feat in sports. As kickoff for the 2026 season approaches, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to calculate the exact win-out probabilities for every FBS program. Factoring in roster depth, efficiency ratings, and schedule difficulty, we expanded our master index to power rank the 10 teams most likely to finish the regular season undefeated. From Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio State leading the unblemished board to Miami, Oregon, Texas, Penn State, and UNLV lurking, we break down every program's FPI profile, team record, and path to perfection. Check out our full 10-team breakdown to see who could run the table.

ESPN Ranks College Football's 6 Undefeated Teams From Most to Least Likely to Win Out Ahead of Week 8

Miami tops the AP rankings for the first time since 2002, but defensive concerns, BYU&#039;s rise and a heated Notre Dame showdown could reshape the rankings.

Miami Hurricanes Rise to No. 1 as Notre Dame Looms

The most underrated aspect of UCLA&#39;s success has stayed effective through hardship by staying together and staying prepared.

How UCLA&#39;s receiving core has stuck together for success

A 24-team playoff could make college football&#039;s regular season less meaningful, reward three-loss teams, weaken conference titles and prioritize profit.

How a 24-Team Playoff Could Dilute College Football

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Florida&#039;s defense and backup quarterback powered a road upset of Texas, raising fresh doubts about Arch Manning&#039;s performance, development and NFL future.

Florida Stuns Texas as Arch Manning Struggles Again

John Browner passionately discusses Texas football&#039;s struggles, Arch Manning&#039;s performance, and the joy of seeing Texas lose as their struggles continue.

Texas Football's Downfall: Why Arch Manning Isn't the Answer

Saturday&#039;s college football picks feature Miami&#039;s team total, passing props for Darian Mensah and Gunner Stockton, plus Auburn, Oregon, and Syracuse bets.

College Football Picks: Miami, Georgia and Top Props

Tennessee looks live as a home underdog against an injured Alabama team, with the Vols&#039; powerful rushing attack offering value at +7.5 or +8 in Knoxville.

Tennessee vs. Alabama Pick: Back the Vols in Knoxville

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Collin Ansel

#90 · DAY · DE

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6’1”, 246 lbs

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Columbus, OH, USA

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Senior

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