ESPN Ranks the 25 Hardest Remaining College Football Schedules Going Into Week 9

As kickoff for the 2026 college football season draws near, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to project the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Stripping away subjective voter bias and preseason hype, the algorithm evaluated per-play efficiency, roster talent, and schedule difficulty to calculate every program's exact postseason odds. We expanded our master index to power rank the top 30 teams most likely to crash the playoff party. From top-tier titans like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oregon leading the field, to dark horses and Group-of-Five contenders like Boise State, Utah, South Carolina, Florida State, and Virginia lurking on the bubble, we break down every program's FPI profile, projected record, and postseason odds. Check out our complete 30-team playoff projection to see where your team stands.

ESPN Ranks Top 50 College Football Teams With a Chance to Make CFP Going Into Week 9

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: Records Going Into Week 9

LSU visits Auburn as a 7.5-point favorite in a must-win SEC clash. See why the Tigers are picked to overcome a tough road test and decisively win 31-21.

LSU vs. Auburn Prediction: Tigers Face Must-Win Test

LSU faces Auburn in a pivotal SEC matchup, with uneven wins, narrow losses and a brutal schedule ahead making this a must-win game for Lane Kiffin&#039;s team.

LSU vs. Auburn Preview: Can LSU Finally Find a Win?

ESPN Predicts the Final Record For All 16 SEC Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 8

ESPN Ranks College Football's 36 Two-Loss Teams By Strength of Record Ahead of Week 8

Ranking The Top 24 College Quarterbacks Right Now: Going into Week 8

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Miami remains No. 1 as strength of schedule shapes the rankings, UCLA stays unbeaten, and NIL-driven parity shakes up college football&#039;s top teams this season.

College Football Rankings: Miami Leads, UCLA Rises

Miami stakes its claim to No. 1 after a dominant win over Pitt, while BYU, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Tennessee and Houston tumble in a truly chaotic weekend.

Miami Rises to No. 1 as College Football Playoff Rankings Heat Up

Miami merits the No. 1 ranking with elite talent on offense and defense, but questions remain over whether the Hurricanes truly stand far above every rival.

Is No. 1 Miami Really College Football's Best Team?

Miami stays unbeaten after crushing Pitt, while Indiana, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame round out a top five shaping the national title race ahead.

College Football Top Five: Miami Claims the No. 1 Spot

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View the profile of LSU Tigers DE Jack Pyburn on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Jack Pyburn is a DE for the LSU Tigers in the NCAAF.

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Ranking the Top 10 Potential Upsets for College Football Week 9

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Jack Pyburn

#44 · LSU · DE

HT/WT

6’3”, 264 lbs

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Jacksonville, FL, USA

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Senior

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