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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Yadira Bustillos of Las Vegas to battle Maria Sol Baumstarh in rematch for the interim IBF minimumweight title on Oct. 24 in Buenos Aires

Mastering Golf: Jackson Koivun's Practice & Dedication

Navigating College Golf: Coaching in a Changing Era

Inspiring Journeys: Nick Clinard on Coaching Young Golf Talents

TST Best Bets: October 20, 2026

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Rams remain resilient as locker room searches for answers after another tough loss

Joe Montana: The Unmatched Legacy of a Football Icon

Randy Cross's Insights: How the 49ers Master Player Personnel

Brock Purdy Continues to Shine: Randy Cross Discusses 49ers' Path

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College Football Playoff Expansion and Florida's Future

How Morgan & Morgan Teach Young Athletes to Build Wealth

NIL, Player Rights, & the Protect College Sports Act

UCLA at 80-1: A College Football Playoff Value Bet

Ducks fall 5-2 to Rangers to start four-game trip

TST Best Bets: October 19, 2026

High-octane offense delivers as Golden Knights celebrate Jack Eichel’s 700th game

TST Images: Vegas Golden Knights defeat Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-2, at T-Mobile Arena

Ranking the Top 20 Players in College Basketball Right Now

Hoosiers and Tar Heels Meet in Indy for Exhibition Match

For Pastner, Rebels, it&#39;s about a chemistry test

TST Images: UCLA Men&#39;s Basketball Media Day

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From Australia to the US: Josiah Gilbert's Golf Journey

Colts Fire Chris Ballard as Leadership Questions Grow

NFL Game in Paris: Steelers vs. Saints Amid Civil Unrest

Jalen Hurts' Health Crisis: Eagles' Malpractice Exposed!

NFL 2026: Analyzing the NFC Hierarchy and Playoff Contenders

NFL Insights: 49ers Win & Jayden Daniels' Struggles

ESPN's 2027 NFL First Round Mock Draft 1.0: Picks 1-32

How Stadium Rituals Turn Spectators Into a Community

Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield and Davante Adams Injury Outlooks

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Notre Dame Was Robbed!

Texas, Arch Manning and the Hype Machine

Lamar Jackson Injury: When Will He Return?

Hot Take: Da Bears are Super Bowl Worthy

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Bleacher Report 2027 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: 32 First Round Picks

CBS Sports 2027 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: First Round Picks 1-32

USA TODAY's 2027 NFL Mock Draft 4.0: 32 First Round Picks

Fox Sports' 2027 First Round NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Picks 1-32

ESPN Predicts the 14-Team NFL Playoff Field Right Now: Going Into Week 6

Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 6

Unbeaten 49ers replace Rams as Super Bowl favorites after Los Angeles falls to 2-3

NFC East Odds Analysis: Dallas' Struggles & Giants' Potential

1st Score: Christian Watson & Jonathan Taylor TD Picks for Sunday

NFL Week 6 Player Props: Maye, Taylor and Stafford

Week 6 Start &#39;Em, Sit &#39;Em Fantasy Quarterbacks

Josh Allen and Davante Adams Anytime Touchdown Odds

NFL Week 7 Previews: Patriots-Bears & Rams-Raiders

49ers Stay Perfect as Purdy Shines, Commanders Falter

Packers' Josh Jacobs Return Could Fuel Playoff Run

Jalen Hurts' Blood Clots Raise Questions for Eagles

Lakers Sunday Report: Three questions entering opening week

The Lakers have a bigger question larger than a 15 point loss

Three observations from Lakers’ preseason finale against Nuggets

TST Images: Nuggets defeat Lakers, 121-106, at Crypto.com Arena

Five players the Lakers could grab at No. 25

NBA Futures Analysis: OKC, Spurs, & Knicks Betting Odds Breakdown

NBA Futures: How Will Giannis Impact the Odds in the East?

2027 NBA Future Predictions: Spurs, Thunder, and Nuggets Insights

LeBron James' 76ers Debut: Can Philly's Superstars Mesh?

Lakers part ways with Dalton Knecht ahead of season opener

CBS Sports Preseason 2027 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: First Round Picks 1-30

Ranking the Top 15 Coaches in the NBA Right Now

Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Who's the True GOAT?

LeBron James' 76ers Helicopter Commute Sparks Debate

Post-LeBron Era: Lakers Now Built Around Luka Doncic

Jaylen Brown Set to Be Top NBA MVP Candidate in 2026-27

TST Best Bets: October 16, 2026

Dodgers&#39; historic three-peat dream is over, ending a golden era in Los Angeles

Miguel Rojas announces retirement after Brewers sweep Dodgers in NLCS

Dodgers eliminated as Brewers complete NLCS sweep

Brewers replace Dodgers as World Series favorites after taking 2-0 NLCS lead

The Dynamics of a Potential Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS

MLB Futures Ods: Updated Markets After Wildcard Rounds

Can anyone stop the Dodgers? The biggest World Series threats according to prediction markets

Dodgers vs. Brewers Pitching Props: Snell vs. Gasser

TST Best Bets: October 14, 2026

Brewers vs Padres: Insights on May vs. Pivetta Matchup

Debating Red Sox Potential Strategy: To Walk Ben Rice or Not?

Dodgers Swept: Brewers Shine in Unexpected Playoff Upset!

Rays vs. Guardians Game 6: Peralta Eyes World Series Berth

Dodgers Eye Small Changes as Mets Loom for Tarik Skubal

Rays Face Must-Win ALCS Game 4 Against Guardians Tonight

ESPN Predicts the Final Record For All 16 SEC Teams Going Into Week 7

Jeremiah Smith's Heisman Chances Despite Ohio Setbacks

Keelon Russell's Rising Heisman Chances: A Preview

Kamario Taylor's 2026 Heisman Trophy Odds & Outlook

Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith Now the Heisman Trophy Favorite

Nico Expected to Surpass 184.5 Passing Yards Against Ducks

Exploring Faison Brandon's Bet on Over 33.5 Rushing Yards

College Football's Updated 24-Team Playoff Sparks Debate

Notre Dame-BYU Clock Controversy Exposes Officiating

Texas Playoff Hopes Fade After Stunning Florida Loss

UCLA Football: Attendance Woes and Coaching Impact

As expected, Knights take care of business in handling Flames, 6-2

TST Images: Knights defeat Flames, 6-2, at T-Mobile Arena

TST Best Bets: October 15, 2026

TST Images: Reign defeat Gulls, 3-2, at Pechanga Arena

2026 NHL Draft prospects that would fit the Golden Knights

2027 Stanley Cup Odds: Colorado, Vegas, and Edmonton Lead Pack

Conn Smythe Market Prices: Mitch Marner Heads to the Top

Stanley Cup Showdown: Vegas vs. Carolina for the Title

Frustrating loss makes it six consecutive losses to start Kings’ season

TST Images: Bruins defeat Kings, 4-1, in Los Angeles

Bruins power past Ducks in special teams reversal, 4-2

Ranking the 15 Worst NHL Free Agency Signings of the 2026 Offseason

Tkachuk Brothers Make NHL History on Wild Hockey Night

Edmonton Oilers Struggle Defensively, Lose to Canucks

2026-27 NHL Season Begins: Key Teams and Betting Tips

Carolina Hurricanes Owner's Controversial Stanley Cup Move

UCLA women&#39;s basketball hires former WNBA coach Noelle Quinn

Ranking the Top 99 Players in the College Basketball Transfer Portal

What UCLA learned from their exhibition match against Team Canada

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