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

LATEST Noah Fernandez NEWS

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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View the profile of Florida International Panthers OL Noah Fernandez on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Noah Fernandez is a OL for the Florida International Panthers in the NCAAF.

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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

HEADLINES

Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield and Davante Adams Injury Outlooks

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

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

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

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Mark Sanchez Incident Raises Questions About CTE and Alcohol

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Rams devastated by injuries after Cardinals loss: Davante Adams out 6-10 weeks, Kobie Turner 4-6 weeks, Poona Ford and Blake Grupe done for season

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

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UCLA moves to no. 9 in AP Poll after defeating Wisconsin

Game Wrap and Reaction: No.4 Ohio State 19 No. 5 Indiana 15

New Mexico rallies from 10-point halftime deficit to hand Hawai’i fourth straight loss

UCLA keeps perfect season alive with 17-7 victory over Wisconsin

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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

Notre Dame vs. BYU & Ole Miss vs. Missouri Best Bets

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

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Miguel Rojas announces retirement after Brewers sweep Dodgers in NLCS

Dodgers eliminated as Brewers complete NLCS sweep

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The Dynamics of a Potential Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS

MLB Futures Ods: Updated Markets After Wildcard Rounds

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Noah Fernandez

#60 · FIU · OL

HT/WT

6’3”, 315 lbs

Birthplace

Coral Springs, FL, USA

Class

Junior

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