ESPN Predicts the Final Record For All 16 SEC Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Ranking The Top 30 College Quarterbacks Right Now: Going into Week 9

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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

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BYU and unbeaten Utah clash in a major rivalry game, with both programs&#039; winning traditions, strong recruiting and surprising betting odds in sharp focus.

BYU vs. Utah Football: Rivalry Odds & Game Preview

Ole Miss can challenge anyone with its explosive offense, but Georgia&#039;s balanced attack and underrated defense give the Bulldogs an early edge in this clash.

Georgia vs. Ole Miss Preview: Bulldogs Hold the Edge

Notre Dame and Miami meet in a high-stakes showdown, with schedules questioned, playoff hopes looming and the Irish defense facing its toughest test yet.

Notre Dame vs. Miami: Stakes, Strengths and Predictions

Get Saturday College Football picks on Florida, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Oregon State, and Northwestern, plus top underdog plays and best bets today.

Saturday College Football Picks, Best Bets and Underdogs

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

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Patrick Payton

#6 · LSU · DE

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6’5”, 255 lbs

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