Converting the latest Week 8 AP Top 25 Poll into the official 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, we audit straight-seeding protocols, marquee upsets, and Group of 6 qualification. Highlighted by Miami, BYU, Ohio State, and Notre Dame capturing top-four 1st-round byes, Georgia, Indiana, Ole Miss, and Texas Tech hosting on-campus battles, and new entries for Tennessee and UCLA, we break down every projected matchup. Check out the full AP-based playoff bracket.

12-Team College Football Playoff Bracket Based on the AP Poll Going Into Week 8

In the mega-expanded Big Ten, having an elite mind on the sidelines is the ultimate difference between contending for a national championship and scrambling for bowl eligibility. USA Today ran a comprehensive audit to rank every single Big Ten head coach heading into the 2026 season. From Curt Cignetti crowning an incredible national title run in Bloomington to top Ryan Day and Dan Lanning, to blockbuster moves like Kyle Whittingham taking over Michigan and Matt Campbell landing at Penn State, we break down the entire 18-team hierarchy. Check out our complete tactical breakdown to see where your favorite team's head coach lands entering 2026.

USA Today's Big Ten College Football Head Coaches Ranked 1-18: Going Into Week 8

USA Today's Big Ten Starting Quarterback Rankings: Going Into Week 8

Following a chaotic Week 7 in the 2026 college football season, we analyze ESPN’s Allstate Playoff Predictor to project the 12 teams most likely to make the College Football Playoff. Highlighted by Miami claiming the top spot at 95%, Ohio State surging to 90%, BYU leaping after beating Notre Dame, and a massive projection for James Madison (45%) locking down the Group of 6 auto-bid at Seed 12, we break down every contender's odds. Check out the full computer-projected field.

ESPN's Playoff Predictor Projects 12-Team College Football Playoff Field Going Into Week 8

With kickoff for the 2026 college football season right around the corner, USA TODAY Sports assembled an expert panel to power rank the top 15 quarterbacks in the country. Between elite returning starters and high-profile transfer portal additions, the quarterback landscape is as stacked as ever. From Oregon's Dante Moore and Ohio State's Julian Sayin leading the board to Notre Dame's CJ Carr, Ole Miss's Trinidad Chambliss, and Texas's Arch Manning anchoring the top tier, we break down every signal-caller's outlook and quotes. Check out our full 15-QB power rankings.

USA TODAY's Top 15 College Football Quarterbacks Going Into Week 8

ESPN Ranks All 16 SEC Teams to Win the Conference Going Into Week 8

Ranking the Top 10 Most Disappointing College Football Teams Going Into Week 8

A 24-team College Football Playoff may favor strong SEC and Big Ten programs over Cinderella teams, but concerns remain about first-round blowouts again.

Will a 24-Team College Football Playoff Reduce Blowouts?

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Miami climbs the AP Top 25 after an overtime win over Florida State, as college football parity, NIL spending and conference shifts reshape the playoff race.

Miami Hurricanes' Rise Amid College Football's Parity

Texas draws skepticism as Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss and BYU fuel a chaotic college football playoff race packed with intrigue this weekend.

College Football Playoff Chaos as Texas Doubts Grow

Explore the push for a 24-team College Football Playoff, the sport&#039;s semi-pro shift, SEC parity, and why Florida&#039;s future looks bright under Summerall.

College Football Playoff Expansion and Florida's Future

Smart agencies help young athletes build lasting wealth through money market accounts, stock deals, free car partnerships, and disciplined long-term planning.

How Morgan & Morgan Teach Young Athletes to Build Wealth

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View the profile of Ferrum Panthers OLB Ryan Schmidt on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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#12 · FC · OLB

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Ryan Schmidt is a OLB for the Ferrum Panthers in the NCAAF.

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

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Ryan Schmidt

#12 · FC · OLB

HT/WT

5’9”, 195 lbs

Birthplace

Angier, NC, USA

Class

Sophomore

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