The AP Top 25 college football rankings underwent a major overhaul after Week 8, with Ohio State holding firm at No. 1 while Vanderbilt cracked the top 10 for the first time in program history, highlighting a weekend of upsets and surprises that have reshaped the national title picture.
Ohio State reinforced its status as the nation’s top team with a dominant 34-0 shutout of Wisconsin, showcasing a defense that has yet to allow more than 17 points in any game this season. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, continues to improve, setting up a crucial November 1 showdown with Penn State. Indiana climbed to No. 2 after a 38-13 rout of Michigan State, with quarterback Fernando Mendoza throwing for 332 yards and four touchdowns, cementing the Hoosiers’ best start in decades. This historic rise underscores the program’s transformation under coach Curt Cignetti, who has now guided the team to 16 consecutive wins against unranked opponents.
Texas A&M moved up to No. 3 after a hard-fought 45-42 win at Arkansas, marking the Aggies’ first 7-0 start since 1994. Alabama jumped to No. 4 following a 37-20 victory over rival Tennessee, becoming the first SEC team to win four straight games against ranked opponents without a bye week. Oregon rounded out the top five with a 56-10 demolition of Rutgers, demonstrating resilience after last week’s loss to Indiana. The Ducks have now won six straight games following defeats under coach Dan Lanning, highlighting their mental toughness and offensive firepower.
The most dramatic rise came from Vanderbilt, which soared to No. 10 after a 31-24 upset of LSU, achieving its highest-ever AP ranking and first 6-1 start since 1950. Georgia Tech also broke into the top 10 at No. 9 after a 27-18 win at Duke, fueled by a 95-yard fumble return touchdown—the longest in school history. Meanwhile, Miami tumbled from No. 2 to No. 9 after a 24-21 home loss to Louisville, marking the Hurricanes’ fourth defeat as a double-digit favorite under coach Mario Cristobal. This loss exposed vulnerabilities in Miami’s consistency, despite their earlier win over Notre Dame.
Other notable shifts included Georgia’s climb to No. 6 after a thrilling 43-35 comeback win over Ole Miss, where the Bulldogs trailed by nine points entering the fourth quarter. Ole Miss fell to No. 8 despite the close loss, as they managed only 13 yards in the final period. Texas Tech dropped to No. 14 after suffering its first defeat of the season, a 26-22 road loss to Arizona State, which entered the rankings at No. 24. Louisville and Michigan also joined the Top 25 at No. 19 and No. 23, respectively, following impressive victories that injected new energy into their seasons.
The weekend’s results have significant implications for the College Football Playoff race, with the 12-team format adding complexity to the selection process. Vanderbilt’s surge and Georgia Tech’s undefeated record introduce new contenders, while traditional powers like Alabama and Georgia remain in the mix. The SEC now features four teams in the top 10, underscoring the conference’s depth and competitiveness. These developments suggest that the playoff field could be more unpredictable than in recent years, with mid-season surprises reshaping expectations.
Looking ahead, key matchups in Week 9 include Texas A&M at LSU, Alabama at South Carolina, and Ole Miss at Oklahoma, which could further alter the rankings. The playoff picture will continue to evolve as teams navigate the final stretch of the regular season, with every game carrying heightened importance for postseason positioning. As conferences jockey for position, the resilience shown by rising teams like Vanderbilt and Indiana sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the college football calendar.