AP Top 25 Poll Shakeup: Miami Claims No. 1, BYU Surges, and Chaos Reigns Heading into Week 8

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The college football landscape was rocked by seismic shifts following a dramatic weekend of gridiron action. As the latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll was released, the national championship conversation received a major overhaul. For the first time since the 2002 season, the Miami Hurricanes occupy the No. 1 ranking in the country, earning 40 first-place votes.

The upheaval comes on the heels of an unprecedented Saturday where both the No. 1 and No. 2 teams fell on the same day. Unranked Auburn stunned top-ranked Georgia 27-24 on a walk-off field goal, while No. 8 BYU flexed its muscle with a thrilling 28-24 victory over No. 2 Notre Dame. Let’s just say, it was a weekend of college football that could come back to haunt a few of these teams.

Week 7 Risers: The New Order at the Top

Miami Hurricanes (No. 1)

Miami’s steady execution and unbeaten 6-0 record rewarded Mario Cristobal’s squad with the nation’s top spot. Taking advantage of chaos around them, the Hurricanes captured 40 first-place votes to set up a monumental second half of their campaign.

When you’re from Miami, you set the tone. https://t.co/kQ5zBQmaRF

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) October 18, 2026

BYU Cougars (No. 2)

BYU made the biggest leap near the top of the rankings, vaulting six spots to No. 2 after capturing 20 first-place votes. In their 28-24 triumph over Notre Dame, dual-threat quarterback Bear Bachmeier put on a master performance. Bachmeier accounted for four touchdowns—running for two scores, tossing a go-ahead 6-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining, and catching a 15-yard touchdown pass on a trick play from wide receiver Kyler Kasper.

The game-breaking moment came on the final play when BYU’s defense forced a CJ Carr fumble at the Cougars’ 6-yard line to extinguish Notre Dame’s comeback bid. Despite 125 receiving yards from Irish receiver Jaden Greathouse and 77 rushing yards from Nolan James Jr., Notre Dame’s red-zone struggles ultimately handed BYU a signature victory.

Florida Gators #20 (Up 12 Spots)

The Gators engineered one of the poll’s biggest climbs, leaping 12 spots into the Top 25 after delivering a gutsy 27-24 road upset against Texas at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium.

Week 7 Fallers: Heavyweights Take a Tumble

Georgia Bulldogs (Down to No. 5)

Georgia’s 93-game home winning streak against unranked opponents came to a screeching halt in Athens. Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown punished the Bulldogs’ defense for 115 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wideout Christian Neptune connected with Keshaun Singleton on a 28-yard trick-play touchdown. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton threw two interceptions and lost a crucial late fumble recovered by Auburn safety Sylvester Smith-Reed. Kicker Alex McPherson sealed the 27-24 upset with a 34-yard walk-off field goal as time expired.

Alabama Crimson Tide (Down 7 Spots to No. 13)

Alabama dropped seven spots following a 26-10 loss to Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. Volunteers running back DeSean Bishop dominated the trenches, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell provided the Crimson Tide’s only touchdown on a 19-yard run, but the Tide offense stalled out completely in the second half, marking back-to-back regular-season losses for Alabama.

Texas Longhorns (Down 12 Spots)

The Longhorns plummeted 12 spots down the ballot after suffering their second consecutive defeat, leaving their postseason path on life support heading into mid-season play.

Depth Chart Changes & Team Analysis

BYU Cougars: Bear Bachmeier’s dynamic playmaking has expanded the Cougars’ playbook, utilizing perimeter option looks and trick plays with Kyler Kasper. Tailback Preston Rex has solidified his position as a primary backfield anchor after churning out 66 tough yards against Notre Dame.
Auburn Tigers: Alex Golesh’s offense has embraced a heavy-power running scheme behind the 235-pound Byrum Brown. Brown’s physical running style creates ideal play-action setups for wideouts Keshaun Singleton and Chas Nimrod.
Georgia Bulldogs: Defensive back injuries—including safety KJ Bolden wearing a walking boot—forced backup Ja’Marley Riddle into early action. On offense, Gunner Stockton must clean up his decision-making following a three-turnover outing.
Tennessee Volunteers: DeSean Bishop has firmly established himself as the lead feature back in Knoxville, showcasing elite tackle-breaking ability and vision.

Upcoming Week 8 Outlook

Looking ahead to Week 8, the pressure intensifies across all power conferences:

Miami’s Target: As the newly crowned No. 1, Miami now carries a massive target on its back as ACC play heats up.
Big 12 Showdowns: Undefeated No. 2 BYU faces a grueling road test to maintain its top-two positioning, while Houston looks to build momentum after entering the national conversation.
SEC Rebound: Georgia and Alabama face mandatory bounce-back scenarios in Week 8 to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Big Ten Contenders: No. 3 Ohio State, led by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, prepares for a crucial stretch before heading west to clash with USC.

With chaos defining the 2026 college football season, Week 8 promises even more dramatic turns in the race for the College Football Playoff.

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