College Football Top 25: Chaos Reigns as UCF Stuns No. 2 BYU in 2OT and Unranked Teams Make a Statement

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Week 8 of the 2026 college football season proved anything, it is that no ranking is safe and no lead is secure. Saturday turned into an absolute graveyard for Top 25 programs across the country, headlined by UCF’s double-overtime shocker over previously unbeaten No. 2 BYU, wild overtime escapes by Big Ten heavyweights, and massive conference shakeups in the Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten. For the second straight week, FBS football looked like a drink in a mixer getting all shaken up.

Here is your deep dive into the most chaotic slate of football this season.

UCF 39, No. 2 BYU 31 (2OT): Knightmare in Orlando

The biggest shockwave of the day echoed out of FBCB Mortgage Stadium, where UCF handed No. 2 BYU its first loss of the season in a 39-31 double-overtime thriller.

BYU opened strong behind quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who hit Kyler Kasper for a 27-yard touchdown pass early. But UCF refused to go away, grinding out 206 rushing yards and forcing key Cougars mistakes. After trading blows through four quarters, the game headed into double overtime tied at 31. In the second extra frame, UCF punched in a touchdown and converted a crucial two-point try. On BYU’s final chance, the Knights’ pass rush collapsed the pocket, forcing an incomplete pass on 4th down to ignite a field storming in Orlando.

No. 6 Indiana 13, Michigan 6 (OT): Hoosiers Survive Ann Arbor Grind

No. 6 Indiana kept its magical season alive, but it took every bit of defensive grit to outlast Michigan 13-6 in overtime at Michigan Stadium.

Making his first career start for the Wolverines, quarterback Tommy Carr—watched from the stands by his brother, Notre Dame starter CJ Carr—helped Michigan stay toe-to-toe with Curt Cignetti’s squad. Indiana led 6-0 behind two Nico Radicic field goals before Michigan tied it at 6-6 on a 26-yard field goal from Trey Butkowski as regulation expired. In overtime, Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover punched in a 4-yard touchdown run to make it 13-6. Indiana defensive lineman Tobi Osunsanmi sealed the win on Michigan’s possession, sacking Carr on 3rd down to hold the Wolverines to just 224 total yards on the afternoon.

No. 19 Texas 34, No. 7 Ole Miss 27: Arch Manning Answers the Call

In an SEC marquee battle in Austin, No. 19 Texas re-established its playoff credentials with a gritty 34-27 upset victory over No. 7 Ole Miss.

Quarterback Arch Manning accounted for three total touchdowns, completing 18 of 30 passes for 212 yards while adding a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. His top target, wideout Ryan Wingo, exploded for 7 catches and 111 yards with a score. Despite two interceptions from Ole Miss cornerback Jalyn Crawford and two touchdown grabs by Rebels receiver Horatio Fields, Texas piled up 207 rushing yards to control the clock and secure the signature home victory.

Cincinnati 37, No. 8 Texas Tech 24: French IV and Tabb Flatten Red Raiders

Cincinnati put together one of the most dominant performances of the weekend, physically punishing No. 8 Texas Tech in a 37-24 upset at Nippert Stadium.

Bearcats quarterback JC French IV delivered a masterclass, throwing a career-high four touchdown passes, while running back Cole Tabb tore through the Red Raiders’ defense for a career-best 173 rushing yards and a score. Cincinnati took a 24-6 lead into halftime and finished with 252 rushing yards against a Texas Tech front that hadn’t surrendered a rushing touchdown all season.

No. 10 Utah 21, No. 14 Houston 13: Utes Rally in Second-Half Stand

In a clash of top-15 Big 12 contenders, No. 10 Utah stayed undefeated with a tough 21-13 comeback victory over No. 14 Houston at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Houston carried a 13-7 advantage into the fourth quarter behind 282 passing yards from quarterback Conner Weigman and two field goals by Jonathan Dimas. However, Utah quarterback Devon Dampier sparked the second-half rally with his legs and arm, scoring a rushing touchdown before directing two fourth-quarter scoring drives. Utah’s defense held the Cougars scoreless over the final 18 minutes to keep the Utes flawless at 7-0.

South Carolina 27, No. 11 Tennessee 24: Gamecocks Rally at Home

South Carolina delivered another wild SEC upset, stunning No. 11 Tennessee 27-24 at Williams-Brice Stadium.

The Volunteers built an early lead, but the Gamecocks mounted a fierce second-half rally. South Carolina’s defense stiffened in the fourth quarter, forcing two late Tennessee punts, before kicking the game-winning field goal in the final minutes to hand the Volunteers their second conference loss.

final from Columbia. https://t.co/ds1HToSIZC

— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) October 24, 2026

Minnesota 13, No. 15 Iowa 10: Walk-Off Field Goal Reclaims Floyd of Rosedale

In one of college football’s fiercest rivalry games, unranked Minnesota stunned No. 15 Iowa 13-10 on a walk-off 46-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki.

In a classic defensive battle, Minnesota held Iowa to just 288 total yards. Tied 10-10 in the final minute, Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey drove Minnesota into range, setting up Drzewiecki’s 46-yard kick as time expired to reclaim the coveted Floyd of Rosedale bronze pig.

Wisconsin 24, No. 16 USC 7: Badgers Stifle Trojans in Madison

Unranked Wisconsin put on a defensive clinic at Camp Randall Stadium, completely suffocating No. 16 USC in a 24-7 upset.

The Badgers held USC to minus-17 rushing yards on the night, completely neutralizing Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava despite his 258 passing yards. Offensively, Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph scored a rushing touchdown, and running back Bryan Jackson II added 38 yards and a score as the Badgers controlled possession for over 32 minutes to complete the Big Ten stunner.