Looking back on another wild weekend across the college football landscape, Week 7 delivered yet another round of chaos that shook up the national picture. Multiple top-ranked teams stumbled on another ‘Upset Saturday,’ reshaping the race for the College Football Playoff as we move into the heart of the 2025 season. Michigan’s stunning 27-20 loss to Illinois opened the door for Ohio State to reclaim the No. 1 spot, while Georgia rested and Texas held steady. Texas A&M made a statement, and both Oregon and Washington kept their playoff hopes alive.

And perhaps the most surprising storyline, after the way Alabama’s season opener unfolded, few would have believed the Crimson Tide would claw their way back near the top five. Here’s how the projected AP Top 25 stacks up entering Week 8. The following projected AP Top 25 is based purely on performance, strength of schedule, and overall momentum.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0)

A balanced Buckeye team continues to set the standard. Julian Sayin threw two touchdowns, CJ Donaldson added two more on the ground, and the defense forced three takeaways that turned directly into 21 points. Sayin connected on 80% of his throws and found top target Jeremiah Smith for a pivotal touchdown that helped set the tone early.

Facing the 17th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, the Buckeyes once again showcased their balance and command on both offense and defense. A 34-16 win at Illinois keeps Ryan Day’s group undefeated and unflinching heading toward a crucial November stretch.

2) Miami Hurricanes (5-0)

The Hurricanes were idle, but their resume of three wins over ranked opponents remains one of the strongest in the country. Their roster is impressive on both sides of the ball. While Carson Beck remains the popular pick for the Heisman, as the trophy typically favors quarterbacks, it’s hard to overlook the dominance Rueben Bain Jr. has brought to Miami’s defense this season. Mario Cristobal’s team is as complete as any, dominating the line of scrimmage and controlling tempo. They hold firm at No. 2 with the top spot within sight.

3) Texas A&M Aggies (6-0)

Mike Elko’s Aggies continue their steady climb with a 34-17 win over Florida. A&M’s defense allowed just three points after the first quarter and forced the Gators into 1-of-10 on third downs. Marcel Reed accounted for 271 total yards and two touchdowns. The SEC West is theirs to lose.

4) Ole Miss Rebels (6-0)

Lane Kiffin’s Rebels avoided a scare against Washington State, escaping 24-21. QB Trinidad Chambliss threw for 253 yards and two scores, while Kewan Lacy rushed for 142 yards to seal it late. Not a pretty win, but staying perfect in mid-October is what matters most.

5) Indiana Hoosiers (6-0)

Curt Cignetti’s turnaround story gained national traction after the Hoosiers’ 30-20 win at Oregon. Indiana not only handled a top-five opponent but controlled both lines of scrimmage. It’s the program’s first road win over a top-five team ever, a statement that demands playoff consideration.

6) Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1)

Few coaches entered the season facing more scrutiny than Kalen DeBoer after Alabama’s early setback at Florida State. Since then, his team has delivered an emphatic response. Five straight wins, including yesterday’s win over Missouri 27-24, to earn its third straight win over a ranked SEC opponent. Quarterback Ty Simpson continues to shine, sealing Saturday’s game with a clutch fourth-down touchdown pass, while Alabama’s defense rose to the moment with two critical takeaways on Missouri’s first two possessions of the fourth quarter. Those stops set the stage for the Tide’s decisive score.

7) Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-0)

The Red Raiders handled Kansas 42-17 behind 263 rushing yards from Cameron Dickey. They controlled the trenches all afternoon and remain the Big 12’s most balanced unit. Their combination of physicality and tempo has made them a legitimate dark horse in the playoff picture.

8) Oregon Ducks (5-1)

Oregon entered the week ranked No. 3, but its run of dominance came to a halt as both the nation’s longest active win streak (23 games) and home streak (18 games) were snapped in a loss to Indiana. In a matchup of unbeaten Big Ten hopefuls, the Ducks’ offense never found its footing against a fired-up Hoosiers defense, resulting in a double-digit defeat that shook up the playoff picture. Upcoming games against USC and Washington provide opportunities to rebuild momentum, though they’ll need to win decisively to impress the committee.

9) Georgia Bulldogs (5-1)

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs erased a 10-0 deficit at Auburn to win 20-10. Gunner Stockton’s late touchdown capped a second-half surge driven by defensive adjustments. It wasn’t dominant but it was efficient. And that sets up a massive SEC clash with undefeated Ole Miss next week.

10) LSU Tigers (5-1)

Despite two interceptions, Garrett Nussmeier found enough rhythm to beat South Carolina 20-10. The Tigers’ defense limited the Gamecocks to under five yards per pass attempt. LSU hasn’t played to its potential yet, but a stretch of ranked opponents ahead could define its ceiling.

11) Tennessee Volunteers (5-1)

Tennessee held off a late Arkansas rally after leading 34-17 in the fourth quarter. DeSean Bishop rushed for 146 yards, but the defense must tighten against stronger opponents. The Vols’ upcoming road trip to Alabama will reveal if they can contend in the SEC East.

12) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0)

Haynes King led a 35-20 win over Virginia Tech as the Yellow Jackets started 6-0 for the first time since 2011. With 268 rushing yards and a sharp defensive effort, Brent Key’s group remains one of this year’s quietest undefeated teams, for now.

13) Oklahoma Sooners (5-1)

Oklahoma’s season took a sharp turn after its breakout quarterback, the engine of the offense, returned from a two-week absence due to a hand injury and struggled mightily against Texas. His comeback produced no touchdowns, three interceptions, and five sacks, derailing the Sooners’ momentum at a crucial point in the season.

This loss couldn’t have come at a worse time, as OU now faces one of the toughest remaining stretches in the nation: a trip to South Carolina, a home clash with Ole Miss, back-to-back road tests at Tennessee and Alabama, and a closing stretch against Missouri and LSU, all teams ranked inside the current top 14. Brent Venables’ tenure is entering dangerous territory. After seasons of 6-7, 10-3, and 6-7, this year’s 5-1 start suddenly looks shaky with no easy wins left in sight.

14) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-2)

CJ Carr threw for 342 yards and two scores in a 36-7 dismantling of NC State. The Irish defense forced three interceptions and allowed just seven points after halftime. Four straight wins have them back in the mix ahead of a marquee showdown with USC.

15) BYU Cougars (6-0)

The Cougars survived a double-overtime thriller to stay unbeaten. Bear Bachmeier accounted for three touchdowns, including the game-winner, while LJ Martin rushed for 162 yards. Their grit and late-game composure keep them in striking distance of the top 10 entering rivalry week.

16) Missouri Tigers (5-1)

A three-point loss to Alabama ended Missouri’s 15-game home streak, but the Tigers still look like one of the SEC’s better-balanced squads. Beau Pribula threw for 167 yards and three scores, but two costly interceptions sealed their fate. The next two weeks will test their bounce-back ability.

17) Virginia Cavaliers (5-1)

Idle this week, Virginia’s win over Florida State continues to carry weight. The Cavaliers’ offense averages over 43 points per game, and they’ve proven capable of executing late in tight contests. They remain well-positioned in the ACC title chase.

18) Vanderbilt Commodores (5-1)

Vanderbilt got a week to regroup following a 30-14 road loss to Alabama. QB Diego Pavia leads the SEC with 14 passing touchdowns and also contributes 352 rushing yards, adding balance to the offense despite the setback. 

The Commodores now face a challenging three-week stretch against LSU, Missouri, and Texas that could define their second-half trajectory in the SEC.

19) Arizona State Sun Devils (4-2)

Arizona State struggled to contain Utah’s running game, giving up 276 yards on 42 carries, including three touchdowns by QB Devon Dampier. The Sun Devils fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 12 play. Defensive adjustments and offensive cohesion will be critical as they attempt to rebound against Oregon State.

20) Memphis Tigers (6-0)

Memphis remains undefeated after a week off, averaging nearly 41 points per game. Brendon Lewis has stepped up in the passing game, but the offense relies heavily on the run, with 238.7 rushing yards per game at 5.8 yards per carry. Key upcoming matchups against USF, Tulane, and Navy will help sort the Group of Five standings and define Memphis’ playoff positioning.

21) USF Bulls (5-1)

USF demonstrated offensive firepower with 42 second-half points and over 300 rushing yards against North Texas. Byrum Brown contributed 245 passing yards, 82 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns. The Bulls forced five turnovers to offset three of their own, cementing themselves as a top contender in the American Conference.

22) Texas Longhorns (4-2)

Texas bounced back from a loss at Florida with a dominant defensive performance over sixth-ranked Oklahoma. Arch Manning completed 21 of 27 passes with a 12-yard touchdown, exploiting his mobility to extend plays. The Red River Shootout victory gives Texas crucial momentum heading into late-season tests against ranked SEC teams.

23) USC Trojans (5-1)

USC returned to AP consideration after a convincing win over No. 15 Michigan. King Miller rushed 158 yards with a touchdown, and Jayden Maiava threw for 265 yards and two scores. The Trojans’ defense forced an interception and three sacks, keeping Michigan from generating momentum. A road test at Notre Dame will further gauge their national standing.

24) Michigan Wolverines (4-2)

Michigan’s three-game winning streak ended as USC racked up nearly 500 yards. Jayden Maiava accounted for two passing touchdowns, and the Wolverines’ offense struggled to respond. Their place in the AP Top 25 may slip after the loss, but matchups against unranked teams offer opportunities to stabilize the season.

25) Cincinnati Bearcats (5-1)

Cincinnati improved to 5-1 after narrowly defeating UCF despite trailing in total yardage (306-413), first downs (14-26), and possession (20:16-39:44). Brendan Sorsby threw two early touchdowns, establishing a lead that the Bearcats preserved. With a slim loss to Nebraska previously, Cincinnati could move solidly into the AP Top 25 as other teams falter.

Another wild Saturday leaves the sport exactly how fans love it. Unpredictable, balanced, and full of possibilities. The second half of 2025 will decide who separates from the chaos and who gets swallowed by it.