Five of the top seven teams in the Associated Press poll lost on the same afternoon, marking an unprecedented shakeup in college football’s 90-year history and setting up a critical slate of Week 8 matchups. The historic chaos has left only six unblemished teams at midseason: BYU, James Madison, Miami, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Utah. As teams prepare for the next round of games, the 2026 season enters a crucial stretch two weeks before the initial College Football Playoff rankings release.
Ole Miss Seeks Bounce-Back Against Texas in SEC Play
No. 7 Ole Miss travels to face No. 19 Texas, which is a 3.5-point favorite, according to odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian enters the matchup looking to avoid a third straight SEC loss that would raise deeper questions in Austin. The Longhorns’ defense hinges on the status of defensive end Colin Simmons, who leads the country with 10.5 sacks but was carted off the field against Florida. Meanwhile, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has already had his way against two nationally-ranked opponents this fall with impressive wins over LSU and Missouri.
Indiana Visits Michigan in Big Ten Showdown
No. 6 Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite at Michigan, where the Hoosiers have not won since 1967. Michigan turned to backup quarterback Tommy Carr against Penn State after pulling Bryce Underwood from the bench, a move that sparked multiple second-half touchdown drives. Replicating that offensive momentum against the defending national champions, who saw their nation-leading 22-game winning streak snapped vs. Ohio State, presents a different task entirely.
Tennessee Travels to South Carolina for SEC Clash
No. 11 Tennessee is a 2.5-point favorite at South Carolina in a pivotal contest for the Volunteers’ CFP hopes. South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer holds a 3-4 overall record with an extra week of preparation. The Gamecocks’ offense found traction in their previous outing against Florida, fueled by LaNorris Sellers accounting for five total touchdowns. These two have split their last eight meetings dating back to 2016.
Utah Hosts Houston in Big 12 Battle
No. 10 Utah defends its home turf as a 5.5-point favorite against No. 14 Houston after surviving a Big 12 warning shot at Colorado. Houston arrives with an offense fueled by quarterback Conner Weigman, who threw five touchdown passes in a 35-32 victory over Oklahoma State. The Utes aim to preserve their undefeated record and bolster a playoff résumé that needs its first quality win with BYU looming on Nov. 7.
LSU Visits Auburn Following Upset Win
No. 18 LSU is a 6.5-point favorite at Auburn following a 31-point victory over Mississippi State. Auburn enters the game after knocking the SEC’s king off the throne, creating questions at Jordan-Hare Stadium about whether that performance represents a turning point for the program or this season’s signature moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams remain undefeated at the 2026 midseason point?
BYU, James Madison, Miami, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Utah stand as the only unblemished teams remaining after most of the unblemished went down on Saturday.
What is the spread for the matchup between Ole Miss and Texas?
FanDuel Sportsbook lists Texas as a 3.5-point home favorite against Ole Miss.
When does Utah play BYU?
Utah is scheduled to face BYU on Nov. 7.
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