I love chaos. A week after first-ranked Texas fell to Oklahoma, Georgia thought it could cling to the top spot for the rest of the season and march to the CFP with the top overall seed. Think again. Auburn came knocking and handed the Bulldogs an upset of their own. For the first time since 2002, the Miami Hurricanes are the number one team in the nation. There are plenty of big games this weekend as the CFP hunt is alive and well for many. Here are our Top 3 2026 College Football Games Week 8.
No. 14 Houston vs No. 10 Utah
How about a Top 15 matchup in the Big 12 which has produced plenty of good college football teams this season. There are major Big 12 title implications on the line between Houston and Utah. The Cougars are coming off a thrilling 35-32 win over Oklahoma State, powered by quarterback Conner Weigman’s career-high 343 passing yards and five touchdowns. Utah remains unbeaten under first-year head coach Morgan Scalley, though the Utes needed a late push to escape Colorado with a 27-24 victory. Quarterback Devon Dampier threw three touchdowns but also two interceptions, giving Houston’s secondary a potential opening. If the Cougars can limit Parker and force Dampier into obvious passing situations, an upset is possible. But Utah’s home-field advantage and balanced offense make the Utes my pick. Prediction: Houston 30 Utah 34
No. 7 Ole Miss vs No. 19 Texas
Ole Miss heads to Austin on Saturday with a major opportunity to strengthen its College Football Playoff resume. The Rebels are coming off a dominant 31-3 win over Missouri as quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw three touchdown passes. Chambliss has emerged as one of the SEC’s most dangerous playmakers, passing for 1,676 yards and 14 touchdowns through six games. Texas is desperate to respond after consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Florida. They were the number one team in the country two weeks ago and are now number 19. Arch Manning has thrown for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, but the Longhorns have struggled to sustain drives during their recent slide. The matchup hinges on whether the Texas defense can slow the Ole Miss explosive offense. The CFP hopes are likely dead for Texas, but Manning must find consistency against a Rebels defense that has shown vulnerability if they want a chance for any sort of meaningful bowl game. Prediction: Ole Miss 28 Texas 24
No. 18 LSU vs Auburn
LSU heads to Auburn on Saturday looking to prove it can win away from home. The Tigers have been dominant in Baton Rouge but are winless in two conference road games under Lane Kiffin. Their 31-0 shutout of Mississippi State last week provided a much-needed confidence boost behind quarterback Sam Leavitt. Auburn enters with plenty of momentum after stunning top ranked Georgia 27-24 on the road. Quarterback Byrum Brown’s dual-threat ability gives the Tigers a dangerous offensive weapon, but the challenge is avoiding a letdown after their biggest win of the season. LSU has looked hit or miss all season long and this could be the biggest fall they take if Auburn can pull off an upset two weeks in a row. The SEC is cannibalizing itself, why not further it? Prediction: LSU 33 Auburn 35