USA TODAY Sports experts have released bold predictions for college football Week 8, placing several major programs on upset alert, according to a report published October 23, 2026. The predictions suggest that the upcoming weekend could bring significant chaos as teams jockey for positions in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Several high-profile teams are under pressure as the regular season approaches its midpoint. Two-loss teams such as Texas, Oregon, Alabama, and LSU are working to maintain momentum to secure spots in the playoff field. Meanwhile, programs including Brigham Young, Utah, and UCLA are aiming to continue strong starts.
One prediction suggests that Cincinnati could secure a victory against No. 5 Texas Tech at Nippert Stadium, despite the Bearcats' recent performance against West Virginia. Another expert suggests that Tennessee may suffer a loss to South Carolina due to a potential hangover effect following a significant win, noting that the Gamecocks hold a rest advantage after a road victory at Florida.
The Texas Longhorns are a central focus of the Week 8 outlook. One prediction posits that Arch Manning will revive the Texas season against Ole Miss, while another suggests that Manning may be benched for KJ Lacey Jr. during the game. A third perspective suggests that a competent performance from Manning, combined with a strong defense, could allow Texas to secure a close victory over No. 7 Mississippi.
Other notable predictions include Minnesota defeating Iowa, which could impact the Hawkeyes' playoff hopes. Additionally, experts suggest BYU could face a letdown in a road trip to Central Florida against the Knights, following a significant victory against Notre Dame. The potential for upsets remains a central theme as the season moves toward the conference championship games.
The upcoming six weekends before the conference championship games are viewed as a critical period where the stakes are highest for teams competing for playoff positions.
