With Week 8 in the books, the PCFB playoff picture is starting to take shape — and for the first time this season, we have a new No. 1 team. Michigan’s steady dominance has finally pushed them ahead of Georgia, while several other teams made big statements (or stumbled hard) as the playoff race intensifies.
Below is the full breakdown of the Week 8 Top 25, along with movement, key storylines, and the biggest risers and fallers of the week.
1. Michigan (▲1)
The Wolverines rise to No. 1 after a complete performance on both sides of the ball. Their physical dominance in the trenches continues to set the tone every Saturday. They look like the most balanced team in the nation right now.
2. Georgia (▼1)
Georgia slips to No. 2 after showing a few cracks in what was thought to be an unbreakable armor. The Bulldogs are still elite, but they’ve been living on the edge lately, and Michigan’s consistency finally overtakes them.
3. Texas (No Change)
The Longhorns remain in striking distance, continuing their impressive offensive efficiency. Texas still controls its own playoff destiny — and is quietly waiting for either Michigan or Georgia to slip again.
4. Notre Dame (No Change)
The Irish continue to win close ones, leaning on defense and discipline. Their margin for error is thin, but they’re still hanging right in the thick of the playoff hunt.
5. Florida (▲1)
The Gators climb to No. 5 after another decisive win, their third straight. DJ Lagway and the offense look playoff-caliber, and Florida’s ability to dominate ranked opponents has turned heads nationwide. They are now the highest-ranked one-loss team in the country.
6. Indiana (No Change)
The Hoosiers continue to fly under the radar, quietly taking care of business. If they can pick up a top-10 win down the stretch, they could sneak into the playoff conversation.
7. Northwestern (No Change)
The Wildcats continue to surprise, showing that last season’s rebuilding year is firmly behind them. Their defense remains one of the nation’s best-kept secrets.
8. Auburn (▲3)
One of the week’s biggest risers, Auburn jumped three spots after a dominant win that showcased their elite front seven. The Tigers are officially back in the SEC and playoff picture — and their showdown with Florida is shaping up to be huge.
9. Clemson (▲5)
The Tigers are one of the biggest movers of the week, surging from No. 14 to No. 9 after a statement victory that reminded the nation why they can never be counted out. Dabo Swinney’s squad looks rejuvenated.
10. Tennessee (No Change)
The Volunteers hold steady, bouncing back from a midseason skid. Their offense remains dangerous, but consistency is still the question.
11. Wake Forest (No Change)
After falling hard last week, the Demon Deacons steadied the ship. Still, they’re in a precarious spot and will need to rack up wins fast to stay relevant in the playoff discussion.
12. Ole Miss (▲7)
The Rebels are the biggest risers of the week, rocketing up seven spots from No. 19 to No. 12 after a shocking upset of a top-10 team. Their offense was firing on all cylinders, and this win could be the spark they’ve been missing all season.
13. Nebraska (No Change)
Nebraska holds firm after another efficient, hard-fought victory. They’re playing solid football — nothing flashy, but good enough to stay right where they are.
14. SMU (No Change)
The Mustangs continue to impress offensively, but their defense is starting to look like a concern. Still, at 14, they’re the top-ranked non-Power 5 team.
15. Oregon (No Change)
Oregon stays at 15 after a bye week. They’ve been improving, and their next few games will determine whether they can make a late playoff push.
16. Penn State (▼10)
The biggest faller of the week, the Nittany Lions tumble from No. 6 to No. 16 after a brutal loss that exposed serious offensive issues. What once looked like a playoff-caliber team now looks like one in search of answers.
17. Washington (No Change)
The Huskies continue to hang around, but they’ll need a signature win soon. They’re playing solid ball but haven’t been able to crack the upper echelon.
18. Louisville (No Change)
The Cardinals remain steady. They’re consistent, but not spectacular — a middle-tier Top 25 team right now.
19. Duke (No Change)
Duke keeps fighting, showing grit every week. They’re still one of the more underrated teams in the ACC.
20. Miami (No Change)
The Hurricanes hold at 20 after a gritty, bounce-back win. They’re clinging to Top 25 life but have the talent to surge late.
21. USC (▼11)
The Trojans are the other big fallers, dropping from No. 10 to No. 21 after a second straight loss. Caleb Williams and the offense continue to produce, but the defense remains a glaring issue.
22. California (No Change)
Cal holds steady, continuing their surprising rise. They’ve shown grit but face a tough stretch ahead that will test their staying power.
23. Boise State (New Entry)
The Broncos enter the rankings after a huge Mountain West win that vaulted them into national conversation. They look like this year’s Group of 5 darling.
24. Arkansas (No Change)
Arkansas stays in the poll by the skin of their teeth after back-to-back losses. The Razorbacks need to regroup fast or risk falling out entirely.
25. Texas A&M (No Change)
The Aggies hang on at No. 25, doing just enough to stay ranked. They’re talented, but inconsistency continues to plague them.
Biggest Risers:
- Ole Miss (+7): From 19 to 12 after upsetting a top-10 team. Lane Kiffin’s offense is catching fire at the perfect time.
- Clemson (+5): From 14 to 9, looking like a rejuvenated contender after a dominant showing.
- Auburn (+3): Now firmly in the SEC title conversation.
Biggest Fallers:
- Penn State (▼10): Their offense completely unraveled in a shocking loss. They’ll need a bounce-back fast to stay relevant.
- USC (▼11): Once a playoff hopeful, now barely clinging to the Top 25. Defensive struggles have derailed their season.
Playoff Picture Outlook:
As Week 8 kicks off, Michigan and Georgia have separated themselves, with Texas and Notre Dame holding strong in the top four. But Florida, Auburn, and Ole Miss are surging — and could easily shake up the playoff race for a bye down the stretch.
With rivalry games and conference showdowns looming, Week 8 feels like the calm before the storm. Every possession from here on out could define a season.
