Alabama Surges to Top 5 in Week 8 Power Rankings

As the 2025 college football season rolls on, Week 8 has been a real eye-opener. There were some wild upsets and a handful of breakout performances that shook up the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture.

New Heisman hopefuls are popping up, and a few teams look like they’re finally living up to the hype. Here’s a look at what stood out from this pivotal week in college football—there’s a lot to chew on.

Georgia’s Resilience and Gunner Stockton’s Heroics

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton pulled off another clutch win, guiding the Bulldogs to a dramatic comeback over Ole Miss. They were down at halftime, but Stockton went off—he completed 26 of 31 passes for 289 yards and racked up five total touchdowns.

He’s got that “never say die” thing going, and it’s hard not to admire the way he keeps the team together when things get dicey. Coach Kirby Smart couldn’t say enough about Stockton’s toughness and how much the team trusts him in crunch time.

Georgia’s Offensive Prowess

The Bulldogs’ offense was rolling, piling up 510 yards and converting 6 of 11 third downs. Stockton, especially in the second half, was flawless—three touchdown passes when it mattered most.

This win boosts Georgia’s playoff chances and, honestly, it’s tough not to see Stockton as one of college football’s top quarterbacks right now.

Ohio State’s Defensive Dominance

Ohio State’s defense is terrifying, anchored by linebacker Arvell Reese. The Buckeyes have only given up 41 points all season, which is just wild.

Reese leads the team with 42 tackles and 5.5 sacks, and he’s looking like a future first-round NFL pick. Pair him with Sonny Styles and you’ve got one of the best linebacker duos around.

Impact on Playoff Race

With a defense like this, Ohio State’s a real threat in the CFP hunt. Shutting down opposing offenses is their calling card, and it’s going to matter more and more as the season winds down.

Indiana’s Heisman Hopeful: Fernando Mendoza

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is suddenly in the Heisman conversation, and honestly, it’s deserved. The Cal transfer is completing 73.5% of his passes and leads the nation with 21 touchdown tosses.

He’s got a QBR of 87.7, and Indiana now sits at No. 2 in the rankings. Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even on most folks’ radar in August.

Indiana’s Offensive Surge

The Hoosiers are lighting it up on offense, thanks to Mendoza’s playmaking. They’re not just a fun story—they’re a handful for anyone right now.

If they can keep this up, who’s to say they can’t crash the CFP party?

Texas A&M’s Winning Formula

Texas A&M just keeps finding ways to win. They’re 7-0 now, and quarterback Marcel Reed had a big day—280 yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas.

Sure, the defense gave up 8.4 yards per carry, but the Aggies keep coming through when it counts. That kind of grit is hard to teach.

Challenges Ahead

Things won’t get any easier, though. LSU, Missouri, South Carolina, and Samford are all on deck.

Coach Mike Elko has some work to do on defense, especially with that final game against Texas looming. That one could be a real measuring stick.

Alabama’s Edge and Turnaround

Alabama looked shaky after losing to Florida State in the opener, but they’ve rattled off six straight wins since. Coach Kalen DeBoer keeps talking about the team’s ability to win in different ways, and it’s showing.

Quarterback Ty Simpson has been steady, making the throws when it counts. He’s helped them knock off tough teams like Georgia and Missouri.

Path to SEC Title

The defense stepped up big time in a 37-20 win over Tennessee. Four straight wins against ranked SEC teams? That’s no fluke.

Suddenly, Alabama’s right back in the SEC title hunt. DeBoer’s critics have gone pretty quiet lately.

Notre Dame’s Ground Game and Defensive Strides

Notre Dame’s running game is the real deal, with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price leading the charge. Love racked up 228 yards and a touchdown against USC, showing just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling.

Price chipped in with 87 rushing yards and even took a kick back 100 yards for a score. That kind of versatility is tough to defend.

Defensive Improvements

The Irish defense is coming together, too, especially up front and in the secondary. Holding USC’s passing game in check is no small feat.

Notre Dame’s got a nice balance now, and that could pay off down the stretch.

Surprising Contenders and Key Performances

Some unexpected teams are making noise this season. Vanderbilt stunned LSU for their first win over them in 35 years—talk about breaking a streak.

Quarterback Diego Pavia has been electric, guiding the Commodores to a 6-1 start and putting them in the SEC and CFP mix. Who saw that coming?

Other Notable Performances

Oregon put on a show against Rutgers, racking up 750 total yards. Their running game, averaging 243 yards per contest, is a nightmare for defenses.

Virginia, meanwhile, keeps squeaking out close wins. Maybe there’s some luck involved, but they’re still in control of their ACC fate for now.

Teams Facing Adversity

Not everyone’s having a dream season. Miami hit a wall against Louisville—quarterback Carson Beck threw four picks, and that was pretty much the story.

The Hurricanes’ run game is stuck in neutral, and they’re missing a reliable third option in the passing attack. If they don’t fix it fast, their title hopes might just slip away.

Texas Tech’s Struggles

Texas Tech stumbled against Arizona State, playing without starting quarterback Behren Morton. The defense has been a strength, but they’ll need to dig even deeper with tough games ahead.

BYU is next, and that’s going to be a real test for the Red Raiders as they try to get back on track.

Conclusion

Week 8 of the 2025 college football season? Honestly, it’s been a wild ride. You’ve got thrilling wins, a handful of jaw-dropping performances, and upsets nobody saw coming.

With the CFP creeping closer, every single game feels like it matters more than the last. Georgia, Ohio State, and Indiana—they’re looking tough, no doubt about it.

Meanwhile, teams like Miami and Texas Tech have some work to do if they want to hang around in the conversation. The stakes just keep rising, and you can almost feel the tension building as the national championship chase heats up.

If you want to dig deeper or just see how your team stacks up, check out ESPN’s Week 8 Power Rankings.