Week 8 College Football Odds: Texas vs. Ole Miss Highlights Schedule
The 2026 college football season has been spectacular, with unexpected twists keeping fans on the edge of their seats. As Week 8 approaches, the excitement is building, especially with the first College Football Playoff rankings just two weeks away. Five of the top seven teams lost on the same afternoon, the first time that’s happened in the AP poll’s 90-year history. Unpredictability has defined this season, and this weekend’s matchups could reshape the playoff picture.
Key Matchups to Watch in Week 8
Week 8 may not have as many top-tier clashes as last weekend, but there’s still plenty of intrigue and upset potential. Just six unbeaten teams remain: BYU, James Madison, Miami, Texas Tech, UCLA, and Utah. Here’s a closer look at some of the most compelling games on the schedule.
No. 7 Ole Miss at No. 19 Texas (-3.5)
The Longhorns will try to rebound at home against the Rebels after a tough stretch. Texas defensive end Colin Simmons, who leads the country with 10.5 sacks, could make a big difference if he returns from injury. Ole Miss has Trinidad Chambliss, the SEC’s top quarterback, who has already led the Rebels to impressive wins over LSU and Missouri. This one matters for both teams’ playoff hopes.
No. 6 Indiana (-7.5) at Michigan
Indiana heads to Michigan Stadium, where it hasn’t won since 1967, to face the Wolverines. Backup quarterback Tommy Carr sparked a comeback against Penn State, but Michigan is a different challenge, especially on the road. The defending national champions are coming off a loss to Ohio State that snapped their 22-game winning streak. The Hoosiers will need their best to pull off an upset.
No. 11 Tennessee (-2.5) at South Carolina
Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks have had an extra week to prepare for this pivotal SEC matchup. Tennessee’s playoff hopes are on the line, and the Vols will have to get past a South Carolina team that found its offensive rhythm against Florida. LaNorris Sellers stood out, accounting for five total touchdowns in that game. It’s tough to call, which makes this one worth watching.
No. 14 Houston at No. 10 Utah (-5.5)
Utah survived a scare against Colorado and now faces a red-hot Houston team. The Cougars, led by Conner Weigman’s five touchdown passes, want to strengthen their playoff résumé. Still unbeaten, Utah needs a quality win to bolster its credentials. A showdown with BYU is looming, so this game is an important test for the Utes.
No. 18 LSU (-6.5) at Auburn
LSU is coming off a dominant win over Mississippi State and now faces Auburn, fresh off an upset victory. The Tigers need to keep their momentum going in the SEC title hunt, while Auburn will try to show its win wasn’t a fluke. This matchup should offer a better sense of what both teams can do.
Other Notable Games
Several other ranked teams will look to strengthen their positions or avoid an upset. Here are a few games to watch:
- Pittsburgh at No. 1 Miami (-22.5)
- Texas A&M at No. 13 Alabama (-15.5)
- No. 2 BYU (-7.5) at UCF
- No. 8 Texas Tech (-11.5) at Cincinnati
- Michigan State at No. 9 UCLA (-12.5)
- Vanderbilt at No. 12 Kentucky (-11.5)
- Oklahoma (-2.5) at Mississippi State
- No. 15 Iowa (-5.5) at Minnesota
- Colorado at Oklahoma State (-13.5)
- No. 16 USC (-2.5) at Wisconsin
- No. 21 Boise State (-13.5) at Washington State
- California at No. 23 SMU (-17.5)
- Rutgers at No. 24 Northwestern (-15.5)
Implications for the College Football Playoff
The first College Football Playoff rankings are just around the corner, and Week 8 could shift the picture considerably. The unbeaten teams are under pressure to keep their perfect records, while one-loss teams are fighting to stay in contention. For some, one more loss could derail their playoff hopes.
Teams to Watch
BYU: The Cougars have been dominant this season and will look to keep their unbeaten run going against UCF. A win could strengthen their case for a top-four spot.
Miami: The Hurricanes are heavy favorites against Pittsburgh. A convincing win would keep them unbeaten and give their playoff résumé a boost.
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders face a tricky road game against Cincinnati. They’ll need to protect their unbeaten record to stay on track for the playoffs.
Utah: The Utes need a statement win over Houston to show they belong in the playoff conversation. With BYU up next, this is a key test.
Conclusion
Week 8 of the 2026 college football season looks set to bring another thrilling chapter in an already unforgettable year. With so much at stake and potential upsets on the horizon, fans won’t want to miss a moment. For a closer look at the matchups and odds, check out the full schedule and early lines on CBSSports.com. As the playoff picture takes shape, every game could turn the race for college football’s ultimate prize.
