This is the time on the college football schedule when every result delivers ramifications for the playoff prospects. Losses loom larger and moves on the poll gain significance, while injuries take on bigger importance with eyes on recovery time. Schools on the outside are now looking at conference matchups with more intensity as a means to get back into contention.
From this weekend onward, almost any game feels vital, ramping up the entertainment value. Meanwhile, speculation over the Heisman Trophy has gone in the opposite direction, as there is little in the way of assured names on that shortlist. A few notables this weekend:
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At Texas Tech, there has been a strong effort to curtail a tradition. The NCAA and the school try to squelch the tossing of tortillas in the stadium.
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Arizona State continues to defy logic, as its hot/cold season continues. They flipped the faucet back to COLD, losing to unranked Houston.
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Longhorns fans are dismayed today. Arch Manning FINALLY had his breakout game, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns, and running for another. But…he left late in the game with a concussion, as his backup, Matthew Caldwell, threw a winning score in overtime.
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Georgia Tech is the dominant ACC team now, going 7-0 for the first time in nearly 60 years.
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North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker went 37/49 passing, hitting on four touchdowns and amassing 608 yards in the air.
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Oklahoma students often taunt teams with hand gestures mocking the opponent’s own traditions, but the Sooners kids were doing the UF “Gator Chomp” towards the Rebels’ bench. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has been rumored to be on the shortlist to take over the bench duties in Gainesville.
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In a move that is rather tough to replicate, Kentucky managed to fumble three times…on a single play.
How does this get recorded in the statsheet? Because Kentucky fumbled no less than 3 times on just this one play 😂 😂
pic.twitter.com/8Xyu5ulBTX— Updog Sports Talk (@UpdogSportsTalk) October 26, 2025
Some of the prominent contests:
Ole Miss 34 – Oklahoma 26
In a tough contest on the road, Trinidad Chambliss played his way into the starting role, as his previous starter, Austin Simmons, was given a brief look in the game, but the controls were given to Chambliss. He guided the Rebels in a close one, and the Ole Miss defense clamped down in the 4th to close out the win.
Vanderbilt 17 – Missouri 10
This one was all about defense, as Diego Pavia had a middling game, throwing for only 129 yards but getting a rushing TD. Holding the Tigers to just ten points was the difference, as a late Hail Mary attempt was caught, but the Mizzou receiver came down short of the goal line. This leads to the Commodores having their highest ranking in 88 years.
Texas A&M 49 – LSU 25
The undefeated Aggies are proving to be serious, as they lead the SEC and have now scored at least 40 points in all of their road games. Marcel Reed is stepping into Heisman talk, as he was delivering four TDs, two passing and two rushing, as he ran for 108 yards. KC Concepcion had two scores, including a punt return touchdown,
Virginia 17 – North Carolina 16
The Cavaliers remain on the razor’s edge of contention, with their third overtime victory. The embattled Tar Heels had a chance in OT, but a ref’s review showed they were just short of the end zone on a 2-point conversion attempt.
Alabama 29 – South Carolina 22
The Gamecocks played tough against the Tide, delivering a thriller where they led by eight points with ten minutes remaining. But Alabama managed two scoring drives late, tying the score with just over two minutes and then getting possession once more. Setting up for a winning field goal, they instead saw Germie Bernard getting his second TD in under two minutes for the road victory.
Memphis 34 – South Florida 31
In one of the best finishes of the day, the Bulls gave up a 17-point lead in the 4th quarter. South Florida QB Byrum Brown finished the game with 269 yards passing, 121 rushing, and three total touchdowns, but the defense surrendered. The Bulls had a chance to tie things, but Nico Grammatica narrowly missed a 52-yard field goal attempt as time ran out.
Here is the new AP Top-25 poll (first-place votes). South Florida, LSU, Illinois, and Arizona State dropped out, while Houston, USC, Utah, and Memphis entered the poll.
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Ohio State (54)
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Indiana (11)
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Texas A&M (1)
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Alabama
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Georgia
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Oregon
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Ole Miss
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Georgia Tech
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Vanderbilt
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Miami (FL)
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BYU
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Notre Dame
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Texas Tech
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Tennessee
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Virginia
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Louisville
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Cincinnati
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Oklahoma
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Missouri
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Texas
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Michigan
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Houston
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USC
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Utah
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Memphis
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