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College football enters Week 9 amid unprecedented season chaos
The 2026 college football season has reached its halfway point, characterized by a historic wave of upsets. For the first time since 1977, fewer than four undefeated programs remain in the nation following a series of high-profile losses in Week 8. Notable upsets include No. 2 BYU falling to unranked UCF in double overtime and several top-10 teams losing in consecutive weeks.
In the SEC, Texas secured a narrow 34-27 victory over Ole Miss, while Georgia moved up to No. 3 in the AP Poll despite being on a bye week. The Big 12 saw significant movement as Utah remains the conference's lone unbeaten team. Meanwhile, the Mountain West saw New Mexico cement its position as the top team after defeating North Dakota State.
The season is also being shaped by the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era spending. Major programs like Texas, Oregon, and LSU are leading the Power Four conferences in estimated roster costs, with Texas's NIL spending estimated at approximately $48.485 million.
Entities
AP Poll · Alabama Crimson Tide · Associated Press · BYU · BYU Cougars · Big 12 · Georgia Bulldogs · Miami · SEC · Texas Longhorns · UCLA Bruins
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Georgia moved up to No. 3 in the AP Top 25 poll. www.redandblack.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kentucky leads the SEC standings with a 5-1 record.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Texas rose eight spots to No. 11 after a 34-27 win over Ole Miss. www.redandblack.com · thecrimsonwhite.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Georgia holds a 4-1 conference record.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alabama climbed into the top 10 after defeating Texas A&M 31-20. thecrimsonwhite.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] BYU fell six spots to No. 8 after losing to UCF 39-31 in double overtime. www.redandblack.com · thecrimsonwhite.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Alabama holds a 4-2 conference record.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] UCLA rose to No. 7 following a 28-10 win over Michigan State. thecrimsonwhite.com