2026 College Football Games Of The Week: Week 8

It’s time for another week of college football. However, it might be hard to top last Saturday, as there were 5 teams in the top ten that lost. Furthermore, this week there are only two ranked vs. ranked matchups. Nevertheless, I will try to find the exciting matchups. Now, here are my 2026 college football games of the week for Week 8.

I did not see any great non-Power Four matchups, but I still wanted to choose a game that was not Big Ten or SEC-related. Now, this game should be a competitive ACC matchup between two teams just under the big three that sit atop the conference. Clemson might not be a world beater, but their only losses are to Miami and LSU. However, Virginia Tech has the chance to pull off an on-the-road upset for their biggest win of the season.

Clemson’s Dabo Swinney is trying to prove he can be a great coach in the NIL era of football. Furthermore, head coach James Franklin wants to prove he is still an elite coach after flaming out at Penn State. I think this matchup could come down to the wire. Players to watch are VT’s TE Luke Reynolds and Clemson CB Ashton Hampton.

The next 2026 college football game I will focus on will be USC vs. Wisconsin. I still like USC, but their schedule looks rough so a win this week is mandatory. The Trojans have bounced back with two wins against Washington and Penn State after the loss to Oregon. The defense has looked better, and the offense is still loaded with weapons. QB Jayden Maiava is actually ranked 3rd in CFB with 2,045 passing yards.

Wisconsin is coming off a tough loss to UCLA after winning four straight. Now, the Badgers have a chance to play spoiler at home as USC is in a look-ahead spot with Ohio State on the schedule next week. This game has the potential to come down to the wire and ruin the Trojans CFB Playoff chances. Also, this is arguably the hardest remaining game on Wisconsin’s schedule, so a win here would be massive for conference standings.

I think this matchup is the more exciting 2026 college football Big Ten game for week 8. Indiana is coming off their first loss, which snapped their 22-game winning streak, to Ohio State last week. I’m interested in seeing how head coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers respond on Saturday. Unfortunately, they have to go to the Big House and face a tough Michigan defense.

On the Michigan side, they have decided to bench QB Bryce Underwood. QB Tommy Carr came in late, going 5 for 7 for 47 passing yards and had 36 yards and a TD on the ground. Now, I want to see how the Wolverines offense looks with Carr starting against a defense that just held Ohio State to 19. It could be a low-scoring affair, but nevertheless I think this will be a fun Big Ten matchup on Saturday morning.

The one and only SEC matchup I have in Week 8 is Ole Miss @ Texas. Now, Texas just lost back-to-back games to Oklahoma and Florida. Furthermore, it seems like more and more people are losing faith in QB Arch Manning. However, Texas is in a great spot to bounce back with a big-time upset at home over Ole Miss. Unfortunately, the Longhorns will be without superstar edge, Colin Simmons, and RB Hollywood Smothers.

Now, Ole Miss is coming off a beatdown of Missouri as they ride a two-game win streak into Saturday. QB Trinidad Chambliss is not having as good a year as he did last year, but he is still dangerous against any team. The Rebels have the opportunity to bury the Longhorns’ season and end their CFP Playoff hopes on Saturday. However, it is the SEC, so you never know how it will play out.

Finally, my 2026 college football game of the week for Week 8 belongs to the Big 12. I like this top 15 matchup between two teams that have been pretty impressive thus far in 2026. Houston’s only loss was a 28-26 defeat to Texas Tech earlier in the season. It should be a good QB battle as Conner Weigman has been great this year as he has 20 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.

On the other side of the ball, Utah has senior QB Devon Dampier. He broke onto the scene last season but has not had as good a year this season. Nevertheless, Utah is 6-0 behind a strong defense, but their schedule has been a bit weak. This game will probably be their hardest matchup of the year so far. This game has major implications for the Big 12 Championship and, of course, the CFB Playoffs. Also, late-night games at Rice-Eccles Stadium are usually a fun time.

That wraps up my 2026 college football games of the week for Week 8.

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