AP Poll Prediction: Projecting Top 25 ranking after Week 8 of college football

We’re now past the midway point of the 2025 season. And the games continue to be on point in college football. This weekend provided a slew of top 25 matchups, giving us plenty to break down.

With several ranked-on-ranked matchups, there was naturally going to be a good deal of movement in this week’s projected top 25. A handful of top-10 teams and a slew of others further down the rankings fell.

There was a lot to digest. Today, On3 stops to break down some of the changes anticipated in this week’s AP Top 25. Let’s dig into our projections for the new edition of the top college football poll below.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)

RESULT: 34-0 win at Wisconsin
With Luke Fickell on the hot seat and needing something to quiet the noise, Wisconsin might have put up a decent fight against Ohio State. The Buckeyes had other ideas, turning this one into a blowout right away with 17 first-quarter points.

From there it was smooth sailing for Julian Sayin and company. Sayin threw four touchdown passes, including two to Carnell Tate. Next up for Ohio State is a home date with Penn State.

2. Indiana Hoosiers (7-0)

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti — Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

RESULT: 38-13 win vs. Michigan State
There was definite letdown potential this weekend for Indiana following the huge win over Oregon a week ago. But the Hoosiers took care of business and beat Michigan State pretty soundly, allowing only three points in the second half.

The schedule continues to look very manageable for Indiana. Up next is a home date with UCLA, followed by road trips to Maryland and struggling Penn State.

3. Texas A&M Aggies (7-0)

RESULT: 45-42 win at Arkansas
Texas A&M gave up a first-quarter field goal, then took the lead about midway through the frame and never again trailed. Still, there were points where the game was firmly in the balance, as the defense allowed Arkansas to stay within striking range right till the bitter end.

Arkansas actually outgained its top 25 foe 527 to 497 in the game, something that will undoubtedly frustrate Mike Elko. Still, on a bloody weekend in college football simply surviving was a huge win. The Aggies did just that.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1)

RESULT: 37-20 win vs. Tennessee
Alabama was in charge of the contest from start to finish, but it really was able to blow things open with a 99-yard pick-six on a play that could have easily swung things the other direction. Those are the breaks that championship teams create.

And at this point, Alabama certainly has the look of a championship team. The Crimson Tide just keep winning. Next up is a road trip to face a flustered South Carolina team.

5. Georgia Bulldogs (6-1)

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

RESULT: 43-35 win vs. Ole Miss
Georgia got everything it could handle and then some against an Ole Miss team that didn’t seem intimidated by the incredibly hostile environment. But, at every turn, Gunner Stockton was there to answer the call.

The Georgia quarterback threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He also ran for 59 yards and a score, helping the Bulldogs win a thrilling shootout with the Rebels. And just like that, Georgia moves back into a dominant position in the SEC race.

6. Oregon Ducks (6-1)

RESULT: 56-10 win at Rutgers
Oregon wasted no time bouncing back from the loss to Indiana, even with a trip all the way across the country. That’s what top 25 teams do, they take care of business.

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Dante Moore threw for 290 yards and four scores, while the Ducks also punched it in four times on the ground. It was a lopsided win from start to finish, punctuated by a 28-point second quarter.

7. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-0)

RESULT: 27-18 win at Duke
The Haynes King show rolled on, though it turned out to be a surprisingly tough test against Manny Diaz‘s defense at Duke. Still, King finished with more than 300 yards of offense accounted for.

He threw for 205 yards and then rushed for a team-high 120 yards and a touchdown. Georgia Tech controlled the second half, scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter to win. It continues to look the part of a top 25 team, albeit against a light schedule.

8. Ole Miss Rebels (6-1)

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

RESULT: 43-35 loss at Georgia
In the grand scheme of things, the loss on the road at Georgia doesn’t figure to be all that detrimental to Ole Miss’ playoff chances. It’s a legitimate top 25 opponent that figures to remain one the rest of the way.

Still, it does narrow the margin for error for Lane Kiffin and his squad. Trinidad Chambliss was once again good in the loss, but the offense ran out of steam late as the crowd seemed to take its toll. Now it’s about bouncing back. Next up is a road trip to Oklahoma.

9. Miami Hurricanes (5-1)

RESULT: 24-21 loss vs. Louisville
Miami quarterback Carson Beck threw four interceptions and the Hurricanes were doomed, as Louisville played the upstart in this one. It was clear early on it would be closer than the experts predicted.

The Hurricanes certainly had their chances, but the self-inflicted mistakes cost them against a Cardinals team likely to find itself in the top 25 this week. While the loss puts a serious dent in Miami’s resume, the Hurricanes still have everything in front of them.

10. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-2)

RESULT: 34-24 win vs. USC
It was a back-and-forth game throughout the evening, but Notre Dame just kept making plays when it needed to. After USC took the lead in the second half, a 100-yard kick return touchdown flipped things right back around instantly.

Jeremiyah Love ran for more than 200 yards in the win, and the Fighting Irish kept their playoff hopes alive. With the USC game in the books, Notre Dame now gets a much-needed bye week to rest and recover.