College Football: 11 Top-Tier Losses in Three Weeks Match 2007 Record

College football has experienced an unusual level of volatility in the fall of 2026. According to ESPN Research, top-10 teams have lost 11 games over the past three weeks. This total ties the regular season record set in 2007 for the most losses by top-10 teams in any three-week span of the AP Poll era. The streak has disrupted the hierarchy of the national standings and introduced uncertainty into the College Football Playoff picture.

The instability reached a peak during the weekend of Week 8. South Carolina defeated Tennessee, ending the Volunteers' early season surge. Texas Tech lost at Cincinnati, and USC fell to Wisconsin. In the Wisconsin contest, Lincoln Riley's Trojans scored only seven points following a bye week. These results forced a significant reevaluation of teams previously considered favorites.

BYU’s position in the rankings also shifted rapidly. The Cougars rose to No. 2 in the AP Poll after defeating Notre Dame. However, that standing lasted only seven days. BYU suffered a double-overtime road loss to UCF. Star running back LJ Martin missed the game with a lower-body injury. His absence contributed to a 3.2 yards per carry average for the Cougars. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier completed 16 of 32 passes in the defeat.

Several other high-profile games featured narrow margins. Indiana traveled to Michigan and won 13-6 in overtime. The Hoosiers held the Wolverines to 54 rushing yards on 39 carries. Alabama defeated Texas A&M with fourth-quarter touchdowns. Boise State avoided a loss to Washington State with a late scoring drive. These results highlighted the unpredictability of the current season.

Miami remains at No. 1 in the AP Poll. The Hurricanes defeated Pitt 52-23. Malachi Toney caught 16 passes for 194 yards, setting a school record. The team will face North Carolina next. A matchup with Notre Dame is scheduled for November 7.

Ohio State is dealing with an injury to starting quarterback Julian Sayin. He is out indefinitely with an elbow injury. True freshman Luke Fahey has taken the starting role. The Buckeyes face USC in their next contest. Georgia is also managing injuries as they prepare for a game against Florida in Atlanta.

Kentucky has won six straight games. The Wildcats defeated Vanderbilt 34-17. Quarterback Kenny Minchey threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Utah, which is 7-0, beat Houston 21-13 after trailing 10-0 at halftime. The Utes now hold the conference lead in the Big 12.

LSU is peaking at a critical moment. The Tigers defeated Mississippi State and Auburn, outscoring them 69-17 combined. Quarterback Sam Leavitt passed for 385 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn. The team will take a bye week before facing Alabama in two weeks.