Halloween Weekend Upsets Reshape College Football Playoff Picture

Key points

• Texas Tech defeated Arizona 34-26, with QB Thomas Castellanos and RB J'Koby Williams each rushing for over 100 yards, marking a historic first for the program.
• Iowa shut out Wisconsin 30-0, extending its winning streak against the Badgers to five games and responding to a previous loss to Minnesota.
• Notre Dame beat Navy 35-13, but questions remain about their resume strength ahead of a potential top-five matchup with Miami.
• Ohio State will face USC without starting QB Julian Sayin, relying on true freshman Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair, while USC coach Lincoln Riley seeks a win to stabilize his tenure.
• The first College Football Playoff rankings are scheduled for Tuesday, with Week 9 results influencing committee decisions.

Background

The 2026 college football season has seen increased volatility, with multiple undefeated teams falling in recent weeks. The SEC has been particularly chaotic, with no teams remaining undefeated in conference play. Previous weeks featured pivotal tests for teams like Indiana, Texas, and Auburn, setting the stage for the current competitive landscape.

How outlets are covering it

CBS Sports emphasized the Big 12 and SEC clashes, highlighting Arizona's quarterback advantage and the potential for Florida to challenge Georgia. USA Today focused on Texas Tech's resilience and Iowa's defensive dominance, while questioning Notre Dame's resume strength. NCAA.com provided live updates, noting the impact of quarterback changes and the significance of the CFP rankings. ESPN was inaccessible due to a server error.

Why it matters

Week 9 results directly influence the first College Football Playoff rankings, determining which teams secure spots in the postseason. The upsets and momentum shifts could alter conference standings and playoff positioning, making this weekend critical for teams aiming for the national title.

What to watch

The first College Football Playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, followed by Week 10 games featuring top-ranked teams like Miami and Utah. The outcomes of these games will further shape the playoff picture and potentially determine conference champions.