USC climbs into the Top 20 after a convincing win over Ohio State, positioning the Trojans as the most viable outsider for the College Football Playoff. At 7-2 and ranked 20th, they face No. 4 Indiana on the road, then Maryland, and a showdown with eighth‑ranked UCLA. Coach Lincoln Riley has steadied the ship after early losses, and stars like Jayden Maivia, King Miller and Trent Mosley give USC a powerful edge. If the Trojans win out, they would hold victories over Ohio State and UCLA, creating a strong case for a playoff berth despite stiff competition from LSU, Texas Tech, Wake Forest and others.
Veteran LSU linebacker Whit Weeks moves from "out" to "doubtful" for Saturday's crucial SEC showdown with Alabama. Weeks has been recovering from a fractured right fibula suffered against Texas A&M on Sept. 26, where he recorded 23 tackles and a pass breakup before exiting. While the defense has performed well under Blake Baker, the unit hopes to get its leader back before the season's final games against Texas and Tennessee. His brother Zach also lists as questionable.
Texas enters its SEC showdown with No. 18 Missouri missing key running back Hollywood Smothers, who is ruled out after a lingering lower‑body injury. The Longhorns also cope with injuries to star receiver Cam Coleman and edge rusher Colin Simmons. Despite the setback, Texas rides a surge after climbing to No. 7 in the new College Football Playoff rankings—ahead of unbeaten UCLA—and looks to solidify its CFP and SEC title hopes. Both Texas and Missouri sit at 6‑2, so the result could reshape the postseason picture.
Miami’s Heisman frontrunner and star receiver Malachi Toney faces ankle surgery, sidelining him for four to six weeks and likely causing him to miss the crucial Notre Dame matchup and several subsequent games. The 5‑foot‑11 playmaker has racked up 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, placing him among the nation’s leaders. With Toney out, quarterback Darian Mensah must adjust his game, leaning on targets like Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw, Elija Lofton, Somourian Wingo and Vandrevius Jacobs, while running back Mark Fletcher returns to a larger role. The Hurricanes remain No. 1 in the CFP poll but will feel the loss as they eye a playoff run.
Lammy sees a quarterback climbing back to last year's level. Mason sees real progress, but not yet the consistency he wants.
Michigan football lists six players out and six questionable, including John Henry Daley, Dom Nichols, and Rod Moore, ahead of Michigan State.
Rece Davis says the College Football Playoff rankings show will need a overhaul once the bracket expands to 24 teams next season. After a criticized first ranking release, Davis hinted the weekly show could feel “dry” covering two‑dozen teams and suggested cutting the list at 25 and highlighting the first team left out to build suspense. He noted uncertainty about the show's future, though insider Pete Thamel expects it to continue under ESPN’s new CFP contract. With the bracket fixed at 24 through 2031, Davis warns the format could become monotonous for fans, urging a reimagined approach.
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall suspends defensive tackle Jeramiah McCloud for Saturday's showdown with Oklahoma, citing conduct detrimental to the team. The Gators released the statement on Wednesday, noting McCloud’s status will be reassessed after the game. The Sylvester, Ga., native has recorded 22 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 0.5 sack and three pass deflections this season, leaving Florida’s defensive line shorthanded against a potent Oklahoma offense. The exact reason for the suspension remains undisclosed, but the move tightens Florida’s defensive front ahead of the matchup.
Bill Riley breaks down this week’s marquee college football clash as No. 9 BYU travels to face No. 3 Utah, while also reviewing the latest CFP Top 25 moves and other rivalry week storylines. He highlights key matchups, recent form, and implications for the playoff race.
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti joins veteran host Don Fischer on the Inside Indiana Football radio show to break down the Hoosiers' overtime victory over Minnesota and preview the upcoming bye week. The program wraps up with cornerback Jamari Sharpe sharing his perspective. The segment, available via IU Athletics on YouTube, offers insight into the team's recent win and future plans.
LSU senior linebacker and captain Whit Weeks returns to limited practice and could suit up for Saturday’s clash with Alabama, though his participation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide lists five starters as questionable, adding intrigue to the SEC showdown on Nov. 5, 2026.
Draft analyst Todd McShay tells The Triple Option that Texas quarterback Arch Manning isn’t ready for the NFL and should stay in college another year. While McShay still sees Manning as a first‑round talent, he suggests a transfer to Kentucky under new coach Will Stein could offer a better system than staying with Steve Sarkisian. After eight games, Manning’s season has faltered with seven interceptions, 20 sacks allowed and back‑to‑back losses to Oklahoma and Florida, though he posted a 16‑of‑20, 220‑yard, three‑TD performance against Mississippi State. With Texas sitting at No. 7 and upcoming games versus Missouri and LSU, his future remains a hot topic.
The post launches a new “In‑Season Cup” tracker for men’s college basketball, mirroring the NHL’s concept. Michigan, the 2025-26 national champion, starts as the inaugural holder and defended it with an 84‑68 win over Oakland on Nov 2, keeping the trophy for four days. The next challenge arrives Friday, Nov 6, when Michigan faces UConn at the TD Garden. The author promises to log each team’s tenure with the Cup throughout the 2026‑27 season.
Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles is listed as questionable for Saturday's Big Ten showdown with Iowa, according to On3 insider Pete Nakos. The nature of his injury is undisclosed, though he previously suffered a dislocated finger. Chiles has sparked the Wildcats' resurgence, posting 1,898 passing yards, 13 TDs, one interception and a career‑high 274 rushing yards with 10 TDs. His play lifted Northwestern to No. 24 in the polls and 15th in ClutchPoints' power rankings before a 34-26 loss to Oregon dropped them out of the top 25. The Wildcats hold a 3.6% chance of winning out and a 7.4% shot at the 12‑team postseason, making Chiles' availability a crucial factor against a still‑alive Iowa team.
Miami still anticipates Toney will return to action if the No. 1-ranked team reaches the College Football Playoff
Nebraska football is getting two key veterans back as it tries to stop a three-game collapse.
Miami’s top receiver Malachi Toney suffers a high‑ankle sprain in Wednesday practice, throwing his availability into doubt for the No. 1 vs. No. 11 showdown with Notre Dame on Nov. 7. Toney, who has 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns in Miami’s 8‑0 start, may need surgery and could miss at least four weeks. Coach Mario Cristobal now faces the challenge of reshaping a passing attack that relies on Toney for 35% of catches and nearly half of its touchdowns. Backup options like Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw and tight end Elija Lofton must step up as the Hurricanes aim to protect their CFP hopes.
Miami’s unbeaten run hits a snag as star WR Malachi Toney suffers a high‑ankle sprain in Wednesday’s practice and is slated for surgery. The injury sidelines him for at least four weeks, costing the Hurricanes 73 catches, 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns this season and jeopardizing his Heisman hopes. Coach Mario Cristobal must adjust before the primetime Notre Dame clash, though Miami can still protect its CFP positioning. Toney’s return is targeted for the start of the College Football Playoff.
Kentucky and Tennessee unveil their first injury reports before Saturday’s showdown in Knoxville. Kentucky clears running back CJ Baxter and WR Nic Anderson, while edge rusher Sam Greene is listed as probable and CB Isaiah McMillian as questionable; LB Antwan Smith, CB Jaden Smith, LB Justyn Hartley and CB Grant Grayton are ruled out. Tennessee’s star RB DeSean Bishop is cleared to play after a minor knock, but TE Ethan Davis, guard Wendell Moe, safeties Edrees Farooq and Dylan Lewis, WR/kick returner Joakim Dodson, LB Jaedon Harmon and CB Jadais Richard remain out with season‑ending injuries. No other new injuries are reported.
Rutgers travels to Madison for its second Big Ten win attempt, facing a Wisconsin team that rebounds from a 30-0 loss to Iowa but sits 5-3 after a strong first half of the season. Badgers QB Colton Joseph, who leads both passing (1,346 yards, 11 TDs) and rushing (371 yards, 4 TDs), may be sidelined after a benching, while freshman Ryan Hopkins could see more snaps. Wisconsin’s defense, anchored by LB Sebastian Cheeks (31 tackles, 6 sacks) and a massive D‑line, poses a big challenge. Rutgers is shorthanded—Dylan Lonergan is out and KJ Duff is doubtful—leaving AJ Surace to start at QB. The game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 on the Big Ten Network.
Inside NU’s Week 9 Big Ten Power Rankings highlight UCLA climbing to No. 1 after an 8‑0 season and a dominant win over Nevada, while Indiana stays at No. 2 with an overtime victory despite quarterback turnover. USC jumps five spots to No. 3 after a 31‑24 home upset of No. 2 Ohio State, showcasing a balanced attack with 116 rushing yards and over 200 passing yards. Ohio State drops to No. 4 after a shaky debut by freshman QB Luke Fahey against USC. Iowa rebounds to No. 5 with a shutout of Wisconsin, relying on stout defense and efficient QB play. The rankings set up crucial matchups with Minnesota, Oregon and USC looming as teams vie for playoff spots.
After Ohio State’s 30-18 loss to USC dropped the Buckeyes to No. 11 in the AP Top 25, former quarterback CJ Stroud stepped in to defend coach Ryan Day and endorse freshman starter Luke Fahey. Stroud praised the program’s “fight” culture, warned against media overreaction, and highlighted Fahey’s 260 passing yards, a touchdown to Jeremiah Smith, and the trust Day has placed in the youngster despite a shaky debut. With the Buckeyes set to face No. 23 Oregon next week, Stroud’s endorsement aims to bolster confidence and keep the team’s championship window open.
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy predicts a surprise victory for Missouri over Texas in their first SEC‑Big 12 showdown at Faurot Field since 2011. He backs the Tigers to win 20‑17, citing their ball‑security and the Longhorns' turnover woes. McElroy outlines five key factors, including who can block Mizzou's Daeden Hopkins and whether Texas can reach 24 points. The game kicks off at noon ET on ABC, offering both teams a chance to stay in the College Football Playoff race.
Miami’s top receiver Malachi Toney suffers a high‑ankle sprain that requires surgery, sidelining him for several weeks after a Wednesday practice injury. Despite missing the upcoming No. 11 Notre Dame game, the surgery could allow Toney to return in time for the College Football Playoff, which Miami is projected to reach. Toney ranks among the nation’s elite receivers—73 catches, 1,027 yards and 13 TDs in eight games—and is a 2028 NFL Draft prospect. In his absence, Duke transfer Cooper Barkate and tight end Elijah Lofton are expected to see more targets as Miami eyes the ACC title and a possible CFP bye.
Hunter Clegg | BYU Football | Media Availability | Utah | November 4, 2026