Preseason Powerhouses Crumble: Oregon, Michigan, Texas A&M Highlight Dramatic Fall of Top-Ranked Teams

The summit of the AP Top 25 bears little resemblance to its preseason form. Following Oregon’s upset loss at Illinois, three programs that began the year in the top 10—and six from the top 20—have already accumulated at least three defeats through eight weeks. Texas A&M and Penn State have plummeted to 4-4 and 3-4 respectively, records that would eliminate them from contention even under an expanded 24-team playoff format.

Oregon’s collapse is the most stunning. The Ducks entered 2026 as the No. 2 team and a popular national title selection, buoyed by roster depth that was supposed to withstand injuries. Yet even as 12.5-point favorites against the Illini, they faltered without quarterback Dante Moore and four of their top five receivers. Backup Dylan Raiola, a former two-year starter brought in to develop behind Moore, has struggled mightily outside one strong relief appearance against USC. Oregon managed just 42 total points over its last three games, averaging under 25 yards per possession on 11 drives against Illinois after an opening touchdown drive.

The offensive regression underscores the departure of coordinator Will Stein, now thriving as Kentucky’s head coach. Oklahoma State exposed Oregon’s stance tendencies as early as Week 2, and the Ducks’ playoff hopes have effectively evaporated—even with a remaining trip to No. 3 Ohio State, a five-game winning streak appears implausible.

Texas A&M mirrors Oregon’s trajectory. The Aggies opened at No. 8 but sit 1-4 in SEC play after a 31-20 loss to No. 13 Alabama. Like Oregon, they lost their offensive coordinator—Collin Klein returned to Kansas State—and quarterback play has cratered. Marcel Reed ranks among the worst power-conference passers, throwing two interceptions and fumbling three times against the Tide. The offense has dropped from 6.4 yards per play in 2025 to barely above five this season.

Yet both units look efficient compared to Michigan. The preseason No. 16 Wolverines are 4-3 despite a defense that hasn’t surrendered more than 20 points all year. In a 13-6 overtime loss to No. 6 Indiana, freshman Tommy Carr started over five-star Bryce Underwood and managed just 224 yards on 74 plays—3.0 yards per snap. Michigan needed a last-second field goal merely to force overtime, then watched Indiana score immediately in the extra frame. A functional offense would make Michigan a title contender; instead, they’re reduced to spoiler role at 1-3 in Big Ten play, with a brutal closing stretch against UCLA, Ohio State, and ironically, Oregon.

All three programs will likely reach bowl eligibility, but 6-6 records and lower-tier postseason destinations await rather than playoff berths.

Winners

Wyoming QB Tyler Hughes: Hughes accounted for three touchdowns—two passing, one rushing—and produced one of the season’s most remarkable runs, somehow staying upright through a gauntlet of defenders. The Cowboys topped Air Force 28-14 to reach 4-1 in Mountain West play (5-3 overall) and remain in the conference title hunt with New Mexico looming.

Florida Atlantic WR Easton Messer: In a 51-49 shootout against Rice featuring nine touchdowns of 30-plus yards, Messer delivered a virtuoso performance: 12 catches for 162 yards and two scores, three carries for 18 yards and two more touchdowns, plus an 82-yard punt return. The teams combined for over 1,000 yards, with Rice rushing 51 times for 499 yards.

Kansas: The Jayhawks snapped a 14-game losing streak to Baylor dating to 2007. Isaiah Marshall’s 15-yard touchdown run with 1:13 remaining capped a 25-24 victory set up by a blocked extra-point attempt. The win lifts Kansas to 3-4 with winnable games against BYU and Oklahoma State remaining, reviving bowl hopes.

Losers

James Madison: Last year’s unbeaten regular season and playoff berth bought no immunity. The Dukes fell 34-31 in overtime at Appalachian State, surrendering a late touchdown to force the extra frame before losing. It ended a regular-season winning streak stretching over a year and effectively cements the Group of Six playoff representative from the Pac-12 or American Athletic Conference.

Virginia: The Cavaliers have dropped three of four following a 19-16 home loss to Duke, where star running back Nate Sheppard threw the game-winning 28-yard touchdown pass. After reaching the ACC title game in 2025, Virginia sits 4-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play—a return to Charlotte is off the table.

TCU: The Horned Frogs teeter toward a losing season after a 24-20 home defeat to West Virginia. Jaden Craig threw for 372 yards but committed three turnovers—an interception and two fumbles—while Mountaineers quarterback Michael Hawkins added three more touchdowns to his impressive campaign. At 3-4 overall and 1-3 in Big 12 play, TCU faces three ranked opponents in its final five games.

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