The latest AP Top 25 poll, released Sunday, October 18, 2026, has Miami at No. 1 and the Iowa Hawkeyes moving up to No. 15 after a chaotic Week 7 in college football.
Iowa (5-1) climbed two spots from No. 17 without playing a game last Saturday, benefiting from losses by Missouri and Alabama. It is the Hawkeyes' highest ranking of the season and their best position in the poll since late in the 2024 campaign.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes Moved Up
The Hawkeyes were idle in Week 7 but still gained ground. Missouri, previously No. 13, was blown out 31-3 by Ole Miss and plummeted to No. 22. Alabama, which entered the week at No. 6, was dominated 26-10 by Tennessee and fell to No. 13. Those two losses opened the door for several teams, including Iowa, to climb.
Iowa finished with 747 points in the balloting, ahead of No. 16 USC and No. 17 Wake Forest, according to ESPN's coverage of the poll. The Hawkeyes' 5-1 record includes a narrow road loss to a ranked opponent, and voters have rewarded the program's consistent defensive play.
Miami Takes Over the Top Spot
Miami (6-0) claimed No. 1 for the first time since 2002, according to ESPN, despite needing double overtime to beat Florida State 43-35. The Hurricanes received 40 first-place votes and 1,697 total points. Florida State has struggled this season, which left some voters hesitant, but the win was enough to push Miami past Georgia.
Georgia (6-1), previously No. 1, dropped to No. 4 after losing 24-22 to Auburn. The Tigers were not ranked in the top 25 entering the week.
BYU Makes the Biggest Jump
BYU (5-0) surged six spots to No. 2 after beating Notre Dame 28-24. It is the Cougars' highest ranking since their 1984 national championship season, ESPN reported. BYU picked up 20 first-place votes, a sign that voters respect the win over the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame fell from No. 2 to No. 4 despite the narrow loss. Ohio State moved up one spot to No. 3 after beating then-No. 5 Indiana 19-15, a result that dropped the Hoosiers to No. 6.
What the Week 8 Poll Means for Iowa
The path forward for Iowa shapes up favorably. The Hawkeyes return to action with a chance to build on their ranking against unranked competition before facing ranked opponents later in the season. A win would likely push Iowa into the top 12.
According to Yahoo Sports, only five unbeaten Power Four programs remain: Miami, UCLA, Texas Tech, Utah, and BYU. That scarcity of undefeated teams means the playoff race remains wide open, and one-loss teams like Iowa are still very much in the conversation.
Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz said earlier this season that the program's focus remains on controlling what it can control. The Hawkeyes have posted five straight wins since their season-opening loss, relying on a defense that ranks among the nation's best in points allowed.
Biggest Winners and Losers in Week 8 Poll
The biggest risers this week were BYU (up six spots), Houston (up six spots to No. 14 after beating Oklahoma State 35-32), and Miami (up two spots to No. 1). Florida entered the poll at No. 20 after upsetting Texas 27-24, a result that dropped the Longhorns 12 spots to No. 19.
Alabama fell seven spots to No. 13. Oklahoma State and Mississippi State dropped out of the rankings entirely after being ranked No. 16 and No. 18, respectively. Missouri fell nine spots to No. 22.
Nine SEC teams landed in the latest poll, including LSU, which routed Mississippi State 31-0, according to BVM Sports. That depth could complicate Iowa's playoff hopes if the Hawkeyes finish strong, since the selection committee has historically favored SEC programs.
Looking Ahead for the Hawkeyes
Iowa controls its own destiny in the Big Ten race. With Indiana and Ohio State both ahead in the rankings, the Hawkeyes have a clear benchmark. A strong finish could put Iowa in position for a conference championship appearance and a playoff berth.
For Iowa fans, the No. 15 ranking is a milestone worth savoring. For more on how the Hawkeyes got here, see our earlier coverage of Iowa's rise after historic upset Saturday and Miami's climb to No. 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iowa's ranking in the Week 8 AP Top 25?
Iowa is No. 15 in the Week 8 AP Top 25 poll, released October 18, 2026. The Hawkeyes moved up from No. 17 after going idle in Week 7.
Why did Iowa move up without playing?
Missouri and Alabama, both ranked ahead of Iowa last week, lost their games. Missouri fell to No. 22 and Alabama dropped to No. 13, allowing Iowa to gain two spots.
Who is No. 1 in the Week 8 AP Top 25?
Miami is No. 1 with a 6-0 record. The Hurricanes beat Florida State 43-35 in double overtime and received 40 first-place votes.
When was Miami last ranked No. 1?
Miami was last ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25 in 2002, according to ESPN.