Week 8’s bowl projections feature two new additions as Cincinnati and Utah make their first appearances of the season. The Bearcats climbed into the Top 25 at No. 24 in both national polls following their 20-11 win over UCF, improving to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Big 12. Led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby, the conference’s top-rated passer, and linebacker Jake Golday, who leads the Big 12 in tackles, Cincinnati has won five straight since its season-opening loss to Nebraska. Utah also joins the projections at No. 23, entering a key matchup against No. 15 BYU in the latest installment of the Holy War. The Utes have been efficient up front, ranking eighth nationally in rushing offense and fourth in sacks allowed while maintaining balance on both sides of the ball, averaging 39.5 points per game and allowing just 13.8.
Iowa State, USC, and Washington remain in this week’s projections after solid showings, while TCU returns to the mix following a competitive stretch of games. The Cyclones came up just short in a 24-17 road loss but continue to display defensive toughness as they look to prepare for a big game against undefeated BYU during their bye week. With a 5-2 record, Iowa State remains well-positioned for postseason play. USC delivered a decisive win over Michigan, improving to 5-1 behind the play of quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back King Miller. Washington, also 5-1, travels to face Michigan in a nationally televised matchup behind running back Jonah Coleman, who leads the nation in scoring and rushing touchdowns. TCU looks to build momentum after showing flashes of promise at Kansas State, where young receivers Ed Small and Eric McAlister both surpassed 100 yards. The Horned Frogs return home for their rivalry game against Baylor with a chance to regain their early-season rhythm.
Media Projections:
CBS Sports: Iowa State vs. Utah
College Football News: Cincinnati vs USC
Pro Football Network: Cincinnati vs. Washington
Sports Illustrated: TCU vs. USC
Team Selection Rights:
For the final year of its current bowl agreement, the Valero Alamo Bowl will match up the first choice from the following two 12-team pools after the College Football Playoff field is selected:
- Big 12 Conference Pool – Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, and West Virginia.
- Pac-12/former Pac-12 Pool – Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Washington, and Washington State.
As part of this agreement, the Pac-12’s current two members (Oregon State and Washington State) and the former Pac-12 members Cal and Stanford (ACC), Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington (Big Ten), and Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah (Big 12) will remain in the Pac-12 bowl lineup for the 2025-26 season.
Game Schedule:
*all times CST
Big 12 Pool:
Saturday, October 18:
Arizona @ Houston | 11:00 a.m.
Baylor @ TCU | 11:00 a.m.
West Virginia @ UCF | 12:00 p.m.
Texas Tech @ Arizona State | 3:00 p.m.
Utah @ BYU | 7:00 p.m.
Cincinnati @ Oklahoma State | 7:00 p.m.
Pac-12 / Former Pac-12 Pool:
Friday, October 17:
North Carolina @ California | 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 18:
Washington @ Michigan | 11:00 a.m.
Arizona @ Houston | 11:00 a.m.
Texas Tech @ Arizona State | 3:00 p.m.
Oregon @ Rutgers | 5:30 p.m.
Washington State @ Virginia | 5:30 p.m.
Maryland @ UCLA | 6:00 p.m.
USC @ Notre Dame | 6:30 p.m.
Utah @ BYU | 7:00 p.m.
Lafayette @ Oregon State | 9:00 p.m.
Florida State @ Stanford | 9:30 p.m.
The official team selection will be announced on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m., so purchase your tickets here to watch another Top 25 matchup battle it out Tuesday, December 30th at 8 p.m. in the Alamodome.