Week 7 is in the books and what a week it was! Big-time games, big-time results and big-time shakeups that might’ve left us with more questions than answers. Questions like:
Is it time to take Indiana seriously? The Hoosiers went into Eugene and stunned Oregon 30–20. In the much-hyped quarterback duel between Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, it was the supporting casts who swung the outcome. Both quarterbacks were solid, if unspectacular, but Indiana’s physicality and defensive discipline stole the show.
Has Arch Manning finally turned the corner? After a tough start to the season, Manning is now writing the headlines for all the right reasons. Beating Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry was huge, but his steady play over the past two weeks, especially against Florida and Oklahoma, has shown real growth. He’s still a work in progress and not yet an NFL-ready passer, but he’s starting to show flashes of the elite talent everyone raved about in the summer.
How healthy is John Mateer? Just three weeks after hand surgery, the Oklahoma quarterback returned to action, visibly grimacing after several throws. His stat line, which included three interceptions, reflected a little rust and perhaps lingering pain. With South Carolina on deck in Week 8, the question becomes whether he can tough it out or if another setback is looming.
And what’s next for Penn State? The loss to Northwestern was the final straw; three straight defeats (Oregon, UCLA and Northwestern) forced the administration’s hand into parting ways with James Franklin despite a rumored $50 million buyout. It’s a massive, program-altering decision. To make matters worse, senior quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending ankle injury. It’s a cruel way to end a college career for a player who could’ve gone pro a year ago. His decision to return in pursuit of a national title will now go down as a “what if.” His development plateaued this season, and his draft stock is uncertain, but there’s no questioning his loyalty.
Now comes Week 8! Maybe we’ll get answers. Maybe we’ll get more chaos. What we do know for sure is that this season keeps delivering and we’re ready for whatever comes next!
2025 College Football Week 8 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines
Week 8 Games of the Week & Devy Storylines to Watch
Ole Miss Rebels (5) @ Georgia Bulldogs (9)
Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga. – Saturday, Oct. 18
Betting Odds: Georgia -7.5 | Total: 53.5
Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad continues to defy preseason expectations. Many predicted a step back after losing key contributors to the 2025 NFL Draft, yet the Rebels enter Week 8 undefeated and among the most entertaining teams in the nation.
The spark has come from one of the best midseason stories in college football with the rise of Trinidad Chambliss. The Ferris State transfer took over in Week 3 after an injury to starting quarterback Austin Simmons, and he’s been electric ever since. In four starts, Chambliss has averaged over 300 passing yards per game with six touchdowns, while also adding 281 rushing yards and three more scores. He’s given Ole Miss a dual-threat element that has completely changed the identity of the offense. Now, with Austin Simmons nearing full health, Kiffin faces a fascinating decision: stick with the hot hand or return to his original starter? At this point, Trinidad Chambliss looks too dynamic to bench. His poise, pocket creativity and willingness to attack vertically have opened up the Rebels’ offense in ways even Lane Kiffin couldn’t have scripted.
For Georgia, the energy has dipped since their loss to Alabama, but bright spots are emerging, and none bigger than freshman running back Chauncey Bowens. After erupting for 119 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries against the Crimson Tide, Bowens followed up with another strong showing versus Kentucky, tallying 70 yards and showing improved patience and burst. With Nate Frazier dealing with ball-security issues, Bowens’ share of touches has grown, and he’s proving to be one of the more intriguing devy names in the SEC. Georgia’s offense, led by Gunner Stockton, remains methodical rather than explosive, but this backfield development gives them a much-needed jolt. Expect them to rotate backs early, but Chauncey Bowens’ efficiency could earn him the bulk of carries if he continues to run with this kind of confidence.
My Picks
Ole Miss +7.5
Lane Kiffin’s team is too hot right now and the dual-threat ability from Trinidad Chambliss makes them a nightmare to contain. Even if Georgia grinds this out, Ole Miss should keep it within a touchdown.
Trinidad Chambliss Over 275.5 Passing Yards
The transfer quarterback has gone over this number in each of his starts for Ole Miss, and Georgia’s defense has looked vulnerable to explosive plays since the Alabama loss. If this game becomes a track meet, the over on his passing total is the play.
Tennessee Volunteers (11) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (6)
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala. – Saturday, Oct. 18
Betting Odds: Alabama -9.5 | Total: 58.5
This feels like one of those “circle the date” SEC showdowns. This matchup will define the midseason narrative for both programs.
For Tennessee, seventh-year quarterback Joey Aguilar has been steady, efficient and occasionally spectacular. His 1,680 passing yards and 14 touchdowns show a player who’s finally turned experience into production. But what’s really made the Volunteers dangerous is his growing chemistry with wideout Chris Brazzell, whose blend of size, speed and body control has turned him into a nightmare matchup. Brazzell has hauled in seven touchdowns and looks every bit the future NFL receiver.
Across the field, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is in the midst of a breakout campaign that’s starting to command national attention. With 16 touchdowns to just one interception, he is operating with poise and precision rarely seen from a first-year starter. But the question scouts and fans alike are asking is if Simpson is elevating his receivers, or if they are elevating him. The truth might be somewhere in the middle; Alabama’s receiving corps functions like a basketball starting five with each player bringing a distinct skill set. Ryan Williams is the explosive guard who can take the top off defenses. Isaiah Horton provides length and catch radius on contested throws. Germie Bernard is the reliable possession option, while Lotzeir Brooks adds shiftiness and run-after-catch ability. Tight end Josh Cuevas rounds it out as the big-body forward who dominates the middle. Together, they’ve given Ty Simpson the flexibility to dissect defenses however he chooses.
Still, the quarterback’s processing and decision-making have been the real revelation. He’s spreading the ball efficiently, diagnosing coverage quickly and rarely putting the ball in harm’s way. If this continues, Alabama’s offense may quietly be one of the most balanced and dangerous in the country.
My Picks
Alabama -9.5
The Tide’s offensive balance and defensive composure should be too much for Tennessee to handle over four quarters. Expect Ty Simpson to keep the ball moving efficiently and Alabama to pull away in the second half.
Lotzeir Brooks Longest Reception Over 22.5 Yards
The Alabama wideout has recorded catches of 30 and 29 yards in consecutive games and is averaging nearly 17 yards per reception on the season. With Ryan Williams nursing an injury, Lotzeir Brooks is likely to see more deep targets from Simpson against a Tennessee secondary that has struggled to defend the vertical game. This is a clean matchup and a prop that’s already cleared in two of his last three outings.
RELATED: Alabama’s Lotzeir Brooks: The Devy Sleeper You Need To Draft Now
Devy Spotlight
Desmond Reid (RB, Pittsburgh Panthers; 2026)
Desmond Reid is a true weapon in space. His game-breaking speed and route-running versatility give him a higher ceiling than many backs in the devy class. But his path to regular touches is complicated by his limitations in pass protection and durability between the tackles.
In devy formats, Reid is a highly intriguing upside play. Teams can use him as a flex or change-of-pace option in passing-friendly scripts, especially in matchups that force heavy passing. He may not carry full three-down responsibility at the next level, but in today’s era of committee backfields, his talent can find a niche. His value will rise in deep formats, particularly if coaches deploy him more aggressively in modern spacing-driven schemes.
Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest Demon Deacons; 2026)
Demond Claiborne plays with finesse and vision. He’s not a hammer, but his ability to elude defenders, change direction smoothly and fight for extra yards makes him dangerous. His 4.42 speed shows up in short area bursts more than long stretches.
The running back is a solid late-round flier in devy leagues. He’s likely a rotational asset early, but with upside as a third-down back or gadget player. If Wake Forest gives him more opportunities in the passing game or stretches him out wide, his appeal climbs. Demond Clairborne’s best fit for a team is to pair him with a more physically dominant back; he’ll never be your bulldozer, but he adds balance and spark.
Robert Henry Jr. (RB, UTSA Roadrunners; 2026)
The most complete non-Power Five back who is currently underappreciated in devy, Robert Henry Jr. offers a great mix of contact balance, vision, receiving ability and consistency. His 177-yard, 2-TD burst versus Texas A&M showcased his potential to dominate even when spotlighted.
Henry projects as a safe mid-tier option in devy, with more upside than most anticipate. He may never be the home-run hitter, but that reliability in multiple facets gives him a sturdy floor. If he gets in an offense that uses him as a three-down back, Henry’s value could creep into late starter territory in deep leagues.
2025 Heisman Trophy Outlook
- Carson Beck (QB, Miami) | +300
- Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) | +320
- Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana) | +430
- Marcel Reed (QB, Texas A&M) | +1600
- Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State) | +1800
The Heisman race is beginning to take shape, but it remains wide open heading into Week 8.
Carson Beck returns from Miami’s bye week as the bookmakers’ favorite after Dante Moore’s setback against Indiana. A strong performance against Louisville could cement his place atop the leaderboard, but Ty Simpson isn’t far behind. His steady command of Alabama’s offense, coupled with elite efficiency (16 touchdowns to just one interception), has him rising fast. A win over Tennessee at home might be the push he needs to overtake Beck.
Further down the board, Fernando Mendoza continues to be in the mix after leading Indiana to a statement win over Oregon. If the Hoosiers stay hot, his underdog narrative could become one of the season’s defining stories. Marcel Reed also enters the conversation for the first time this year, guiding undefeated Texas A&M with precise short-to-intermediate passing and poise beyond his years. His production may not be flashy, but it’s hard to argue with the results. Finally, Julian Sayin remains in striking distance at Ohio State. His clean mechanics and mature decision-making have impressed scouts, and a big showing against Wisconsin could thrust him firmly into the top tier.
For now, Carson Beck and Ty Simpson hold the inside lane, but with a month of high-stakes matchups ahead, the Heisman picture is far from settled.
Thanks for reading my article on “2025 College Football Week 8 Preview: Best Bets & Devy Fantasy Football Storylines”. For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Petre Thomas – USA TODAY Sports*
