Week 8 of the 2025 college football season brought a wild mix of standout performances from both players and teams. Oregon’s Dante Moore bounced back in style, while Iowa’s offensive line bulldozed Penn State. It was a week packed with moments that, honestly, made you want to rewatch the highlights.
Let’s dig into the names and plays that landed on the Team of the Week as picked by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Offensive Stars of the Week
The offense this week? Electric. A handful of guys basically took over their games and made a real difference.
Here are the players who just couldn’t be stopped in Week 8:
Quarterback: Dante Moore, Oregon
After a rough outing against Indiana, Dante Moore came roaring back versus Rutgers. He hit 15 of 20 passes for 288 yards and tossed four touchdowns without a single turnover-worthy play.
Moore even ran for 49 yards, flashing that dual-threat skill set. He was the engine behind Oregon’s big win.
Running Back: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love put on a show for Notre Dame, ripping off chunk plays and keeping the offense humming. His bursts through the line were a huge part of why Notre Dame kept moving the sticks.
Wide Receivers: Iverson Hooks, UAB and Cooper Barkate, Duke
Iverson Hooks (UAB) made clutch grabs that kept drives alive and put points up. Not to be outdone, Cooper Barkate (Duke) used his quickness and sharp routes to pile up yardage and shake defenders.
Tight End: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq was Moore’s go-to guy when it mattered. He found open spots in the defense and hauled in some tough catches, really making his presence felt.
Flex: Harold Mack, Eastern Michigan
Harold Mack did a bit of everything for Eastern Michigan. Whether it was running or catching, he was the spark plug that kept their offense alive.
Dominant Offensive Line Performances
Offensive linemen rarely get the spotlight, but this week, they absolutely earned it.
Iowa’s Offensive Line
Iowa’s line crushed it against Penn State. They gave up only three pressures—no sacks, no hits—and paved the way for 245 rushing yards.
That kind of dominance doesn’t happen by accident.
Other Notable Offensive Linemen
- LT: Isaiah World, Oregon
- LG: Beau Stephens, Iowa
- C: Bruce Mitchell, BYU
- RG: Taran Tyo, Cincinnati
- RT: Grant Seagren, Oklahoma State
Defensive Standouts of the Week
The defense had its share of game-wreckers too. A few guys just took over, plain and simple.
Edge Rushers: Derrick Moore, Michigan and Ibrahim Diawara, Coastal Carolina
Derrick Moore (Michigan) racked up four pressures, two sacks, and even forced a fumble in a big win over Washington. Ibrahim Diawara (Coastal Carolina) was a headache for quarterbacks all game, living in the backfield.
Defensive Interior: Ezra Christensen, New Mexico State and Santana Hopper, Tulane
Ezra Christensen clogged up the middle for New Mexico State, making it nearly impossible to run inside. Santana Hopper (Tulane) was relentless, winning battles in the trenches and pushing the pocket all day.
Linebackers: Red Murdock, Buffalo and Bryun Parham, UConn
Red Murdock (Buffalo) led all FBS defenders with a 95.4 PFF run-defense grade, notching a 14.3% run-stop rate and forcing a fumble. Bryun Parham (UConn) was everywhere, flying sideline to sideline and making some seriously tough tackles.
Secondary Stars
The secondary? Full of guys who made big-time plays and shut down their matchups.
Cornerbacks: Jabari Mack, Louisville and Zabien Brown, Alabama
Jabari Mack (Louisville) gave up just two catches for 16 yards on six targets, picked off a pass, and allowed a measly 2.8 NFL passer rating when tested. Zabien Brown (Alabama) was just as stingy, locking down his side and frustrating receivers all game.
Safeties: Tyree Skipper, Louisiana-Lafayette and Cruce Brookins, Pittsburgh
Tyree Skipper showed off his range and ball skills for Louisiana-Lafayette. Cruce Brookins (Pittsburgh) played tough, whether he was coming up to stop the run or dropping back in coverage.
Week 8 of the 2025 college football season really had it all. There were some wild performances that showcased just how much talent is out there.
Offensive juggernauts made their mark, and defensive players stepped up in big ways too. Honestly, these athletes keep proving why they’re the best in college football.
If you want the full breakdown, including all the standout moments, you can check out the Team of the Week and Player Awards on PFF’s website.
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