College Football Week 9: Biggest Winners and Losers

In Week 9 of the 2026 college football season, Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola bounced back with 336 passing yards and three touchdowns to defeat Nebraska, while Wisconsin suffered a stunning 30-0 shutout loss to Iowa. Multiple AP Top 25 programs fell during a chaotic slate that reshaped conference title races nationwide.

Fantasy & Market Impact

  • Dylan Raiola’s Stock: A 336-yard, three-touchdown performance reignites Oregon’s offense, elevating his outlook ahead of a clash with No. 2 Ohio State.
  • Wisconsin’s Offensive Freefall: Generating a paltry 52 rushing yards against Iowa tanks the Badgers’ momentum, raising questions for upcoming matchups.
  • Texas Tech’s Big 12 Ascent: Handing quarterback Thomas Castellanos the keys has unlocked the Red Raiders’ offense, turning them into a contender in the conference.

Raiola Rescues Oregon’s Offense

The Dylan Raiola era in Eugene experienced its roughest turbulence after the former Nebraska transfer was forced into the starting lineup over Dante Moore. Falling into an early 10-0 hole against No. 20 Northwestern, the Ducks looked entirely outmatched on the offensive whiteboard. Raiola settled down to complete 22-of-31 passes for 336 yards and three scores, giving the offense the spark it desperately needed.

New offensive coordinator Jay Johnson adjusted his tactical deployment by spreading the field and letting star-studded wideouts make plays in space. Down the stretch, true freshman wide receiver Jalen Lott hauled in a critical conversion on third-and-two, followed by a trusted target grab on fourth-and-three. When the game hung in the balance, Raiola dialed up Jamari Johnson for the go-ahead score in the back of the end zone.

Defensively, the Ducks generated relentless pressure through edge rushers Teitum Tuioti and Nasir Wyatt. Tuioti wrecked protection schemes with two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, while Wyatt executed a spy assignment against the opposing backfield to help secure a victory.

Wisconsin Collapses Against Iowa’s Low-Block Defense

All the positive momentum built in Madison evaporated instantly as Wisconsin absorbed a devastating 30-0 shutout loss at the hands of Iowa. Luke Fickell’s squad was thoroughly neutralized on both sides of the scrimmage line, mustering a meager 52 yards on the ground.

College Football Week 9: Biggest Winners and Losers
Photo: autzenzoo.com

Iowa quarterback Hank Brown picked apart the secondary, completing 20-of-24 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

Team Passing Yards Rushing Yards Total Points
Iowa 222 — 30
Wisconsin — 52 0
Oregon 336 —
Nebraska — —

Cignetti’s Late-Game Heroics and Big 12 Upheaval

No. 4 Indiana managed to survive a massive upset scare against Minnesota, escaping with a 23-16 overtime win. Following a stunning 60-yard field goal by Minnesota in the dying seconds of regulation, Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti managed the clock in a sequence that left analysts questioning the sideline management. Yet, Indiana immediately responded by converting their own long-range field goal and striking quickly in the opening frame of overtime.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech completely revitalized its Big 12 championship ambitions. Following a bruising defeat to Cincinnati, head coach Joey McGuire elevated backup quarterback Thomas Castellanos into the starting role. The tactical pivot yielded immediate dividends through consecutive high-stakes victories against No. 22 Houston and No. 22 Arizona, thrusting the Red Raiders directly into the conference title conversation ahead of demanding road trips.

Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.

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Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Senior Editor, Sport Luis is a respected sports journalist with several national writing awards. He covers major leagues, global tournaments, and athlete profiles, blending analysis with captivating storytelling.

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