ESPN's power rankings following college football's Week 8 have the Florida Gators rising once again. This time, Jon Sumrall and Co. were promoted three spots to No. 18 after taking a breather with a bye last weekend.

That places the Orange and Blue between No. 17 Northwestern and No. 19 Boise State.

"The Gators had an open date to prepare for rival Georgia and to get healthy. Quarterback Aaron Philo missed the Oct. 17 victory at Texas with a shoulder injury, and wide receiver Vernell Brown III has been out three weeks with a knee injury," writer Andrea Adelson notes as she looks ahead to the UF-UGA matchup.

"Additionally, wideout Bailey Stockton was hurt against the Longhorns. Being at full strength to try to beat the Bulldogs this Saturday for the first time since 2020 will be perhaps the biggest key."

Florida faces Georgia in their annual rivalry game on Saturday, Oct. 31, which will be played in Atlanta and broadcast on ABC starting at 3:30 p.m. ET.

SEC schools in ESPN's power rankings after Week 8

The Southeastern Conference maintained its tally of nine member schools in ESPN's power rankings this week, with third-ranked Georgia leading the way, followed by Kentucky (No. 8), Alabama (No. 10), LSU (No. 12), Texas (No. 13), Ole Miss (No. 14), Florida (No. 18), Tennessee (No. 20) and Missouri (No. 23).

ESPN's college football power rankings after Week 8

1. Miami Hurricanes

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

3. Georgia Bulldogs

4. BYU Cougars

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

6. UCLA Bruins

7. Indiana Hoosiers

8. Kentucky Wildcats

9. Utah Utes

10. Alabama Crimson Tide

11. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

12. LSU Tigers

13. Texas Longhorns

14. Ole Miss Rebels

15. Texas Tech Red Raiders

16. Houston Cougars

17. Northwestern Wildcats

18. Boise State Broncos

19. Tennessee Volunteers

20. Arizona Wildcats

21. SMU Mustangs

22. Missouri Tigers

23. New Mexico Lobos

24. Oregon State Beavers