For longtime college football fans, there’s nothing quite as thrilling—or as memorable—as witnessing an upset so groundbreaking it leaves the sports world shocked. These moments aren’t just about the final score; they’re about grit, determination, and the belief that anything is possible when the underdog refuses to back down.
Over the decades, college football has provided plenty of these unforgettable David-vs.-Goliath moments. Whether it’s a little-known team toppling a powerhouse program, a storied winning streak ending in heartbreak, or defying a massive point spread, these games are the stuff of legend. For fans who’ve followed the sport for years, they evoke a sense of nostalgia—recalling where you were when you saw Appalachian State block Michigan’s last-second field goal or when Stanford silenced the Trojans in front of a stunned USC crowd.
This list of the greatest upsets in college football history highlights those iconic moments that define why we love the game. From the electric atmosphere of packed stadiums to the players who etched their names in history, these games remind us that in college football, the impossible is always within reach. Let’s relive the games that turned the world of college football upside down.
UL Monroe vs. Liberty (2021)
- Stadium: Malone Stadium, Monroe, Louisiana
- Final Score: 31-28
- Attendance: 15,624
- Notable Players: Calum Sutherland (game-winning 53-yard field goal)
- Significance: One of the largest point-spread upsets in modern college football
On October 16, 2021, UL Monroe stunned Liberty with a dramatic 31-28 victory at Malone Stadium. Entering the game as 32.5-point underdogs, UL Monroe overcame the odds through a combination of opportunistic defense and clutch offensive play. The game was decided in the fourth quarter when UL Monroe kicker Calum Sutherland drilled a 53-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining. Liberty attempted to mount a comeback, but the Warhawks’ defense held firm to secure the upset.
Liberty vs. Baylor (2017)
- Stadium: McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas
- Final Score: 48-45
- Attendance: 45,784
- Notable Players: Stephen Calvert (447 passing yards, 3 TDs)
- Significance: Liberty’s first win over a Power Five team
On September 2, 2017, Liberty stunned Baylor with a 48-45 victory at McLane Stadium. As 34-point underdogs, the Flames made history with a high-scoring performance that highlighted their offensive prowess. Liberty quarterback Stephen Calvert threw for 447 yards and three touchdowns, including a pivotal fourth-quarter score that gave the Flames the lead. This upset marked Liberty’s first-ever victory over a Power Five opponent and set the tone for their eventual rise in FBS football.
Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan (2000)
- Stadium: Waldo Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Final Score: 21-17
- Attendance: 30,300
- Notable Players: Pete Shepherd (game-winning TD drive)
- Significance: Ended Western Michigan’s seven-game win streak over Central Michigan
On November 18, 2000, Central Michigan pulled off an improbable 21-17 victory over heavily favored Western Michigan at Waldo Stadium. Entering as 34.5-point underdogs, the Chippewas leaned on clutch defense and late-game heroics to stun their archrival. Trailing by three points in the fourth quarter, Central Michigan’s quarterback Pete Shepherd led a 75-yard touchdown drive to take the lead. The defense sealed the game by forcing a turnover on Western Michigan’s final possession. This upset ended the Broncos’ seven-game winning streak over the Chippewas.
Texas State vs. Houston (2012)
- Stadium: Robertson Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Final Score: 30-13
- Attendance: 32,207
- Notable Players: Marcus Curry (131 rushing yards, 3 TDs)
- Significance: Texas State’s first-ever FBS game victory
On September 1, 2012, Texas State marked its debut in FBS football with a shocking 30-13 victory over Houston at Robertson Stadium. Entering as 35-point underdogs, the Bobcats relied on strong defense and an efficient ground game to overpower the Cougars. Running back Marcus Curry rushed for 131 yards and three touchdowns, controlling the tempo and wearing down Houston’s defense. Meanwhile, Texas State’s defense forced four turnovers and held Houston to just 326 total yards.
Syracuse vs. Louisville (2007)
- Stadium: Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky
- Final Score: 38-35
- Attendance: 41,151
- Notable Players: Andrew Robinson (423 passing yards, 4 TDs)
- Significance: Ended Louisville’s 20-game home winning streak
On September 22, 2007, Syracuse delivered a stunning 38-35 victory over No. 18 Louisville at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. The Orange, entering as 37-point underdogs, played a near-perfect offensive game to secure one of the biggest upsets in college football history. Syracuse quarterback Andrew Robinson threw for 423 yards and four touchdowns, exploiting weaknesses in Louisville’s defense. The game was decided in the final minutes when Syracuse’s defense stopped Louisville on a crucial fourth down, which snapped Louisville’s 20-game home winning streak.
Baylor vs. Kansas State (2012)
- Stadium: Floyd Casey Stadium, Waco, Texas
- Final Score: 52-24
- Attendance: 47,256
- Notable Players: Lache Seastrunk (185 rushing yards, 1 TD), Nick Florence (238 passing yards, 2 TDs)
- Significance: Ended Kansas State’s national title hopes
Baylor dismantled No. 1 Kansas State 52-24 in 2012. Baylor’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Nick Florence and running back Lache Seastrunk, overwhelmed Kansas State, scoring touchdowns on six consecutive possessions. Florence and Seastrunk combined for over 400 yards of total offense, while Baylor’s defense limited Heisman candidate Collin Klein. This decisive victory marked Baylor’s first win over a top-ranked team.
Northern Illinois vs. Notre Dame (2024)
- Stadium: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana
- Final Score: 16-14
- Attendance: 77,622
- Notable Players: Trayvon Rudolph (game-winning 41-yard FG)
- Significance: First Northern Illinois victory over a top-10 team
In a stunning upset, the unranked Northern Illinois Huskies defeated No. 5 Notre Dame 16-14 at Notre Dame Stadium in 2024. Relying on a strong defense and timely offensive plays, the Huskies secured their first-ever win over a top-10 opponent. A late field goal by Trayvon Rudolph proved decisive, while the Huskies’ defense stifled Notre Dame in the second half. This victory was a major upset and a significant blow to Notre Dame’s playoff aspirations.
Appalachian State vs. Michigan (2007)
- Stadium: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Final Score: 34-32
- Attendance: 109,218
- Notable Players: Armanti Edwards (227 passing yards, 3 TDs), Corey Lynch (game-winning field goal block)
- Significance: First FCS team to defeat a ranked FBS team
Appalachian State, an FCS team, stunned the college football world by defeating the heavily favored No. 5 Michigan in 2007. Despite being significant underdogs, the Mountaineers played with incredible heart and executed a masterful game plan. Armanti Edwards led the offense with his dual-threat abilities, and a crucial blocked field goal in the final seconds sealed the victory for Appalachian State. This upset shattered perceptions about the gap between FCS and FBS programs, proving that even the most dominant teams can be vulnerable.
Stanford vs. USC
- Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
- Final Score: 24-23
- Attendance: 85,125
- Notable Players: Tavita Pritchard (149 passing yards, 2 TDs), Mark Bradford (game-winning TD catch)
- Significance: Ended USC’s 35-game home winning streak
On October 6, 2007, Stanford pulled off a stunning upset against No. 2 USC, ending the Trojans’ 35-game home winning streak. The Cardinal, led by backup quarterback Tavita Pritchard, were 41-point underdogs. Trailing 23-17 late in the fourth quarter, Pritchard orchestrated a 45-yard game-winning drive, capped by a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to Mark Bradford with 49 seconds left. The improbable victory stunned the college football world and marked a turning point for Stanford football.
Notre Dame vs. Oklahoma (1957)
- Stadium: Owen Field, Norman, Oklahoma
- Final Score: 7-0
- Attendance: 62,000
- Notable Players: D. Lynch (game-winning touchdown)
- Significance: Ended Oklahoma’s 47-game winning streak
On November 16, 1957, the No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners hosted Notre Dame in Norman, Oklahoma, riding a historic 47-game winning streak—the longest in college football history. Notre Dame, under head coach Terry Brennan, entered as heavy underdogs but delivered a defensive masterclass, stunning Oklahoma with a 7-0 victory. The game’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when Notre Dame’s D. Lynch broke through the Sooners’ vaunted defense on a three-yard run. The Irish defense held Oklahoma scoreless, marking the Sooners’ first shutout loss in 123 games.
James Madison vs. Virginia Tech (2010)
- Stadium: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Final Score: 21-16
- Attendance: 66,233
- Notable Players: Drew Dudzik (121 passing yards, 2 rushing TDs)
- Significance: First FCS team to beat a ranked ACC opponent
James Madison, an FCS team, pulled off a stunning 21-16 upset over No. 13 Virginia Tech in 2010. Despite being heavy underdogs, JMU’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense overwhelmed the favored Hokies. Drew Dudzik led the Dukes with his dual-threat ability, while Virginia Tech struggled with turnovers and red-zone inefficiency. This victory solidified James Madison’s place in college football history and underscored the potential for FCS teams to compete with and defeat FBS powerhouses.
Howard vs. UNLV (2017)
- Stadium: Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Final Score: 43-40
- Attendance: 19,095
- Notable Players: Caylin Newton (330 total yards, 3 TDs)
- Significance: Largest point-spread upset in college football history
In a historic upset, Howard University, a 45.5-point underdog, defeated UNLV 43-40 in 2017. Freshman quarterback Caylin Newton, brother of NFL star Cam Newton, led the Bison with 330 total yards and three touchdowns. Despite being heavily outmatched on paper, Howard capitalized on big plays and UNLV’s mistakes to secure the biggest point-spread upset in college football history. This victory showcased the potential of FCS teams and solidified Newton’s status as a rising star.
Temple vs. Virginia Tech (1998)
- Stadium: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Final Score: 28-24
- Attendance: 48,157
- Notable Players: LeVar Talley (100-yard interception return TD)
- Significance: Ended Virginia Tech’s 16-game home winning streak
In a stunning upset, the heavily underdog Temple Owls defeated No. 14 Virginia Tech 28-24 in 1998. Despite trailing 17-0, Temple rallied behind quarterback Devin Scott and running back Elmarko Jackson. A crucial 100-yard interception return ignited the comeback. Scott’s late touchdown pass sealed the victory, marking one of the most improbable upsets in college football history.
Vanderbilt vs. Alabama (2024)
- Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Final Score: 40-35
- Attendance: 101,821
- Notable Players: AJ Swann (342 passing yards, 4 TDs), Will Sheppard (game-winning TD catch)
- Significance: First Vanderbilt win over Alabama in 40 years
The Vanderbilt Commodores defeated the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2024. Overcoming a 23-game losing streak against Alabama, Vanderbilt, led by quarterback AJ Swann’s four touchdown passes, defied expectations. A late-game touchdown to wide receiver Will Sheppard and crucial defensive stops, including a game-sealing interception, sealed the victory. This historic win ended Alabama’s 29-game home winning streak, sending shockwaves through the college football world.
Carnegie Tech vs. Notre Dame (1926)
- Stadium: Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Final Score: 19-0
- Attendance: 30,000
- Notable Players: Howard Harpster (quarterback, led offensive drives)
- Significance: Ended Notre Dame’s perfect defensive streak
Carnegie Tech stunned the undefeated and heavily favored Notre Dame 19-0 in 1926. Led by the legendary Knute Rockne, the Irish entered the game with an imposing defense that had yet to concede a single point in eight games. However, Carnegie Tech’s defense proved impenetrable, shutting down Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack and forcing crucial turnovers. This upset, an early landmark in college football history, serves as a timeless reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature.
