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Few sports moments are as thrilling as the major upsets we are occasionally treated to in college football. With 134 schools in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), plus 129 more teams in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the sport’s quantity of programs lends the opportunity for a wide-ranging degree of upsets. Factor in the top-talent recruiting dominance held by a select pool of schools, booster money and facility quality and sizes, making the upsets in this sport all the more special.
The 2023-24 season added a new chapter to this saga with Virginia’s shocking victory over #10 North Carolina, led by standout quarterback Drake Maye. This victory was particularly surprising as Virginia had yet to beat an FBS opponent that season. However, it won’t make our top five list, which delves into the biggest NCAAF upsets based on pre-game spreads or rankings.
Arguably the most famous upset in college football history, Appalachian State’s victory over Michigan is a staple in any discussion of monumental surprises. On September 1, 2007, Appalachian State, then a Division I-AA (now FCS) team, traveled to the Big House to face the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
With Michigan favored by 33 points, few expected a close game. However, Appalachian State stunned the college football world with a 34-32 victory, blocking a last-second field goal attempt by Michigan to seal the win. This game not only shook the rankings but also led to increased recognition and respect for lower-division teams.
The 2007 season was a year of the biggest NCAAF upsets, and Stanford’s victory over USC is another prime example. On October 6, 2007, Stanford, a 41-point underdog, faced off against the second-ranked USC Trojans. USC, under coach Pete Carroll, was a powerhouse with a 35-game home winning streak, while Stanford was considered an also-ran.
Despite trailing 23-14 in the fourth quarter, Stanford rallied to win 24-23, thanks to a game-winning touchdown pass from backup quarterback Tavita Pritchard. This game is remembered for its improbable finish, for significantly altering the season’s national championship race and for being the first marquee win notched by head coach Jim Harbaugh.
In one of the most lopsided NCAAF betting upsets, Howard University, a 45-point underdog, defeated UNLV 43-40 on September 2, 2017. While not a nationally relevant or title-implicative upset, this victory is cited as the biggest point spread upset in college football history.
Howard, an FCS team, was led by quarterback Caylin Newton, the younger brother of NFL star Cam Newton. Newton’s performance was electric, accounting for 330 total yards and three touchdowns. The win shocked the betting world and put Howard football on the map.
On November 16, 1957, Notre Dame ended Oklahoma’s 47-game winning streak, the longest in college football history, with a stunning 7-0 victory. Oklahoma was a dominant force, and their streak seemed unbreakable. Notre Dame, led by coach Terry Brennan, managed to score a single touchdown while shutting out the Sooners. This game is legendary not just for the upset but because it brought an end to one of the most impressive winning streaks ever.
The 2007 season strikes again with our choice for the biggest NCAAF upset of all time. On November 3, 2007, Navy defeated Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime, breaking a 43-year losing streak against the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame was heavily favored, and their long-standing dominance over Navy made this outcome seem almost impossible. However, Navy’s resilient performance, including a game-winning two-point conversion in the third overtime, secured the historic victory.
The 2007 season was indeed a year of chaos, with multiple shocking upsets, including Boise State’s victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. These upsets highlight the inherent unpredictability of college football, where the underdog can triumph and alter the course of the season.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.