In the world of college football, there’s nothing quite like the thrill and shock of a massive upset. When an unheralded underdog takes down a heavily favored powerhouse, it sends shockwaves through the sport and leaves fans stunned. Over the last three decades, we’ve witnessed some truly remarkable point-spread upsets that defied all expectations. Today, we’re counting down the top 10 biggest college football upsets that forever changed the landscape of the game.
The Unforgettable Underdogs
Before we dive into our list, let’s set the stage. In college football betting, the point spread represents the expected margin of victory for the favored team. When an underdog not only wins outright but also covers a massive spread, it’s a monumental occurrence. These are the games that go down in history, the ones fans and bettors alike talk about for generations. Without further ado, let’s count down the top 10.
10. UL Monroe Stuns Liberty as 32.5-Point Dogs (2021)
Kicking off our list is a relatively recent shocker. In October 2021, Louisiana-Monroe entered its game against Liberty as a whopping 32.5-point underdog. The Warhawks were given little chance against a surging Flames squad riding a three-game winning streak. But in a back-and-forth battle, UL Monroe pulled ahead thanks to a late 53-yard field goal before sealing the upset with an interception, winning 31-28 and pulling off the biggest upset of the 2021 season.
9. Appalachian State Rocks the Big House (2007)
In a game that put Appalachian State on the map, the FCS powerhouse marched into Michigan Stadium as 33-point underdogs against the No. 5 Wolverines. In a back-and-forth thriller, the Mountaineers blocked a last-second field goal attempt to seal a 34-32 win, marking the first time an FCS team had ever beaten a ranked FBS opponent. The victory sent shockwaves through the college football world and is widely regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
“It was like a dream. It was so unreal to beat Michigan in the Big House. Definitely the highlight of my football career.”
– Appalachian State wide receiver Dexter Jackson
8. James Madison Dukes the Hokies (2010)
Virginia Tech entered its 2010 matchup against FCS foe James Madison riding high after a narrow loss to No. 3 Boise State. But the Dukes had other ideas. As 33.5-point underdogs, James Madison rallied from a 16-7 deficit to shock the Hokies 21-16, using a punishing ground game and stifling second-half defense. The win made the Dukes just the second FCS team to beat a ranked FBS squad.
7. Liberty Flames Scorch Baylor (2017)
The Liberty Flames announced their FBS arrival in style in 2017, waltzing into Waco and stunning Baylor as 34-point underdogs. Quarterback Stephen Calvert threw for 447 yards and three scores to outduel the Bears in a 48-45 shootout. Baylor had won its previous nine games against FCS opponents by an average of over 46 points, but the Flames torched the Bears for one of the biggest upsets of the 2017 season.
6. Texas State Takes Out Houston (2012)
Texas State’s first game as an FBS program couldn’t have gone any better. As 35-point underdogs to a Houston squad coming off a 13-1 season, the Bobcats dominated from start to finish in a 30-13 rout. It marked the largest margin of victory by an underdog of 30+ points in the last 40 years. Talk about a statement win to begin your FBS tenure.
5. Temple Topples Mighty Virginia Tech (1998)
Temple limped into its 1998 tilt with Virginia Tech sporting an 0-6 record and a roster depleted by injuries. The undefeated, 14th-ranked Hokies were favored by 35.5 points. Yet somehow, the Owls found a way. Despite trailing 17-0, Temple mounted a furious comeback to stun Virginia Tech 28-24 in one of the most improbable upsets in college football history. The victory marked Temple’s first win over a ranked opponent in 11 years.
4. Syracuse Shocks Mighty Louisville (2007)
Syracuse entered its 2007 matchup with Louisville as 37-point underdogs, and for good reason. The Orange had lost their first three games by an average of nearly 29 points, while the Cardinals boasted a high-powered offense and a 20-game home winning streak. But Syracuse somehow built a 38-21 lead and held on for a 38-35 victory. Orange running back Curtis Brinkley sealed the upset with a last-minute interception of Louisville star quarterback Brian Brohm.
3. Stanford Slays the Mighty Trojans (2007)
In one of the most shocking upsets in college football history, 41-point underdog Stanford took down No. 2 USC 24-23 in the Coliseum. Tavita Pritchard, making his first career start, threw a touchdown pass to Mark Bradford on fourth-and-goal with 49 seconds left for the game-winner. The loss snapped USC’s 35-game home winning streak and is considered one of the greatest upsets ever.
“To go in there as heavy underdogs and pull it off and the way the kids played and the way they competed and played together, I’ll remember this for a long time.”
– Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh
2. Howard Bison Stampede the Rebels (2017)
Howard University pulled off perhaps the biggest point-spread upset in college football history in 2017, stunning UNLV 43-40 as 45.5-point underdogs. Caylin Newton, younger brother of NFL star Cam Newton, accounted for 330 total yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bison to victory. The win was Howard’s first over an FBS opponent since 1981 and largest upset against the spread in college football history.
1. Michigan’s Upset for the Ages (2024)
In the year 2024, the Michigan Wolverines shocked the world by toppling rival Ohio State 13-10. The stunning upset snapped Ohio State’s winning streak in the series and is considered the greatest upset in the history of the rivalry, given the Buckeyes’ dominance in recent decades and their status as huge favorites entering the contest.
These unforgettable upsets demonstrate why we love college football. On any given Saturday, even the mightiest can fall. The unpredictability and excitement these stunning results bring are what make the sport so special. As we look ahead, one thing is certain – more unbelievable upsets await. No team is ever safe, no matter how heavily favored. That’s the magic of college football.
