The biggest upsets of the 2024 college football season have captivated fans and altered the trajectories of numerous teams.
A Group of Five program has delivered a jaw-dropping performance against a traditional powerhouse. New and old conference foes have flipped league title races on their heads.
Let’s dive into the most shocking moments of the 2024 season and examine how they have impacted rankings, rivalries, and the road to the College Football Playoff.
Top Upsets That Shook the College Football Landscape in 2024
Week 0: Georgia Tech 24, No. 10 Florida State 21
Two years ago, Brent Key made an instant impact as the interim coach by leading the Yellow Jackets to an upset victory over 24th-ranked Pitt. They followed that up by taking down rival 13th-ranked North Carolina in 2022.
Last season, Georgia Tech added to its résumé by shocking a pair of then-No. 17 teams, Miami and North Carolina. To cap it off, they mounted a fierce fourth-quarter challenge against top-ranked Georgia.
In other words, the Jackets are no strangers to pulling off surprises.
As sharp bettors noted, the spread for the Georgia Tech-Florida State matchup shifted from -14.5 to -10.5 in favor of the Seminoles. Yet, astute gamblers recognized that placing their bets on the Yellow Jackets’ moneyline might not be as far-fetched as it appeared.
After owning both lines of scrimmages, Georgia Tech ended the game on a 44-yard walk-off field goal by Aidan Birr, setting FSU’s downfall in motion.
Week 2: Northern Illinois 16, No. 5 Notre Dame 14
When Group of Five teams make the trek to face Power Four schools — or, in this case, Notre Dame — there’s usually a significant financial incentive. For the Huskies, their trip to South Bend, Ind., in Week 2 came with a hefty price tag of $1.4 million.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
While that number grabs attention, the significance of the upset is even more remarkable. At kickoff, the Fighting Irish were such heavy favorites that the spread soared to -28 in their favor, marking one of the largest lines for any FBS vs. FBS matchup during the slate.
Yet, Northern Illinois was unfazed, earning its first non-conference victory against a ranked opponent since 2003 (19-16 vs. Alabama) and its first-ever win over a top-10 team.
Week 4: BYU 38, No. 13 Kansas State 9
In Week 4, BYU not only upset No. 13 Kansas State, but they snapped a five-game losing streak to Big 12 opponents and improved to 4-0 on the year.
With the game still relatively close, the momentum shifted dramatically before halftime when BYU scored two touchdowns just 39 seconds apart, capitalizing on back-to-back turnovers by Kansas State.
Defensive standout Jack Kelly stripped the ball from RB DJ Giddens on a crucial third-down play, allowing Tommy Prassas to scoop up the fumble and sprint 30 yards to the end zone, giving the Cougars their first lead at 10-6.
Just moments later, Avery Johnson’s pass was intercepted by Tyler Batty, setting up a 23-yard TD catch by Chase Roberts that extended BYU’s lead to 17-6 as they headed into the locker room.
Kansas State finished with zero TDs on the night, marking the Wildcats’ first game without one since 2020.
Week 5: Arizona 23, No. 10 Utah 17
Arizona became the first unranked team to defeat the Utes in Salt Lake City in seven years while also celebrating its inaugural win in the Big 12 in Week 5.
Utah was without seventh-year QB Cam Rising, who faced scrutiny regarding his availability leading up to the game. ESPN reported on Saturday that Rising’s status was uncertain until game time, but during the broadcast, the announcers said head coach Kyle Whittingham told his team on Friday that backup Isaac Wilson would start under center.
Wilson threw for 266 yards and one TD but struggled with two INTs, and Utah’s offense squandered several opportunities, failing to convert on fourth downs on four different drives. The lack of execution set a challenging tone early in the contest, allowing the Wildcats to capitalize and secure a landmark win in the conference.
Week 5: Kentucky 20, No. 6 Ole Miss 17
Mark Stoops’ conservative approach almost cost him a shot at an upset, but when his back was against the wall, he made a bold call on 4th-and-8 from his own 18. WR Barion Brown came through with a massive gain, allowing the Wildcats to return to their successful counter run, which they had effectively utilized in the first half.
Kentucky embraced the philosophy of grinding the clock to aid the defense, holding possession for nearly 40 minutes of the game.
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
On defense, the Wildcats excelled at limiting big plays and forcing Ole Miss to earn every yard. By making the Rebels drive the length of the field, they patiently set the stage for mistakes. It was a savvy game plan, reminiscent of their strategy against Georgia just two weeks before, leading to the Wildcats’ highest-ranked win in Stoops’ 12-year tenure.
Of course, things could’ve gone differently if Rebels kicker Caden Davis connected on his 48-yard field-goal attempt with 48 seconds left in the contest.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.