Last weekend’s college football schedule was expected to be one of the least exciting of the season, featuring only one ranked matchup. However, it ended up delivering some of the year’s most thrilling games, with several major upsets as the #1, #4, #9, and #10 teams all lost. With the College Football Playoff race shaken up, here are the five biggest upsets of the 2024 season so far.
1. Vanderbilt Stuns #1 Alabama 40-35
In a shocking turn of events, Vanderbilt, typically one of the weaker SEC teams, defeated top-ranked Alabama in a historic home victory. This was Vanderbilt’s first win over the Crimson Tide since 1984, and their first ever win against a team ranked #1 in the AP poll. Quarterback Diego Pavia outperformed Heisman contender Jalen Milroe, handing Alabama their first loss under coach Kalen DeBoer post-Saban. While Alabama remains in contention for the College Football Playoff, their path to an SEC title just got tougher. Vanderbilt, now 3-2, is eyeing a possible bowl game appearance for the first time since 2018.
2. Northern Illinois Upsets #5 Notre Dame 16-14
The biggest upset from a Group of Five team this year belongs to Northern Illinois, who shocked Notre Dame. After starting the season strong with a win over Texas A&M, the Fighting Irish looked lackluster at home against a MAC team that went on to lose its next two games. Notre Dame’s new quarterback, Riley Leonard, struggled, throwing two interceptions and converting only three of ten third downs. With this loss, Notre Dame’s playoff hopes hang by a thread as they face tough opponents, including Navy, Army, USC, and three ACC teams. Northern Illinois also earned a $1.4 million payout for the upset in South Bend.
3. Arkansas Edges #4 Tennessee 19-14
Tennessee entered Fayetteville following a big win over Oklahoma and with Heisman candidate Nico Iamaleava leading the way. However, Arkansas, in the middle of a tough stretch against ranked SEC opponents, held on for a victory. Running backs Braylen Russell and Ja’Quinden Jackson combined for 119 rushing yards, while the Razorback defense kept Iamaleava to just 156 passing yards and shut down a potential game-winning drive. The loss dropped Tennessee to #8 in the rankings, making their playoff path much more difficult as they still face Alabama and Georgia. Three losses would significantly hurt their chances of securing one of the seven at-large playoff bids.
4. Kentucky Tops #6 Ole Miss 20-17
In the third SEC upset on the list, Kentucky narrowly defeated Ole Miss after losing by a single point to Georgia the week before. The Wildcats’ defense was crucial, holding Ole Miss to just 17 points—their lowest scoring SEC home game under Lane Kiffin. The Rebels, who were averaging 55 points per game, struggled to establish their offense, particularly the passing game led by quarterback Jaxson Dart. With three more ranked SEC matchups against LSU, Oklahoma, and Georgia, Ole Miss has little room for error if they want to stay in the playoff race.
5. Georgia Tech Shocks #10 Florida State 24-21
Although Florida State’s 1-5 start makes this upset seem less surprising in hindsight, the Seminoles were preseason favorites in the ACC and came into the year with high expectations after an undefeated regular season in 2023. Florida State added transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, but Georgia Tech’s Haynes King led the Yellow Jackets to a statement win. This Week Zero upset in Dublin set the tone for a wild college football season, proving that anything is possible in the new landscape.