UCF Stuns No. 2 BYU in Double Overtime Thriller

The No. 2 BYU Cougars suffered their first loss of the 2026 college football season on Saturday, falling 39-31 in double overtime to an unranked UCF team in Orlando, Florida. Central Florida, a 6 1/2-point underdog entering the contest, secured the highest-ranked victory in program history.

Late-Game Drama

The game's conclusion was marked by a series of controversial officiating calls in the fourth quarter. With seconds remaining in regulation, BYU's special teams blocked what appeared to be a game-winning kick for UCF. Initially, officials flagged BYU for a penalty that would have given UCF another opportunity. However, upon review, the penalty was reversed and called on UCF, sending the game into overtime.

In the first overtime period, after both teams scored touchdowns, UCF was awarded a fresh set of downs due to a roughing the kicker penalty. UCF capitalized on this second chance, scoring the go-ahead touchdown and a subsequent two-point conversion. BYU's subsequent possession ended with a defensive stop by the Knights, forcing the game into a second overtime.

Overtime Finish and Fan Celebration

UCF ultimately secured the victory in double overtime, snapping BYU's six-game winning streak. Following the Cougars' failed conversion attempt, Knights fans stormed the field, celebrating the upset win. Video from after the game showed fans descending from the stands and chanting UCF's name at midfield.

UCF head coach Scott Frost expressed pride in his team's performance. "I’m proud of our kids. I’m happy for UCF. That’s the weirdest end to a game I’ve ever seen," Frost said in a post-game interview. "I thought it would have taken 31 to win it — it should’ve if we got a sneak in. I’m so happy for our kids."

BYU entered the game with a 6-1 record and had previously upset then-No. 2 Notre Dame the week prior. The loss drops the Cougars to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Big 12 play, while UCF improves to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference action.