UCF stunned No. 2 BYU 39-31 in a double-overtime thriller on October 24, 2026, with a controversial roughing-the-kicker call in the second overtime sealing the upset. BYU coach Kalani Sitake called it a ‘humbling loss,’ while UCF’s Scott Frost deemed it the weirdest end of a game I’ve ever seen.
UCF’s 39-31 double-overtime victory over No. 2 BYU on October 24, 2026, will be remembered as one of the most chaotic and controversial in college football history. The Knights pulled off their first win over a top-5 team in school history, defeating the Cougars in front of 45,112 fans at Orlando’s Bounce House.
A Controversial Finish and Uncharacteristic Mistakes
BYU’s No. 2 national ranking came crashing down after a series of critical errors, including a controversial roughing-the-kicker penalty in the second overtime. The call, which led to UCF scoring a touchdown and converting a two-point conversion, was a turning point. I didn't get an explanation,
BYU coach Kalani Sitake said of the play, adding, From what I saw, I don't think that's a personal foul roughing the kicker.
The play occurred when Kendal Wall was called for roughing the kicker, giving UCF first-and-goal at the BYU 5.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. However, BYU’s discipline and execution faltered, with Sitake admitting, We weren't disciplined enough as a team.
We missed a lot of assignments.
That falls on me.
The Cougars committed multiple personal foul penalties, including a key one in the second overtime that directly impacted the outcome.
Coach Scott Frost could not be happier with his team and the way things finished as they pulled off the crazy upset against BYU@alexalandestoy pic.twitter.com/ZFI9uJ4RP6
BYU’s loss came just a week after defeating then-No. 2 Notre Dame, pushing the Cougars further into the College Football Playoff conversation. That win had also sparked renewed College Football Playoff hopes for BYU, which now face a much slimmer margin for error after this setback. UCF’s win, meanwhile, marked a significant milestone for the Knights, who had struggled in the Big 12 but tend to be better at home in the friendly confines of the Acrisure Bounce House.
UCF’s Historic Upset
For UCF, the win marked a long-awaited milestone. It was the Knights’ first win over a top-5 team in school history and a testament to head coach Scott Frost’s return to the program. That's the weirdest end of a game I've ever seen,
Frost said after the game, reflecting on the chaotic finish. UCF’s offensive firepower was on full display, with running back Landen Chambers scoring a 2-yard touchdown and wide receiver Tyren Hornes making a 56-yard reception that set up another score.
Cinema in the Bounce House 🏟️UCF 39, #2 BYU 31 pic.twitter.com/zgijqrRFyf
The victory also highlighted UCF’s offensive firepower. Tyren Hornes, a freshman receiver, made a 56-yard catch in the second half, setting up a touchdown that shifted momentum. UCF’s running game was also a factor, with 170 rush yards and a 1-yard score by running back Sione Moa. The Knights’ quarterback, Keyone Jenkins, who made his fifth start since replacing Alonza Barnett III, was instrumental, throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns and running for a score.
The game was filled with twists, including a critical fourth-and-1 failure by UCF in regulation. With 1:47 remaining, Jenkins was stuffed on a sneak on BYU’s goal-line. However, a blocked field goal by BYU’s Faletau Satuala sent the game into overtime. In the first overtime, Bachmeier hooked up with wideout Legend Glasker for a 28-yard touchdown, while Jenkins answered with a 25-yard TD strike to wide receiver Josh Derry, tying the score at 31.
Coaches’ Reactions and Aftermath
Both coaches emphasized the significance of the win, though their perspectives differed. Frost praised his team’s resilience, saying, I'm happy for our kids.
Frost also reflected on the historical context, noting that the win was one of the most important in UCF’s history. I think this is probably right up there.
Sitake, meanwhile, focused on the lessons learned: This is humbling for them.
He acknowledged the team’s uncharacteristic mistakes, including missed assignments and penalties, which he attributed to his own coaching. We just made a lot of mistakes. These mistakes shouldn’t be happening midseason. That’s on me,
he said. UCF, now 4-3, will look to build on this statement win as they face Baylor in their next game.
Would you have kicked here? pic.twitter.com/2Ly0CKy2jU
The aftermath of the game saw UCF fans storming the field as the Knights achieved the biggest win in school history. For BYU, the defeat serves as a clear reminder of the razor-thin margins that define top-tier college football. The game also drew national attention, with Fox announcers Connor Onion and Robert Griffin III highlighting the action. Griffin famously called BYU’s defense lactose intolerant
during the broadcast, a comment that sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike.
UCF’s victory not only boosted their morale but also shifted the dynamics in the Big 12 conference. The Knights’ win over a top-2 team demonstrated their ability to compete with powerhouses, while BYU’s loss left them vulnerable in the playoff race. With the College Football Playoff picture becoming more crowded, both teams will need to regroup quickly. UCF, now 4-3, will aim to capitalize on their momentum, while BYU, seeking redemption, must address their shortcomings to remain in contention.
Game 7🆚 #2 BYU🏟️ Acrisure Bounce House⌚️ 3:30 PM📺 FOX🎟️📈📻 https://t.co/APgr4IMGao pic.twitter.com/tHFZgDIIqe
The game’s dramatic finish, including the controversial roughing-the-kicker call and the series of turnovers, will be remembered as one of the most unforgettable in college football history. For UCF, it’s a moment of triumph that cements their place among the nation’s elite. For BYU, it’s a painful lesson in the unpredictability of the sport. As the season progresses, both teams will carry the weight of this game, knowing that in college football, no lead is safe and no victory is guaranteed.
More on Kalani Sitake
At the end of regulation in BYU/UCF, there should not have been a 10-second runoff. The clock stopping for the helmet off was not the only reason it stopped. It also stopped because it was the end of a legal kick down.
A circus show finish to regulation sends the BYU-UCF game to OT.Connor Onion, Robert Griffin III, and rules analyst Mike Pereira provide the commentary for Fox. 🏈🎙️😵💫 pic.twitter.com/8u2Jb0vd1P
UCF got the TD and two-point conversion after the roughing-the-kicker ruling to take a 39-31 lead over BYU in 2OT. Connor Onion and Robert Griffin III have the call for Fox. pic.twitter.com/ojO1wrOOsu https://t.co/oxt6IvooL4
"COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS ON ITS HEAD! DELIRIUM AT THE BOUNCE HOUSE!"Connor Onion with the Fox call as UCF takes down No. 2 BYU in 2OT. 🏈🚨🎙️ pic.twitter.com/tO47lkCnWL
SCOTT FROST RANKED WIN AT UCF BEFORE MATT RHULE RANKED WIN AT NEBRASKA
The last sequence of BYU-UCF might be the weirdest ending to a game I’ve ever seen. Like four obscure rules came into play there. Anyway, overtime.
There has never been a more overmatched group of officials than those trying to officiate BYU-UCF right now.
That roughing the kicker call was AWFUL. And now UCF has a TD.Can't accuse the Big 12 of protecting BYU on that one.
UCF-BYU. Game of the Year. We all need a 40 minute emergency podcast explaining the ruling at the end of regulation immediately afterwards.
Only three unbeaten teams remain with No. 2 BYU losing at UCF in a wild double overtime game, 39-31. Miami, Utah and UCLA are only remaining undefeated teams. No. 10 Utah plays No. 14 Houston tonight.