UCF's 39-31 double-overtime victory over BYU on Oct. 24, 2026, is considered one of the most significant triumphs in the program's history. The win marks the first time the Knights have defeated a top-five ranked opponent.
The victory occurred while BYU held the No. 2 ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 3 in the Coaches Poll. This was the highest-ranked opponent the Knights have ever hosted. The Cougars had previously ended Notre Dame's 16-game unbeaten streak just seven days prior to the matchup.
The win is being compared to several other major victories in UCF history. In 2000, the program defeated Alabama 40-38 following a 37-yard field goal by Javier Beorlegui. On Jan. 1, 2014, UCF won the inaugural American Athletic Conference championship by defeating Baylor 52-42. The Knights also defeated Auburn 34-27 on Jan. 1, 2018, and beat rival South Florida 49-42 on Nov. 24, 2017.
Arguments regarding the BYU win being the program's greatest focus on its status as a first-ever win against a top-five team. However, some suggest the win's long-term impact remains unclear, noting that following a 45-3 win over Oklahoma State, the Knights went 4-8 the following season, which led to the resignation of Gus Malzahn.
