ORLANDO, Fla. — In one of the most electrifying victories in UCF football history, the Knights stunned previously undefeated, No. 2-ranked BYU, 39-31, in double overtime Saturday afternoon at the Acrisure Bounce House, delivering a monumental Big 12 Conference upset that sent 45,112 fans into a frenzy and gave head coach Scott Frost and his team a signature victory.
Led by quarterback Keyone Jenkins, who threw for 293 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground, UCF refused to back down against one of the nation’s top-ranked teams. The Knights matched BYU’s intensity throughout the afternoon before delivering the decisive plays in a dramatic overtime finish.
The victory improved UCF to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Big 12 play while handing BYU its first loss of the season, dropping the Cougars to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference competition.
A Double-Overtime Finish to Remember
With the game tied 24-24 at the end of regulation, BYU struck first in overtime when quarterback Bear Bachmeier connected with Legend Glasker on a 28-yard touchdown pass, giving the Cougars a 31-24 advantage.
But UCF needed just one play to answer.
Jenkins connected with Josh Derry on a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass, and Will Stone’s extra point tied the game at 31, forcing a second overtime.
The Knights then seized control. Jenkins found tight end Grayson Brousseau for a four-yard touchdown before connecting with Tyren Hornes for a successful two-point conversion, putting UCF ahead 39-31.
BYU had one final opportunity to respond, but the Knights’ defense held, stopping the Cougars on fourth down at the UCF four-yard line to secure the eight-point victory.
A Historic Victory for UCF Football
Saturday’s victory was more than just another conference win. It marked UCF’s first victory over an Associated Press top-five opponent and the highest-ranked win in program history.
The Knights’ previous highest-ranked victory came against No. 6/5 Baylor in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl, when UCF defeated the Bears 52-42. Saturday’s upset also marked the program’s fourth win over an AP top-10 opponent and its 11th victory against a ranked team.
For Frost, the victory represented a breakthrough after several frustrating games in which the Knights had competed with nationally ranked opponents but struggled to finish.
UCF had previously led No. 20 Houston at halftime before falling 27-17 and battled No. 18 Oklahoma State to a 21-21 halftime tie before losing 42-28.
This time, the Knights finished the job.
“I’m happy for our kids,” Frost said following the victory, praising his team’s determination and the work of his coaching staff. He described the win as one that had been a long time coming for the program.
Jenkins Leads a Balanced UCF Offensive Attack
Jenkins delivered one of his finest performances of the season, completing 25 of 41 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown, accounting for four of UCF’s five touchdowns.
Freshman receiver Tyren Hornes emerged as one of the game’s biggest offensive stars, hauling in six receptions for a career-high 137 yards, including a 56-yard gain. His two-point conversion catch in the second overtime helped secure the decisive eight-point advantage.
Derry added six receptions for 54 yards and the crucial first-overtime touchdown, while Landen Chambers contributed two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving.
Running back Duke Watson provided balance on the ground, rushing for 94 yards on 15 carries, including a 30-yard run.
The Knights finished with 463 yards of total offense, compared with 373 for BYU, while holding a 26-18 advantage in first downs.
By the Numbers: UCF vs. BYU
| Category | UCF | BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 39 | 31 |
| Total offense | 463 | 373 |
| Passing yards | 293 | 257 |
| Rushing yards | 170 | 116 |
| First downs | 26 | 18 |
| Third-down conversions | 9 of 16 | 8 of 17 |
| Time of possession | 32:35 | 27:25 |
Source: Official NCAA game statistics, October 24, 2026.
Defense Delivers When It Matters Most
While Jenkins and the UCF offense provided the fireworks, the Knights’ defense delivered the final statement.
After surrendering 21 points through the first three quarters, UCF limited BYU to just three points in the fourth quarter, forcing the game into overtime.
Jayden Williams led the Knights with eight tackles, while Antione Jackson and Jeffson Lafontant each contributed six. Ken Talley recorded a sack, and Tackett Curtis came away with a critical interception during the second quarter.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier finished with 257 passing yards and two touchdowns, while receiver Kyler Kasper led the Cougars with 129 receiving yards and a touchdown.
But when the game was on the line in the second overtime, UCF’s defense rose to the occasion, denying BYU a touchdown on its final possession and preserving the historic upset.
A Night Knight Nation Won’t Soon Forget
Saturday’s Homecoming showdown provided a defining moment for Frost and the Knights, demonstrating that UCF can compete with and defeat one of college football’s elite programs.
For a team searching for a signature victory in Big 12 competition, the win over previously undefeated BYU delivered a powerful statement about the Knights’ potential.
And for the 45,112 fans who witnessed the dramatic finish inside the Bounce House, it was a reminder of the energy, excitement and unforgettable moments that have helped define UCF football.
On Saturday night, the Knights didn’t just defeat the nation’s No. 2 team. They made program history.
Charge On!
SOURCE: UCF, UCFKnights.com, Tanner Pavlovsky / UCF Athletics
