College football is known for its dramatic, unpredictable moments, and few events capture the spirit of the sport better than an unranked team toppling a No. 1 powerhouse. On October 5, 2024, history was made when Vanderbilt, traditionally a lower-tier SEC team, shocked the world by defeating No. 1 Alabama 40-35. This upset will undoubtedly go down as one of the most stunning in the history of the sport, joining a list of other monumental upsets that have defined college football for generations.
The Rarity of No. 1 Upsets
Teams ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press (AP) college football poll are almost unbeatable when it comes to facing unranked teams. As of 2024, they hold a staggering 587-40-7 record against unranked opponents. These numbers highlight just how difficult it is for an unranked team to take down the nation’s top-ranked squad. Before Vanderbilt’s unexpected victory over Alabama, and other No. 1 teams, had achieved a remarkable 134-1 record against unranked opponents since Oregon State stunned USC back in September 2008.
Even in the modern era of college football, where surprises are few and far between, Alabama seemed untouchable. The Crimson Tide had built a dynasty under Nick Saban and carried that momentum into the 2024 season under first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer. The last time Alabama had lost to an unranked team was in 2021, when they were defeated by Texas A&M. However, the 2024 season showed that anything is possible in the unpredictable world of college football.
Vanderbilt’s Historic Victory
For Vanderbilt, this was not just a win – it was a historic breakthrough. Before this game, the Commodores had never beaten a team ranked in the top five of the AP poll, let alone a No. 1-ranked team. They hadn’t even beaten Alabama in 40 years. The victory marked a turning point for a program that had long been considered a bottom-dweller in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
While Alabama’s chances of securing a playoff spot aren’t entirely dashed, given that four No. 1 teams have previously gone on to win the national championship after being upset by unranked teams, this loss will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on Alabama’s 2024 season. The Crimson Tide’s first season under Kalen DeBoer will forever be associated with this historic upset, much like Nick Saban’s inaugural season in 2007 is remembered for a shocking loss to Louisiana-Monroe.
Notable No. 1 Upsets in College Football History
Vanderbilt’s win over Alabama will be ranked among the biggest No. 1 upsets in college football, but where exactly does it stand? Let’s take a look at some of the other most shocking losses suffered by No. 1 teams in the AP poll’s history.
- Duquesne 21, No. 1 Pittsburgh 13 (1939)
In what was one of the first major upsets in college football history, unranked Duquesne defeated No. 1 Pittsburgh, a team that had won the national title just two years earlier. Pitt, which was a dominant force at the time, had no answer for Duquesne in this stunning defeat. - Purdue 28, No. 1 Notre Dame 14 (1950)
Notre Dame was an unstoppable force in the 1940s under coach Frank Leahy, but Purdue, a team with a losing record from the previous few seasons, managed to end the Fighting Irish’s 39-game unbeaten streak. This upset had ripple effects, as Notre Dame never truly returned to the dominance they once enjoyed. - Mississippi State 6, No. 1 Alabama 3 (1980)
This was another significant upset involving Alabama. The Crimson Tide, fresh off two national championships, was riding a 28-game winning streak when Mississippi State managed to hold them without a touchdown and pulled off a shocking 6-3 victory. This defeat is often considered the beginning of the decline of Bear Bryant’s Alabama dynasty. - TCU 6, No. 1 Texas 0 (1961)
Texas, under the legendary Darrell Royal, was undefeated and poised to win a national title when unranked TCU came to town and shocked the Longhorns. Despite Texas dominating the game statistically, they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, and TCU’s lone touchdown was enough to hand the Longhorns their only loss of the season. - Vanderbilt 40, No. 1 Alabama 35 (2024)
This game deserves its place among the biggest upsets, not only for the sheer shock factor but also for what it represents. Vanderbilt had a dismal history against top-ranked teams and had never beaten a team like Alabama. However, with the odds stacked against them, the Commodores pulled off one of the most surprising victories in recent college football memory. - Michigan State 28, No. 1 Ohio State 24 (1998)
Michigan State’s victory over Ohio State in 1998 was another memorable upset, especially considering the Buckeyes were expected to compete for a national title. Under coach Nick Saban, the Spartans erased a 24-9 deficit and stunned Ohio State, ending their title hopes. - Syracuse 17, No. 1 Nebraska 9 (1984)
Syracuse had been largely irrelevant in the college football landscape for decades when they managed to upset a No. 1 Nebraska team that had been dominant all season. This victory ended Nebraska’s 23-game regular-season winning streak and cemented Syracuse’s place in upset lore. - Holy Cross 55, No. 1 Boston College 12 (1942)
One of the most lopsided upsets in history, unranked Holy Cross demolished No. 1 Boston College by a whopping 43 points. This remains the largest margin of defeat ever suffered by a No. 1 team in the AP poll.
The Legacy of Vanderbilt’s Victory
Vanderbilt’s stunning triumph over Alabama will be remembered for years to come. While the Commodores are not expected to challenge for an SEC title, their victory over the nation’s No. 1 team has given hope to underdogs everywhere. It serves as a reminder that in college football, no team is invincible, no matter how formidable their reputation.
For Alabama, the road to redemption is still open, especially with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format debuting this season. However, the Crimson Tide’s aura of invincibility has taken a hit, and they will have to regroup if they hope to add another national title to their storied legacy.