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NCAAF · Final/2OT

UCF Knights Triumph Over BYU Cougars in Double Overtime

Saturday, October 24, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Acrisure Bounce House

Quick answers

Who won BYU Cougars vs UCF Knights?

UCF Knights beat BYU Cougars 39-31 at Acrisure Bounce House on October 24, 2026.

Who was favored in BYU Cougars vs UCF Knights?

BYU Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.

In a thrilling matchup at the Acrisure Bounce House, the UCF Knights secured a dramatic victory over the BYU Cougars, finishing with a score of 39-31 after two overtimes. This game showcased the resilience of the Knights, who improved their record to 5-3, while the Cougars fell to 6-2. The contest was marked by intense competition, reflecting both teams' contrasting recent forms leading into this game.

The Knights entered this fixture with a home record of 4-1, but had been struggling recently, losing their last two games and holding a 2-3 record in their last five outings. They averaged 23.4 points scored and allowed 24.8 points during that stretch. Their most recent games included a loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys (28-42) and a defeat against the Houston Cougars (17-27). However, their home advantage had been significant, as they had only lost once at home this season.

In contrast, the Cougars came into the game riding a six-game winning streak, boasting an impressive away record of 3-1. They had a stellar overall record of 9-1 in their last ten games, averaging 31.9 points scored while allowing just 17.3 points. Their recent victories included a close win against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (28-24) and a solid performance against the Iowa State Cyclones (24-10). The Cougars' last defeat was a significant one against the Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-34) in December 2025, but they had shown remarkable form since then.

The previous meeting between these two teams had taken place on November 29, 2025, where BYU triumphed over UCF with a convincing score of 41-21. This history added an extra layer of intensity to the matchup, as the Knights sought to avenge their earlier loss.

In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any key players missing from either squad, suggesting that both teams were likely at full strength for this important game.

The betting market, provided by DraftKings, had set the odds with BYU favored by 7.5 points, indicating expectations for a competitive game. The total points over/under was set at 43.5, reflecting a belief that scoring would be moderate. The moneyline odds were also telling, with UCF listed at +245 and BYU at -305, highlighting the Cougars as the clear favorites.

Weather conditions were not detailed in the block, but the game took place in the evening, which typically suggests cooler temperatures in late October. This could have influenced game strategy and player performance.

Viewers were treated to an exciting contest that featured explosive plays and critical moments, characteristic of college football. The Knights' ability to rally in overtime demonstrated their tenacity and fighting spirit, while the Cougars, despite their strong season, faced challenges in maintaining their winning streak.

Overall, the game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football, where momentum can shift dramatically, and the home team can rise to the occasion against the odds.

What we said beforehand

The upcoming clash between the UCF Knights and the BYU Cougars promises to be an intriguing matchup, particularly as the Knights look to turn around their season against a formidable opponent. Set to take place at the Acrisure Bounce House on October 24, 2026, the Knights enter the game with a home record of 3-3, while the Cougars boast an impressive away record of 6-0.

The Knights have struggled recently, with a record of 2-3 in their last five games. Their most recent outing resulted in a loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, with a score of 42-28. Prior to that, they suffered defeats against the Houston Cougars (27-17) and the Pittsburgh Panthers (12-7). In contrast, BYU is riding a six-game winning streak, having most recently defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28-24. Their other victories in this streak include wins over Iowa State Cyclones (24-10), TCU Horned Frogs (17-10), Colorado State Rams (41-23), and Arizona Wildcats (28-17).

When examining the Knights' performance at home, they have averaged 23.4 points scored while allowing 24.8 points over their last five games. Their overall home record stands at 4-1, but they have lost their last two games. Conversely, BYU has excelled on the road, scoring an average of 27.6 points and allowing just 16.8 points in their last five games. They have a strong overall away record of 3-1.

In terms of individual performances, UCF's Keyone Jenkins leads the team in passing with 806 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Duke Watson has been the standout in rushing, accumulating 483 yards and 3 touchdowns. Josh Derry is the leading receiver with 304 yards and 2 touchdowns. For BYU, Bear Bachmeier has thrown for 1,257 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. LJ Martin leads the rushing attack with 344 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Legend Glasker has been a key target with 444 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.

In their only previous meeting, which took place on November 29, 2025, the Knights fell to the Cougars with a score of 41-21. This history may weigh on UCF as they prepare to face BYU again.

The betting market reflects BYU's strong performance, with DraftKings listing the Cougars as 7.5-point favorites. The total for the game is set at 43.5, suggesting a relatively low-scoring affair.

Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature around 81°F, and a 63% chance of precipitation. Wind gusts may reach up to 25 mph, which could impact gameplay.

As the game approaches, viewers should keep an eye on how UCF's offense, led by Jenkins, adapts against BYU's defense, which has been effective in limiting opponents' scoring. Additionally, the performance of BYU’s offense, particularly Bachmeier's passing game, will be crucial in determining the outcome.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsBYU -7.5 43.5 o -118 / u -102 BYU Cougars -305 · UCF Knights +245

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

  • Passing yardsKeyone Jenkins25/41, 293 YDS, 3 TDUCF Knights
  • Rushing yardsDuke Watson15 CAR, 94 YDSUCF Knights
  • Receiving yardsTyren Hornes6 REC, 137 YDSUCF Knights
  • Passing yardsBear Bachmeier16/32, 257 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INTBYU Cougars
  • Rushing yardsPreston Rex5 CAR, 42 YDSBYU Cougars
  • Receiving yardsKyler Kasper6 REC, 129 YDS, 1 TDBYU Cougars

Recent form

UCF Knights

Last 10: 4-6Streak L226.4 scored · 26.3 allowed per game4-1 at home

  • L28-42at Oklahoma State CowboysOct 10
  • L17-27at Houston CougarsOct 3
  • W21-13vs TCU Horned FrogsSep 26
  • W44-30vs Georgia State PanthersSep 19
  • L7-12at Pittsburgh PanthersSep 12
  • W73-6vs Bethune-Cookman WildcatsSep 3
  • L21-41at BYU CougarsNov 29
  • W17-14vs Oklahoma State CowboysNov 22
  • L9-48at Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 15
  • L27-30vs Houston CougarsNov 8

BYU Cougars

Last 10: 9-1Streak W631.9 scored · 17.3 allowed per game3-1 away

  • W28-24vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishOct 17
  • W24-10vs Iowa State CyclonesOct 10
  • W17-10at TCU Horned FrogsOct 3
  • W41-23at Colorado State RamsSep 20
  • W28-17vs Arizona WildcatsSep 12
  • W63-7vs Utah Tech TrailblazersSep 6
  • L7-34at Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 6
  • W41-21vs UCF KnightsNov 29
  • W26-14at Cincinnati BearcatsNov 23
  • W44-13vs TCU Horned FrogsNov 16

Standings

TeamOverallIn conference
Utah6-03-0
Texas Tech6-13-1
BYU6-13-1
Houston6-13-1
Arizona5-12-1
Oklahoma State4-22-1
Baylor4-32-2
Cincinnati5-22-2
Arizona State4-32-2
UCF4-32-2
West Virginia5-32-3
Iowa State3-31-2
Kansas State4-31-3
Kansas3-41-3
TCU3-41-3
Colorado2-40-3

Box score

StatBYU CougarsUCF Knights
First downs1826
Third downs8-179-16
Fourth downs2-30-1
Total yards373463
Net passing yards257293
Completions16/3225/42
Yards per pass8.07.0
Rushing yards116170
Rushing attempts3641
Yards per rush3.24.1
Penalties5-465-40
Turnovers10
Fumbles lost00
Interceptions thrown10
Time of possession27:2532:35

Win probability

Above the line favours UCF Knights, below favours BYU Cougars.

Venue

  • Acrisure Bounce HouseOrlando, FL

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.