College football’s traditional power structure remains, but NIL deals and the transfer portal make it easier for players and programs to reshape rosters. That can help challengers close gaps and make established powers less secure—though upsets alone don’t prove the sport is more balanced.

By the Numbers
  • No. 2 BYU lost to UCF in double overtime.
  • No. 6 Texas Tech lost to Cincinnati.
  • Three other unranked teams also beat ranked opponents.
  • It was the third straight week a top-two team lost to an unranked opponent.
Yes, But

NIL and player movement can help teams address roster weaknesses, but they aren’t the only reasons for upsets. Injuries, coaching, player performance and ordinary week-to-week volatility matter, too; greater unpredictability doesn’t mean every team has an equal shot at a title.

State of Play
  • Well-funded programs retain major advantages in facilities, coaching and recruiting.
  • Transfers give players more options and let coaches fill roster needs faster.
  • Established powers have less room for complacency as players can leave and rivals can rebuild more quickly.
Bottom Line

College football is still a sport of haves and have-nots, but the gap may be easier to challenge. For fans, that uncertainty can make more games—and more seasons—matter.