Underdogs to Watch in the Race for NCAA Football Conference Crowns

Every fan loves a good underdog story, and 2025 is serving up plenty of them. The so-called second-tier programs aren’t waiting for scraps, because they’re gunning for the top. They’re winning ugly, winning smart, and, most importantly, winning when it matters.

As October heats up and conference schedules tighten, these are the teams quietly changing the math in the race for college football’s conference crowns.

San Diego State 

Few expected San Diego State to contend in the Mountain West this season. Preseason polls placed San Diego State in the lower half of the Mountain West. Now the Aztecs are 4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after a 45-24 win over Colorado State. 

In just his second season, Sean Lewis has the Aztecs moving the chains with confidence. The offense regularly clears 400 yards and runs with rhythm and intent. The defense plays smart football. It bends but doesn’t break, forcing key turnovers when needed. 

With momentum and a favorable stretch ahead, this group appears poised to exceed expectations. Fans following how underdogs like SDSU are reshaping the race can visit the latest NCAA conference winners projections for real-time odds and updates.

Ohio (Bobcats) 

Ohio entered 2025 as the defending MAC champion, but few expected it to repeat its success. The preseason coaches’ poll placed them third overall, and roster turnover created real doubts, but those doubts faded fast.

Quarterback Parker Navarro has taken control of the offense, showing poise in the Bobcats’ 17-10 win over West Virginia, one of the biggest Group-of-Five upsets so far this year. Their defense continues to show discipline, allowing fewer than 20 points per game through early October.

They’re not blowing teams out, but they’re built for tight finishes. If they keep forcing mistakes and stay efficient in close games, Ohio could find itself defending its conference title deep into November.

Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas is shedding its “spoiler” tag. With Jalon Daniels at quarterback, the Jayhawks are matching top Big 12 offenses. Through six games, Daniels has thrown 1,497 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions. 

Kansas is scoring at least 31 points in every game so far, using motion, tempo, and second-level reads to destabilize defenses. Their defense still surrenders yardage, but it has made key stops in late drives. If that trend continues, Kansas could turn early hype into a serious run at the Big 12 crown.

New Mexico State

New Mexico State flies under the radar, but progress is clear under Tony Sanchez. Last season’s 3-9 record pushed changes that are now paying off. The offense moves with better rhythm, using short passes and tempo to keep defenses off balance. The run game’s still finding its footing, but New Mexico State manages the clock and forces key turnovers, especially in Las Cruces.

Their defense has started to mirror that energy, playing tighter coverage and forcing opponents into mistakes. The confidence on the sidelines feels different. They are more organized and more confident about what works. If they maintain that mindset through October, NMSU could surprise a few teams that still view them as an easy opponent.

CUSA’s structure this year leaves the door wide open. If the Aggies keep turning home games into tough, low-scoring battles, they might crash the conference race by late November.

Virginia Cavaliers

Virginia wasn’t on many radars to start 2025, yet here they are in the mix. The Cavaliers are 3–0 in the ACC and ranked No. 19 after a 30–27 overtime upset at Louisville. Their offense has taken off, scoring 45.6 points per game and ranking among the most dangerous in the nation. The defense doesn’t pile up numbers but makes big plays when needed.

While Clemson and Miami continue to draw the big headlines, Virginia just keeps winning. The Latest College Football Matchup Reviews can also show how the Cavalier’s recent surge compares with other rising programs. Recent matchups and reviews, live news, and national coverage are important resources to visit  if you’re deciding which underdog to root for.

The Real Conference Threats

These underdogs share things in common. They have something to prove. They carry tactical tweaks or experienced leaders. They face conference schedules where upsets are more the rule than the exception. None of them are guaranteed champions, but all carry upside beyond what early projections suggest. Keep an eye on these teams. As conference games pile up, their names may dominate the talk more than the preseason favorites.