• Week 5 of the 2025 season is primed for college football upsets, with underdogs like Virginia, Illinois, and Arizona ready to challenge top teams.
• Favorites like Florida State (-7.5) and Ohio State (-8.5) face tough road tests where home-field energy could swing games.
• Teams like UCLA and Utah, reeling from losses or coaching shifts, might catch opponents off guard with renewed fire.
• Get expert picks on games that could shake the rankings, perfect for fans and bettors chasing the next big shocker.
• Stats like Washington’s 55.7 points per game and Arizona’s stingy defense (17 points max allowed) fuel upset potential.

Why Week 5 Screams Chaos

I’ve been hooked on college football since sneaking past bedtime to watch Miami stun Nebraska in the ‘80s. There’s nothing like the thrill of college football upsets—when a scrappy underdog storms the field and flips the polls upside down. Week 5 of 2025 is loaded with trap games, tight spreads, and hungry teams ready to pounce. With underdogs covering 58% of spreads in Week 4, per ESPN analytics, here are 10 matchups where favorites could stumble, backed by stats and gut instinct from years of watching Saturday showdowns.

1. Florida State (-7.5) at Virginia

Why It’s Risky: No. 8 Florida State (4-0) is cruising, but their first road game at Virginia (3-1) feels like a trap. UVA’s dropped 48+ points in every home game, and the -7.5 spread seems tight for an untested Seminoles squad. It’s like a top chef cooking in a rival’s kitchen—Virginia’s home crowd could cook up a stunner.

2. USC (-6.5) at Illinois

Upset Vibes: Illinois got crushed 63-10 by Indiana, but at home against USC, they’re live. The Trojans’ defensive line isn’t Indiana’s, giving QB Luke Altmyer room to throw. A 9:00 AM kickoff for USC’s West Coast crew screams jet-lag disaster. Illinois, desperate to rebound, could make this +6.5 spread look generous.

3. Indiana (-7) at Iowa

Kinnick’s Curse: Indiana’s 4-0 after thrashing Iowa at home, but Kinnick Stadium is a nightmare. The Hawkeyes (2-2) slow games down, and IU’s dropped their last four in Iowa City by 20.5 points on average. Curt Cignetti’s offense (42.3 points per game) is explosive, but Iowa’s tempo could keep this -7 spread close.

4. Cal at Boston College (-6.5)

Rebound Ready: Cal’s 3-0 start crashed with a 34-0 loss to San Diego State, but as +6.5 underdogs at Boston College, they’re dangerous. BC’s lost to Michigan State and Stanford, and Cal’s roster outshines both. If they handle the cross-country trip, the Golden Bears could snag a win like a late-game interception.

5. Ohio State (-8.5) at Washington

Husky Howl: Ohio State’s a powerhouse, but Washington’s rush defense (2.38 yards per carry allowed) could force them one-dimensional. The Huskies’ offense, averaging 55.7 points behind QB Demond Williams, can hang. In Seattle’s raucous stadium, this +8.5 spread feels like a boxer landing a surprise jab.

6. Utah (-10.5) at West Virginia

Mountaineer Mojo: Utah’s 1-8 in their last nine Big 12 games after losing to Texas Tech at home. West Virginia (2-2) got smoked at Kansas but is 2-0 in Morgantown. The +10.5 Mountaineers, led by Rich Rodriguez, could exploit Utah’s wobbly offense for a home-field shocker.

7. UCLA at Northwestern (-6.5)

Bruins’ Spark: UCLA’s struggled on both lines, but a coaching change and bye week could ignite them. Northwestern’s barely better, making this clash of power-conference duds a toss-up. As +6.5 underdogs, the Bruins might fight like a team with nothing to lose, stealing a gritty win.

8. Hawaii at Air Force (-6.5)

Island Edge: Hawaii (3-2) travels to Air Force, but QB Brayden Schager outclasses the Falcons’ option attack. The Rainbow Warriors’ run defense (3.9 yards per carry allowed) is solid, and three turnovers cost them last week. As +6.5 dogs, they could win outright, like a road warrior stealing the spotlight.

9. Tennessee (-7.5) at Mississippi State

Starkville Trap: Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar and passing game (320 yards per game) are underrated, but Mississippi State’s pass defense (180 yards allowed) and rowdy Starkville crowd could keep it tight. The Vols’ defense gave up 24 to UAB, so the +7.5 Bulldogs might hang in a defensive battle.

10. Arizona at Iowa State (-6.5)

Wildcat Prowl: Arizona’s 3-0 with a defense allowing no more than 17 points and Noah Fifita thriving (68% completion). Iowa State can’t pull away from decent teams, and this road test could see the +6.5 Wildcats run wild, like an underdog grabbing a marquee victory.

Wrapping Up: Embrace the Madness

Week 5’s lineup reminds me of epic tailgates where the unexpected rules—someone’s always pulling off a legendary upset, like when Appalachian State stunned Michigan. These college football upsets, from Virginia’s home dominance to Arizona’s defensive grit, could reshape the polls. As a fan who’s lived for these moments, I’m pumped for the chaos. Which game’s your upset pick? Hit the comments and let’s talk ball!

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.