Upsets are the lifeblood of sports. They’re the moments when the unthinkable becomes reality and the favorite falls at the hands of a team or athlete no one gave a chance. In American sports history, a handful of shocking victories have stood out—games that flipped expectations and stunned fans, players, and pundits alike. These weren’t just wins; they were moments that disrupted entire leagues, changed legacies, and turned unknown names into legends overnight. Here are 15 unforgettable underdog triumphs that shook American sports to its core and rewrote what we thought was possible.

1. Miracle On Ice – U.S. Vs. USSR, 1980

When a team of American college hockey players faced the Soviet Union during the 1980 Winter Olympics, few believed it would be anything more than a formality. The Soviets were dominant, having won nearly every major international tournament for decades. The Americans were younger, less experienced, and considered massive underdogs. Yet in a game filled with heart and resilience, they pulled off a 4–3 victory that stunned the world. It wasn’t just a hockey game—it was a national moment that brought hope and pride to the U.S. during uncertain political times.

2. Buster Douglas Vs. Mike Tyson – 1990

In 1990, the boxing world watched in disbelief as James “Buster” Douglas stepped into the ring with Mike Tyson, a fighter whose dominance had made him seem nearly invincible. Tyson, undefeated and feared, was expected to make quick work of Douglas—so much so that his victory felt like a foregone conclusion. But Douglas entered the Tokyo Dome with quiet determination and a strategy that defied the odds. He absorbed Tyson’s early attacks, gradually took control of the fight, and shocked the world with a knockout in the tenth round. It was a seismic upset that reminded fans that heart and resilience can flip even the most lopsided narratives.

3. Super Bowl III – Jets Vs. Colts, 1969

Before the AFL-NFL merger, there was a clear perception that the NFL had stronger, more talented teams. That made the New York Jets’ matchup against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III seem like a mismatch. The Colts were heavily favored, and few gave the Jets a fighting chance. But quarterback Joe Namath confidently guaranteed victory days before the game—and shockingly, he backed it up. The Jets controlled the pace, kept the Colts off balance, and pulled off a 16–7 upset that redefined the landscape of pro football and gave legitimacy to the AFL.

4. Appalachian State Vs. Michigan – 2007

College football fans still talk about this game as one of the sport’s greatest surprises. In 2007, fifth-ranked Michigan hosted Appalachian State, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team that wasn’t even in the same tier. It was expected to be a routine blowout for Michigan. Instead, Appalachian State came in fearless, matched Michigan score for score, and pulled off a last-second blocked field goal to win 34–32. The upset not only shocked fans but also altered how FBS teams viewed early-season opponents, proving that no game is truly safe.

5. UMBC Vs. Virginia – 2018 NCAA Tournament

The NCAA basketball tournament is known for chaos, but in 2018, something happened that had never been seen before. UMBC, a 16th seed that most fans hadn’t even heard of, took on the top-seeded Virginia Cavaliers. Historically, No. 16 seeds had never won a game, and Virginia was known for its disciplined defense. But UMBC didn’t just win—they dominated. With relentless energy and unshakable confidence, they pulled off a 74–54 blowout. It wasn’t just an upset; it was a turning point in tournament history that reminded everyone why March Madness earns its name.

6. Villanova Vs. Georgetown – 1985 NCAA Championship

Villanova’s 1985 NCAA title run culminated in one of the most unexpected upsets in college basketball history. They faced Georgetown, the reigning champions led by superstar Patrick Ewing. On paper, the Wildcats looked completely outmatched. But Villanova played nearly flawless basketball, shooting over 78% from the field and keeping Georgetown from gaining any real momentum. It wasn’t about flashy moves or dominating size—it was precision, patience, and discipline. Their 66–64 win wasn’t just an underdog triumph—it became a masterclass in how execution can level the playing field, even against overwhelming odds.

7. New York Giants Vs. New England Patriots – Super Bowl XLII, 2008

Few gave the underdog Giants much of a shot in Super Bowl XLII. The New England Patriots were on the verge of completing a flawless season, boasting an 18–0 record and an offense that seemed unstoppable. But the Giants came in with a relentless defense and a quarterback, Eli Manning, who rose to the moment. With less than two minutes left, Manning escaped a near sack and launched a desperate throw—caught miraculously by David Tyree against his helmet. That improbable play set up the game-winning touchdown, handing New York a 17–14 victory and halting what would’ve been NFL immortality for the Patriots.

8. Leicester City Wins The Premier League – 2016

While not traditionally “American,” Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League title still resonates in American sports circles due to its scale of improbability. At 5,000–1 odds, the Foxes went from relegation candidates to champions in just one season. For American fans of underdog stories, this was akin to a minor league baseball team winning the World Series. Leicester’s consistency, heart, and fearless performances captured global attention, proving that grit and team chemistry could topple soccer giants. The story became an inspiration across sports, especially among American teams striving to overcome the odds.

9. Denver Nuggets Vs. Seattle SuperSonics – 1994 NBA Playoffs

The 1994 NBA playoffs delivered one of the league’s most stunning upsets when the Denver Nuggets, an eighth-seeded team with limited expectations, faced off against the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics. After dropping the first two games in the best-of-five series, the Nuggets came alive. Led by the shot-blocking presence of Dikembe Mutombo and a fearless young squad, Denver rallied to win three consecutive games, capping the series with a thrilling overtime victory. Mutombo’s emotional celebration—clutching the ball as he lay on the court—symbolized a new chapter in playoff history: the moment when the underdog bit back.

10. Rulon Gardner Vs. Aleksandr Karelin – 2000 Olympics

At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, American wrestler Rulon Gardner stepped onto the mat against Aleksandr Karelin, a Russian titan who hadn’t lost in 13 years or given up a single point in six. Most believed Karelin was unbeatable, his dominance a sure bet. But Gardner, a relative unknown from rural Wyoming, stunned the world with relentless defense and unmatched endurance. When the final whistle blew, he had done the unthinkable—defeated a legend in his prime. Gardner’s victory wasn’t just a win; it was a seismic shift in Olympic wrestling, a tribute to determination over domination.

11. Chaminade Vs. Virginia – 1982 College Basketball

In 1982, the University of Virginia, led by future NBA Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson, was the top-ranked college basketball team in the nation. Their mid-season stop in Hawaii for an exhibition game against tiny Chaminade University seemed like little more than a tune-up. But what unfolded stunned the basketball world. Chaminade, an NAIA school with far fewer resources and almost no national recognition, played fearless basketball and defeated Virginia 77–72. The game became legendary not because it was a championship—but because it proved that in sports, every matchup truly begins at zero.

12. New York Mets Vs. Baltimore Orioles – 1969 World Series

The 1969 World Series was expected to be a coronation for the powerful Baltimore Orioles. Loaded with talent and experience, the Orioles were heavily favored to crush the New York Mets, a team with no championship pedigree and only one winning season to their name. But the Mets refused to play the role of stepping stone. Fueled by elite pitching, timely hits, and a belief that anything was possible, they outplayed Baltimore in five games. The “Miracle Mets” lived up to their name, turning the baseball world upside down and proving that destiny sometimes favors the least expected.

13. Holly Holm Vs. Ronda Rousey – UFC 193, 2015

Ronda Rousey entered UFC 193 as one of the most dominant champions in MMA history. She had finished most of her fights within a round and seemed virtually unbeatable. Her opponent, Holly Holm, was a former boxer with limited MMA experience, and few believed she stood a chance. But Holm executed a flawless game plan, kept Rousey at bay, and delivered a thunderous head kick in the second round that shocked fans worldwide. The upset didn’t just end Rousey’s reign—it transformed the narrative of women’s MMA and introduced the sport to a new level of unpredictability.

14. U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Vs. Brazil – 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal

While the U.S. women’s national team has long been considered a soccer powerhouse, their 2011 quarterfinal against Brazil was a test of resilience more than dominance. Down to ten players and trailing late in extra time, the U.S. looked destined for elimination. But in the final moments, Abby Wambach scored a miraculous header to equalize. The U.S. then triumphed in a penalty shootout. Though it wasn’t a championship, the comeback defied all logic, and the moment became one of the most iconic in American soccer history, proving heart can sometimes outweigh even superior skill.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vs. Oakland Raiders – Super Bowl XXXVII, 2003

Despite their strong season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t expected to dominate the Raiders, whose offense was the most explosive in the league. But Tampa’s defense, led by coach Jon Gruden—ironically, the former coach of the Raiders—had their number. They anticipated plays, intercepted passes, and disrupted the game plan at every turn. The result was a lopsided 48–21 victory that few predicted. It was an upset not just in outcome but in execution, as Tampa Bay’s strategy completely unraveled a team that had looked unstoppable all year.