Led by first-year head coach Mike London, the Bison compiled an overall record of 7–4 with a mark of 6–2, tying for second place in the MEAC.

The Bison opened the season by defeating UNLV, a 45-point favorite, in the biggest upset in college football history by point spread.

[1] [2][3] The Bison opened their 2017 season on the road against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent UNLV in Whitney, NV.

Despite being a 45-point underdog to the Rebels, the Bison were able to leave Las Vegas with their first win over a Division I FBS opponent in the program's history.

[4][5] Following the win, media outlets immediately hailed it as the greatest upset in college football history against the spread.