He’s the younger brother of former NFL MVP Cam Newton, but Caylin Newton’s claim to fame after Saturday night might be the architect of arguably the biggest upset in college football history.

Yes, the history of college football.

The metro Atlanta native and former Grady High QB had 330 yards and three TDs rushing and passing in his first college game to lead Howard University, a 45-point underdog, to a 43-40 victory over UNLV Saturday in Las Vegas.

Newton’s 4-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter gave Howard the lead it would never relinquish. After the game, social media reaction to the historic win came fast and furious:

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia State head coach Jonas Hayes greets Kennesaw State head coach Antoine Pettway before their game at the Georgia State Convocation Center, Friday, December 6, 2024, in Atlanta. The game between Kennesaw State and Georgia State is referred to as the I-75 Challenge. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez