Gators Upset No. 1 Texas in Thrilling Comeback Victory

On October 5, 2025, the Florida Gators pulled off a surprise 29-21 victory over the preseason No. 1 Texas Longhorns. The game featured a matchup of two highly touted young quarterbacks, with Florida's DJ Lagway emerging as the star of the day.

Lagway, a sophomore, threw for 298 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a spectacular 55-yard strike to freshman receiver Dallas Wilson. Wilson ran through two Texas defenders on his way to the end zone, giving Florida a 29-14 lead late in the third quarter. Lagway looked confident and poised, a stark contrast to his struggles earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Texas QB Arch Manning, the highly anticipated nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli, had a forgettable outing. The third-year quarterback passed for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns, but was also intercepted twice in the second half. The Longhorns' offense struggled to find consistency against a relentless Florida defense.

The win is a significant boost for Florida coach Billy Napier, who has been coaching for his job for much of the last two seasons. The Gators' strong finish to the 2024 campaign convinced Florida administrators to give Napier another chance, and this upset victory over the preseason No. 1 team could change the trajectory of the Gators' season.