The Gators are back at home for the first time in nearly a month on Saturday when they host Texas.
Game Day: Florida vs No. 9 Texas (Saturday, 3:30 pm)
Saturday, October 4, 2025 | Football, Chris Harry
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By: Chris Harry, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Remember when this game first got circled on the calendar? It was trumpeted as potentially one of the biggest games ever to be played in the "Swamp."
Now that circle represents Billy Napier and his Florida Gators rotating around the proverbial wagons as they look to salvage the 2025 season.
The outcome of Saturday's Southeastern Conference showdown between the Gators (1-3, 0-1) and No. 9 Texas Longhorns (3-1, 0-0) won't make or break what's to come of the '25 campaign – there are way too many games against great opponents left on the UF schedule – but the home team (and its coach) certainly could squeeze a heaping helping of goodwill from the fan base by making UT's first visit to Spurrier/Florida Field since 1940 something to remember. In a good way.
[Read senior writer Scott Carter's comprehensive "Opening Kickoff" setup here]
The Gators are coming off a bye week when they looked to address the multitude of issues with an offense that has averaged just 11.0 points and 287.3 yards in its three games against FBC opponents, all losses, including a 26-7 defeat two weeks ago at No. 4 Miami, when they managed just 145 yards and went 0-for-13 on third down.
The Longhorns, meanwhile, also had an open date last weekend, after stringing together consecutive lopsided wins against San Jose State, Texas-El Paso and FCS-classed Sam Houston, a trio of tomato cans who more closely resemble Long Island, the season-opening opponent UF clobbered 55-0, than the opponents Florida faced in that time. UT, though, kicked off its season as the nation's top-ranked team, only to take a quick spill by virtue of a 14-7 loss at then-No. 3 Ohio State, which now sits atop the polls. Coach Steve Sarkisian and his Longhorns have been fighting an opening-day narrative ever since.
Sound familiar? It should, considering neither team has beaten a power conference opponent to date.
And yet, current status check: Advantage, Texas.
Basically, the Gators have been running full-speed into brick walls their last three games (losses against surprising South Florida, at No. 3 LSU, plus the road trip to mighty UM), while the Longhorns have played three straight glorified scrimmages and will come into town with a little bounce. Also, with one of the best defenses in the league.
Steve Sarkisian is 87-53 in his six seasons at Texas and last year guided the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Texas, heading into its SEC opener, ranks fourth nationally in total defense (211.0 yards per game), second in scoring (just 7.8 points pg), third against the run (a measly 59.8 yards allowed) and 16th versus the pass (151.3).
In turn, Florida's strength has also been on the defensive side, where (facing a far more difficult run of opponents) the Gators rate 22nd nationally, as well as 24th in scoring (16.0 ppg), 33rd against the run (111.3 ypg) and 32nd against the pass (173.0).
Which brings us to the quarterbacks and the popular pre-game story line, right?
UT's Arch Manning and UF's DJ Lagway came into the season as two of the marquee QBs in the country, with Manning pegged as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
A month into the season, neither player has distinguished himself. Manning, who was not good in his first career start in losing to the Buckeyes, has completed 61.3% of his passes for 888 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions; the bulk of those positive stats coming against non-Buckeyes. Lagway is at 67.5% for 690 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions, including a five-pick night at LSU.
Lagway, who has looked increasingly uncomfortable when dropping back, threw for just 61 yards against the Hurricanes and averaged only 2.7 yards on his 23 attempts.
Look for both offenses to try and give the guy under center some help Saturday, with UT, so far, having shown it came grind things out (even when Manning cannot) at 202.8 yards per game, with five different backs over 100 yards on the season. UF's top back, Jadan Baugh, has rushed for 289 yards (130 more than any UT back) and could be in for a busy afternoon with No. 2 option Ja'Kobi Jackson ruled out with an injury.
Early in the week, Lagway vowed to have a different vibe about him this week and to bring his teammates along with him. Why it's come to this level of desperation, well, that's a different conversation, but this is where the Gators are.
So, circle up.
Coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN with Bob Wischusen on play-by-play, Louis Riddick providing analysis and Kris Budden working the sidelines. The Gators Sports Network from Learfield broadcast will air with pregame coverage beginning at noon. and eventually give way to the team of Sean Kelley, Shane Matthews and Tate Casey on the call. For GSN stations, click here.
The game will be re-aired Monday at 10 p.m. and again Thursday at 1 a.m., both on the SEC Network.
Finally, follow senior writer Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) on X for commentary and analysis throughout the game. FloridaGators.com will have complete post-game coverage from the game late Saturday night and follow-up content Sunday, also.
