The college football world was rocked last weekend as the unranked Florida Gators delivered a shocking 29-21 upset over the No. 9 Texas Longhorns, sending the preseason favorites spiraling out of the AP Top 25 and igniting fresh drama in the SEC race.
Gators Flip the Script in Gainesville
Few expected the Gators, coming off a three-game losing streak, to topple Texas—a team that started the season ranked No. 1 and boasting star quarterback Arch Manning. But under the lights at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida’s offense finally clicked. Freshman receiver
Dallas Wilson made a dazzling debut, hauling in two touchdown passes from quarterback
DJ Lagway, who threw for a season-high 289 yards and looked sharper than he had all year.
The Gators jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, with Wilson’s 55-yard touchdown late in the third quarter electrifying the home crowd and putting Florida firmly in control. Texas mounted a late comeback attempt, but Manning was sacked twice in the final minute, sealing the Gators’ first win since their season opener.
Texas’ Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
For Texas, the loss is a gut punch. The Longhorns now sit at 3-2, their College Football Playoff hopes fading fast after a rocky start to their first SEC campaign. Arch Manning, hailed as the program’s savior, has struggled to find his rhythm, and the defeat to an unranked Florida squad is a major blemish on Texas’ resume.
The Longhorns’ path doesn’t get any easier: they face four more ranked opponents—Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Texas A&M—in the coming weeks. A win against No. 11 Oklahoma could help them claw back into the rankings, but the margin for error is now razor-thin.
Florida’s Confidence Surges
For Florida, the victory is a much-needed shot of confidence. Fifth-year senior Jake Slaughter summed up the mood:
“It felt dang good. We ran the ball. We threw the ball around a little bit, and we got into the end zone. I’d say it was a huge confidence boost for us.”Coach Billy Napier, under pressure after a disappointing start, may have found a spark in Lagway and Wilson. The Gators now prepare to face No. 5 Texas A&M, hoping to sweep the Lone Star State and continue their resurgence.
What’s Next in the SEC?
The SEC remains as unpredictable as ever. Nine teams are now ranked in the AP Top 25, with seven in the top 12. Alabama has rebounded from an early loss, Texas A&M is undefeated and surging, and Miami has emerged as the top team in Florida.
For Texas, the road ahead is daunting but not impossible. For Florida, the upset win could mark a turning point in a season that was quickly slipping away.
Key Takeaways
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Florida’s upset win over Texas shakes up the SEC and AP Top 25.-
Arch Manning and Texas face a tough road to salvage their season.-
DJ Lagway and Dallas Wilson could be the new stars for the Gators.-
The SEC remains wide open, with multiple teams vying for playoff spots.
Sources
1. Florida Knocks Texas Out of AP Top 25 College Football Poll - WRUF
2. Texas Vs. Florida Football: Score & Game Insights
3. Florida 29-21 Texas (Oct 4, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN
4. No. 5 Texas vs. Florida: Five observations and Sunday chat
5. The Opening Kickoff: Gators at No. 5 Texas A&M — Can UF Sweep ...
6. No. 5 Texas vs. Florida final score: Longhorns cook the Gators in 49 ...
7. Florida vs. Texas: Live updates
8. Unafraid Show with George Wrighster - Spreaker
9. Carter's Corner: Could Lagway's Response Against Texas Be A ...
10. No. 9/7 Football falls in SEC opener at Florida, 29-21
