In a high-stakes Week 12 SEC showdown, Florida quarterback DJ Lagway delivered a performance that will resonate with Gators fans for years to come. With his team trailing in the fourth quarter and his left hamstring clearly hampering his mobility, Lagway stepped up in the pocket and unleashed a perfect 36-yard strike to Elijhah Badger. The breathtaking play set up Ja’Kobi Jackson’s decisive 1-yard touchdown run, propelling Florida to a 27-16 upset victory over No. 21 LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday night.
The win snapped Florida’s eight-game losing streak against ranked opponents and marked its first victory over LSU since 2018. It also reignited the Gators’ hopes of bowl eligibility, improving their record to 5-5 (3-4 SEC) with two games remaining.
Lagway, who had missed most of Florida’s previous two games due to injury, showcased the talent and poise that make him a cornerstone for the Gators’ future. Although not 100%, he made clutch throws in critical moments, none bigger than the deep ball to Badger in the fourth quarter.
“That’s a throw you dream about as a quarterback,” Lagway said. “My hamstring was tight, but I knew I had to make a play. Elijhah ran a great route, and the line gave me just enough time.”
Lagway’s return was vital for a Florida offense that had struggled in recent weeks. While his numbers—18-of-28 passing for 212 yards and a touchdown—weren’t eye-popping, his leadership and timely execution were invaluable.
While Lagway’s heroics made headlines, Florida’s defense was the true star of the game. The Gators sacked LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier seven times, forcing a critical turnover late in the third quarter that swung momentum in their favor. Defensive tackle Caleb Banks was everywhere, recovering a key fumble and disrupting LSU’s interior line all night.
“We played together, played fast, and made the big plays when we needed to,” said Florida defensive end T.J. Searcy, whose third-quarter sack and forced fumble set up a pivotal sequence for the Gators.
LSU’s offense, which had been one of the most efficient in the SEC, was held to just 16 points despite running 92 plays and dominating time of possession.
Florida’s ground game delivered the knockout punch late in the fourth quarter. With the Gators clinging to a 20-16 lead, freshman running back Jadan Baugh broke free for a 55-yard touchdown run, sending the Swamp into a frenzy.
“Jadan’s been a workhorse for us all year,” said Florida head coach Billy Napier. “That run was the exclamation point on a great team effort.”
For LSU and head coach Brian Kelly, the loss was the third in a row, all but ending hopes of a 10-win season. Kelly, who had achieved double-digit wins in each of his last seven seasons, faced visible frustration on the sideline. Cameras caught him in heated exchanges with multiple players, including receivers Chris Hilton and Kyren Lacy.
The Tigers (6-4, 3-3 SEC) were undone by sloppy play, including costly penalties and turnovers, and a porous offensive line that couldn’t protect Nussmeier.
“This one hurts,” Kelly said postgame. “We didn’t execute, and Florida made us pay.”
The win gives Florida a chance to secure bowl eligibility with one more victory. The Gators will host Ole Miss next Saturday in their home finale before a challenging road trip to Florida State.
For LSU, a season of promise has turned into one of disappointment. The Tigers will look to regroup when they host Vanderbilt next week, hoping to salvage some momentum heading into bowl season.
Florida’s win over LSU was a signature moment for head coach Billy Napier, who has faced mounting criticism during his tenure. The Gators played their most complete game of the season, showcasing grit, resilience, and clutch playmaking. For LSU, the loss raises more questions about the trajectory of Brian Kelly’s program as frustration grows within the fanbase.
But for one night in Gainesville, it was all about the Gators. With Lagway leading the charge and the defense stepping up, Florida proved it can still rise to the occasion when it matters most.
