Florida Stuns No. 7 Texas 27-24 Behind Tramell Jones Jr. in Gators’ Biggest Win of the Season

Gators Rally From 14 Point Deficit to Upset Longhorns

Florida delivered a potentially season saving victory Saturday, rallying from a 14-point deficit to upset No. 7 Texas 27-24 in a Week 7 Southeastern Conference showdown. Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. threw two touchdown passes to Lacota Dippre in his first career start, and running back Jadan Baugh scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Gators handed the Longhorns their second consecutive loss.

The victory marked Florida’s first road win over a top 10 opponent since 2012 and provided a much-needed breakthrough for first-year coach Jon Sumrall and his team. The Gators had climbed as high as No. 8 in the national rankings after opening the season 4-0, only to suffer consecutive blowout losses that threatened to derail their campaign.

Saturday’s performance offered a dramatic response, as Florida overcame an early deficit, received a timely contribution from an inexperienced quarterback and delivered its most impressive defensive effort of the season.

Tramell Jones Jr. Delivers in First Career Start

Jones stepped into the starting role in place of the injured Aaron Philo and helped spark Florida’s comeback after a slow offensive start. The Gators trailed 17-3 in the second quarter before Jones connected with Dippre for a touchdown with just 18 seconds remaining in the first half, cutting Texas’ lead to 17-10.

The touchdown gave Florida momentum heading into halftime, and Jones continued to deliver after the break. His second scoring connection with Dippre capped a methodical 15-play drive that consumed eight minutes of the third quarter, bringing the Gators closer and putting pressure on the Longhorns.

Florida’s offense gradually took control of the game, sustaining drives and keeping Texas’ defense on the field. Patrick Durkin later connected on a 28-yard field goal to give the Gators their first lead of the afternoon before Baugh delivered the decisive play.

Jadan Baugh Puts Florida Ahead in the Fourth Quarter

Baugh broke outside for an 11-yard touchdown run, extending Florida’s lead and putting the Gators in position to secure the upset. The score capped a second-half surge that transformed a game seemingly headed Texas’ way into a tense fourth-quarter battle.

The Longhorns responded quickly, however, as quarterback Arch Manning connected with Cam Coleman on a 9-yard touchdown pass to keep Texas within striking distance. Manning had escaped a sack on fourth down earlier in the drive before finding Emmett Mosley V for a 62-yard gain that helped set up the touchdown. The sequence briefly revived Texas’ hopes, but Florida’s defense ultimately delivered the stops needed to preserve the victory.

Florida Defense Shuts Down Arch Manning and Texas

Florida’s defense entered the matchup ranked last in the SEC but produced a performance that helped define the upset. The Gators held Texas to fewer than 300 total yards, recorded five sacks and consistently disrupted Manning and the Longhorns’ offensive rhythm.

The defensive effort was especially impressive considering Texas had built a 17-3 advantage in the second quarter. Ryan Niblett gave the Longhorns an early boost with a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown, the third of his career, putting Florida in a difficult position.

Rather than allowing the deficit to grow, the Gators tightened up defensively and gradually took control. The decisive moment came on Texas’ final possession, when Myles Graham sacked Manning and forced a fumble, ending the Longhorns’ last opportunity to complete a comeback. Florida’s defensive turnaround proved crucial, complementing Jones’ steady play and Baugh’s fourth quarter touchdown to secure a statement victory on the road.

Gators Celebrate Statement Victory Over Longhorns

After the final whistle, Florida players celebrated in front of their cheering fans, performing the traditional Gator Chomp and flashing an upside down Hook ’em Horns hand sign as they left the field. The celebrations reflected the significance of the victory for a program that had endured two difficult weeks and needed a response.

Beating a top-10 opponent away from home gave the Gators renewed momentum and demonstrated their ability to compete with one of the SEC’s premier teams. For Texas, the defeat was another setback after entering the season with high expectations. The Longhorns fell to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in SEC play, leaving them searching for answers after back-to-back losses.

Next College Football Game for Florida and Texas

Florida will look to build on its momentum when it faces No. 1 Georgia on Oct. 31. The Gators will carry the confidence of a signature conference victory into one of their most challenging matchups of the season.

Texas will try to regroup at home against No. 9 Mississippi on Oct. 24. After consecutive defeats, the Longhorns will need a stronger offensive performance and improved consistency to get their season back on track.

For Florida, Saturday’s 27-24 upset was more than an unexpected win. It was a statement performance that could reshape the trajectory of the Gators’ season under Sumrall, powered by a first-time starting quarterback, a timely rushing touchdown and a defense that rose to the occasion when the game was on the line.