The Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators will face off on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. The Longhorns enter the game with a 3-1 record, having recently dominated Sam Houston State 55-0, while the Gators are struggling at 1-3 overall and 0-1 in SEC play. Historically, Texas holds the advantage in the all-time series with a 3-0-1 record against Florida, including a commanding 49-17 victory in their last meeting in 2024. Key storylines in this matchup include Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who has regained his confidence and swagger, leading a top-ranked Texas defense against a Florida offense that has struggled to find rhythm this season. Texas aims to kick off its SEC campaign with a statement win on the road, while Florida looks to revitalize its offense and defense at home amidst a tough start to the year.
The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Central Time and will be broadcast on ABC/ESPN, with weather forecasts predicting scattered thunderstorms around 83°F, adding to the challenge in the Swamp. This matchup promises a compelling showdown between a surging Longhorns squad and a determined Gators team fighting for momentum in the SEC and likely Billy Napier’s job.
Jameson McCausland (3-1)
This feels like the last stand for Florida and Billy Napier, who might be 1 or 2 more losses away from being fired. I expect Texas to get Florida’s best shot on Saturday. While the bye week was beneficial for the Longhorns on the injury front, it was likely equally as beneficial for the Gators, who were missing multiple key players against Miami. DJ Lagway has had a very bad start to the season, and although Billy Napier says he has seen a different version of Lagway during the bye week, the Texas defense represents another tough test.
The current spread (Texas -6.5) seems about right considering the state of these two teams. Arch Manning snapped out of his funk against Sam Houston State, and if he can deliver a solid B/B+ performance in Gainesville, that is likely enough for the Longhorns to open SEC play with a win.
Score Prediction: Texas 28, Florida 21
Aaron Carrara (3-1)
The No. 6 Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators meet on Saturday in Gainesville, where scattered thunderstorms are expected to add a layer of chaos to the Longhorns’ first SEC showdown this season. Texas enters the game boasting a defense that has allowed just over seven points per game through four contests. Florida, meanwhile, has struggled to find an offensive identity, especially in the passing game. Quarterback DJ Lagway’s turnover issues could be magnified on a field that is likely going to be nasty. I expect Quintrevion Wisner to make his return at running back, which makes me even more confident in the Longhorns at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. With Arch Manning showing signs of settling in and Texas practicing with wet footballs to prepare for the rain, the Longhorns’ discipline and defensive dominance should give them the edge in a gritty, likely weather-affected battle.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Florida 17
Marc Henry (3-1)
The Longhorns open SEC play with a tough road test in Gainesville. For Texas, the offense needs to find rhythm, only averaging just 236 yards passing and 202 yards rushing so far. The challenge doesn’t get any easier against a Florida defense allowing only 3.4 yards per carry. Limiting turnovers, controlling the tempo, and hitting explosive plays will be critical for the Longhorns to steal a win on the road.
Defensively, Texas has been elite, giving up just 7.8 points per game, including holding No. 1 Ohio State to only 14 points. The key in this matchup will be generating pressure on DJ Lagway and shutting down Florida’s ground game.
Score Prediction: Texas 20, Florida 10
Devon Messinger (3-1)
SEC conference play kicks off for the Longhorns this weekend against Florida. Despite facing a team that has already lost three games, two of Florida’s opponents have been ranked (LSU and Miami).
Saturday’s matchup will be a real test for the physicality of both Texas’ offensive and defensive lines. If the Longhorns can win the battle in the trenches, the pressure on Arch Manning will ease on the road.
Ironically, this year’s Florida team is similar to Texas. However, Texas has been the better team so far this season, and I think that will show in Gainesville.
Score Prediction: Texas 24, Florida 13
Jacob Campos (3-1)
One team has nothing to lose, the other team still has everything to play for.
Expect a dogfight, but eventually the talent of Texas should be too much for a flustered Florida team to handle. The defense will create sack opportunities, and I expect Arch to rely on his running backs, his legs and a timely throw or two to push Texas past the Gators.
Score Prediction: Texas 30, Florida 17
Mitch Lovell (3-1)
Fresh off a bye week, Texas will be ready to play at the Swamp. Arch Manning will want to avenge his performance at the Horsehoe in his last road game, and the Texas defense will capatalize on Florida’s wounded duck offense. Look for the Gators to fight early before the Longhorns pull away in the third quarter.
Score Prediction: Texas 28, Florida 10
