Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier during a football game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators on Sept. 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

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Florida fires Billy Napier as Gators head coach

By Luke Adragna | Oct. 19

Billy Napier's career as Florida's head coach has come to a close.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier hypes up defensive back Alfonzo Allen Jr. (43) in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

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What went into the Gators’ win against Mississippi State?

By Riley Orovitz | Oct. 18

Even head coach Billy Napier admitted the Gators didn't play their best game, but Florida overcame the Bulldogs Saturday night for a crucial SEC win. Here are the top reasons the Gators escaped with a win.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier walks to midfield after a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

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Florida football’s future uncertain following ugly win against Mississippi State

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 18

Florida football's future appears uncertain even following a win against Mississippi State on Saturday.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs face off with the Florida Gators in an NCAA college football game at the Swamp on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

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Florida vs. Mississippi State: Live updates

By Luke Adragna | Oct. 18

The Florida Gators (2-4, 1-2 SEC) host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-2, 0-2 SEC) at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Follow along for live updates.

Gators redshirt freshman edge rusher Charles Emanuel III poses for his team photo on February 26, 2025 in Gainesville, Fla.

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Gators football walk-on earns $10,000 scholarship

By Megan Howard | Oct. 18

A Gators football walk-on student-athlete earned a $10,000 scholarship Wednesday.

The weather sweeps over Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during a football game between the South Florida Bulls and the Florida Gators on Sept. 6, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will have smaller capacity after upgrade, Swamp 247 reports

By Zoey Thomas and Alissa Gary | Oct. 16

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will have a reduced capacity in the future. Renovations are set to take place in 2027 and finish by February 2030.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier shakes athletics director Scott Stricklin’s hand before a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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‘You have to be a man’: Billy Napier remains confident despite outside criticism

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 15

Florida head coach Billy Napier addressed the media Wednesday, speaking on rumors surrounding his job security.

Texas A&M Aggies head coach Mike Elko and Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier meet at midfield after a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in College Station, Texas.

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DJ Lagway, Florida offense falter against ferocious Texas A&M defense

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 13

Following its 29-21 victory over then-No. 9 Texas on Oct. 4, the Gators offense didn’t skip a beat in the first quarter on Oct. 11.

Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) scores a touchdown in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in College Station, Texas.

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Why Florida lost to Texas A&M: Three key reasons for the Gators' fourth loss

By Riley Orovitz | Oct. 13

The Florida Gators suffered their fourth loss of the season against the then-No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies. Here are a few of the key reasons why the Gators struggled Saturday night.

Florida Gators edge rusher Jayden Woods (15) lines up during a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4th, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Freshman edge rusher stands out as ‘freak athlete’ among Gators’ defense

By Luke Adragna | Oct. 13

Florida’s freshman class is loaded with talent. Wide receivers Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III have gained attention for their offensive impact. On defense, freshman edge rusher Jayden Woods has been just as significant.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball in a NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in College Station, Texas.

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Gators offense fizzles out in loss to No. 5 Aggies

By Curan Ahern | Oct. 11

The Florida Gators struggled to

Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators face-off on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida vs. Texas: Live updates

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 11

Florida football faces the No. 9 Texas Longhorns on Saturday. Follow along for live updates throughout the contest.

Florida Gators defensive lineman Brien Taylor Jr. (33) runs after Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Florida looks to slow down Marcel Reed and No. 5 Texas A&M

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 11

The Gators will face one of the top dual threat quarterbacks when they travel to No. 5 Texas A&M on Saturday: Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed.

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier during warmups before a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

How can Florida upset the No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies?

By Riley Orovitz | Oct. 10

The Gators are facing one of their biggest challenges of the season Saturday against the No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies. Here are three keys to the Gators' potential upset victory.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball during warmups before a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Lagway cashes in on his ‘guarantee’ in season-high performance

By Curan Ahern | Oct. 6

Lagway made an explicit promise to fix the Gators’ offense, which ranked among the worst in the SEC and scored just 11 points per game against FBS opponents.

Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) reaches into the end zone to score during a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Dallas Wilson smashes Florida program records in dominant debut

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 5

In his collegiate debut, the freshman wide receiver grabbed six passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, setting UF debut records in all three categories. Wilson's electric performance helped guide the Gators to a crucial 29-21 win over the Longhorns.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) during warmups before a football game between the Texas Longhorns and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Lagway finds his footing, Wilson shines in victory against Longhorns

By Luke Adragna | Oct. 4

Gators quarterback DJ Lagway found his footing following several miserable performances in Florida's upset victory against the No. 9 Texas Longhorns.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws the ball during a football game between the Louisiana State Tigers and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Sept. 13th, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

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Damage control in The Swamp: Two SEC quarterbacks hope to reclaim preseason hype

By Ava DiCecca | Oct. 3

The lead-up to the 2025-26 season was less about the sport and more about the story for Florida’s DJ Lagway and Texas’ Arch Manning.

Florida Gators wide receiver Dallas Wilson (6) during warmups before a football game between the South Florida Bulls and the Florida Gators on Sept. 6, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

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Freshman Dallas Wilson set to make highly anticipated collegiate debut

By Curan Ahern | Oct. 3

The Gators offense needs a boost. This Saturday, it may get one — in the form of five-star recruit Dallas Wilson.

Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws the ball during a football game between the Florida Gators and the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas.

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How the Manning family dynasty has fared against the Gators

By Max Bernstein | Oct. 3

The Manning family is no stranger to success. It’s a bloodline featuring Hall of Famers, MVPs and Super Bowl trophies.