After a rocky start to their season, the Florida Gators may have finally found their rhythm. Behind a dominant all-around performance from reigning Heisman winner DJ Lagway, Florida improved to 2–1 with a 38–27 win over Purdue, a much-needed confidence boost before conference play begins.
Lagway, who had drawn criticism for his slow start after last season’s historic campaign, reminded the nation why he’s still one of the most dangerous players in college football. The dynamic dual-threat quarterback completed 23 of 33 passes for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding 116 yards and another score on the ground. Most importantly, Lagway avoided turnovers — a key factor that allowed the Gators to control the pace from start to finish.
Sophomore transfer Jaylen Mbakwe made his presence felt in a breakout performance. The former five-star recruit hauled in 5 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, emerging as Lagway’s go-to target in crucial moments. His ability to stretch the field added a vertical element that Florida’s offense had been missing through the first two weeks.
On the defensive side, the Gators’ front four dictated the game. John Walker, the transfer defensive tackle from Kissimmee, Florida, turned in a monster showing with 3 tackles for loss, a sack, and 8 quarterback pressures. His relentless disruption in the backfield set the tone early and often. LJ McCray, the talented junior edge rusher, added a sack of his own as the Gators’ defensive line consistently overwhelmed Purdue’s protection.
With the win, Florida climbs back up to 13th in the national rankings, slowly erasing the sting of a disappointing Week 1 loss. While it’s a far cry from their preseason No. 4 ranking, the Gators’ performance against Purdue suggests that the talent and potential of this roster are still very real.
Now comes the defining stretch of the season. The Gators enter conference play with a gauntlet ahead — matchups against Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn, and Georgia loom large over the next seven weeks. Each opponent is ranked and eager to make its own playoff statement.
If DJ Lagway continues to play like the Heisman-caliber star he was a season ago, and if the defense continues to hunt like it did Saturday, the Gators’ early-season stumble could soon be nothing more than a footnote in another championship chase.
Final Score: Florida 38, Purdue 27
Record: 2–1 | Next Up: vs. Alabama
