This one had been circled since the moment the playoff bracket was released.
A year after being embarrassed on the same stage, Florida didn’t just beat Notre Dame — they buried them, rolling to a 49–25 victory in the CFB semifinal and officially punching their ticket to the national championship game.
From the opening drive, it was clear this wasn’t about survival or redemption through grit alone. This was about payback, and the Gators delivered it with authority.
Overeem Delivers His Most Complete Game Yet
If the Sugar Bowl against Clemson announced Reshard Overeem’s arrival, the semifinal against Notre Dame confirmed it.
The true freshman quarterback played mistake-free football, finishing 21-of-27 for 292 yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Just as importantly, he hurt Notre Dame with his legs, adding 66 rushing yards on eight carries and two rushing touchdowns.
No panic.
No forced throws.
No turnovers.
Overeem controlled the game from start to finish, making smart reads, extending plays when needed, and punishing Notre Dame whenever lanes opened up. It was the kind of poised, efficient performance you expect from a veteran — not a freshman playing in his first national semifinal.
After a season defined by extreme highs and frustrating lows, this was Overeem at his absolute best.
Adversity in the Backfield, Opportunity Elsewhere
Florida’s night didn’t start perfectly. Duke Clark, one of the offense’s most important weapons, exited early with a lower leg injury after just two carries for 10 yards. Losing Clark so early could have derailed the game plan.
Instead, it revealed Florida’s depth.
Treyaun Webb stepped in and delivered exactly what the Gators needed. He finished with nine carries for 65 yards, including a tone-setting 16-yard run to open the second half that immediately put Notre Dame on its heels.
That run wasn’t just yardage — it was a message. Florida wasn’t backing off. They were accelerating.
Mbakwé Explodes, Passing Game Takes Over
With Clark sidelined and Notre Dame selling out to slow the run, Florida’s receivers took control.
Jaylen Mbakwé was unstoppable, leading all pass catchers with five receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Every time Notre Dame showed signs of momentum, Mbakwé responded with a chunk play.
Deep shots.
Yards after the catch.
Red-zone separation.
It was big play after big play, and Notre Dame never found an answer.
Aiden Mizell continued doing what he’s done throughout his Gator career, adding three catches for 68 yards, consistently flipping field position and keeping drives alive.
Meanwhile, All-American Dorian Fleming was clearly limited, finishing with just two catches for 14 yards as he continues to nurse an injury. Still, his presence alone commanded attention from the defense.
When asked afterward about his status heading into the championship game, Fleming made it clear:
“Nothing will hold me back from playing in the national championship.”
That statement alone sent a ripple through the Gator fanbase.
Defense Sets the Tone from Start to Finish
While the offense piled up points, Florida’s defense quietly delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season.
The Gators generated 13 quarterback pressures, consistently disrupting Notre Dame’s timing and never allowing their offense to get comfortable. The Irish were forced into hurried throws, broken plays, and long-yardage situations all night long.
Florida’s front controlled the line of scrimmage, collapsing pockets and forcing Notre Dame into mistakes without needing to blitz recklessly. The secondary benefited from the pressure, staying disciplined and limiting explosive plays.
This wasn’t a fluky defensive performance — it was a complete, calculated shutdown.
A Program Transformed
This win meant more than just a spot in the title game.
It was the culmination of a rapid rebuild that has reshaped Florida football over the past three seasons. After enduring down years not long ago, the Gators have now:
- Won 2 SEC Championships in the last 3 seasons
- Earned 3 straight playoff berths
- Reached their first national championship game in this era
What once felt like a long-term rebuild has accelerated into a full-fledged title window.
Florida is no longer chasing relevance.
Florida is chasing history.
One Final Test: Michigan Awaits
Standing between the Gators and a national championship is Michigan, a program built on physicality, discipline, and postseason experience.
Florida enters the title game confident, battle-tested, and playing its best football of the season. They’ve avenged last year’s playoff loss. They’ve proven they can win shootouts and grind-it-out games alike.
Now comes the ultimate opportunity.
For the first time in this run, Florida will play for it all — with a chance to place the national championship trophy next to the SEC championship hardware.
One game left.
One final statement to make.
And a program that believes its moment has finally arrived.
