The Florida Gators are SEC Champions once again. In a thrilling rematch with rival Georgia, the Gators earned revenge for their earlier regular season loss, holding off the Bulldogs 38–30 to secure the conference crown and a likely top-three playoff seed. With the victory, Florida improves to 11–2, capping off an incredible run that has them knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff’s top two spots.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
The game didn’t start the way head coach Billy Napier and the Gators envisioned. Penalties and an early DJ Lagwayinterception halted the offense’s rhythm, allowing Georgia to grab some early momentum. But as he has done all season, Lagway settled in and took command of the game.
The junior quarterback finished 22-of-34 for 293 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, while also adding 11 carries for 50 yards and 2 rushing scores. His dual-threat ability once again proved to be the difference, especially in the second half when he extended plays and made key throws under pressure.
Reliable Targets Step Up
When Georgia’s front seven started collapsing the pocket, Lagway leaned heavily on his veteran tight end Caleb Rillos, who was a steady presence all afternoon. The senior hauled in 4 catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, repeatedly converting key third downs and bailing his quarterback out of tough situations.
Meanwhile, Tank Hawkins once again delivered in the clutch. The explosive receiver contributed 5 receptions for 59 yards, but his biggest moment came on special teams. After Georgia trimmed the lead to four late in the third quarter, Hawkins silenced the Bulldog crowd with a 103-yard kickoff return touchdown, a play that completely flipped the momentum and gave Florida breathing room heading into the final frame.
Defense Bends but Doesn’t Break
While Georgia found ways to move the ball, Florida’s defense held strong in the red zone and forced timely stops. The defensive front generated steady pressure, and the secondary—burned in their previous meeting—came up with several key deflections late in the game to seal the victory.
A Season of Redemption
This win marks a full-circle moment for the Gators. After dropping their regular-season matchup to Georgia earlier in the year, questions swirled about whether this team could handle adversity. Since then, they’ve rattled off a dominant stretch of wins behind Lagway’s leadership and a more balanced attack on both sides of the ball.
Now, sitting at 11–2 with an SEC title in hand, Florida is all but guaranteed a top-three ranking and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.
What’s Next
With seeding soon to be announced, the Gators await their next opponent. Whether they land at No. 2 or No. 3, one thing is clear — this team is peaking at the perfect time. DJ Lagway has the Heisman buzz, the defense has found its stride, and the special teams continue to deliver game-changing moments.
The Gators’ magical season rolls on, and with the SEC trophy back in Gainesville, their sights are now set on the biggest prize of all — a national championship.
