The banner now hangs. The rings have been earned. And yet, the road to repeating as national champions has already proven it will be anything but smooth.
Fresh off capturing the 2027 national championship, the Florida Gators opened the 2028 season with a 35–23 victory over Purdue, a game that delivered both reassurance and warning in equal measure. Florida emerged with a win, but not without turbulence — the kind that suggests the weight of defending a title is very real.
A Championship Hangover… or a Growing Pains Test?
Coming in as 24-point favorites, Florida was expected to roll in Week 0. Instead, they were pushed for four quarters by a Purdue team that looked hungry, confident, and far more advanced than preseason projections suggested.
Whether this was a sign of Purdue on the rise or a hint of national championship hangover remains to be seen. What is certain: Florida had to earn this one.
The Gators never trailed late, but the game stayed within striking distance longer than expected, forcing the champions to play meaningful football deep into the second half — something few anticipated in a season opener.
Overeem’s High Ceiling, Familiar Concerns
Much of the offseason narrative surrounding Reshard Overeem centered on one question:
Could the reigning national championship quarterback rein in the turnovers that defined much of his freshman season?
The answer, at least in Game One, was… not yet.
Overeem delivered plenty of positives, finishing with:
- 281 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 20 rushing yards
But he also threw two interceptions, both of which kept Purdue alive and nearly flipped the game’s momentum.
It was a performance that perfectly mirrored his freshman year — explosive, dynamic, and occasionally reckless.
At his best, Overeem remains one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the nation. His arm talent, mobility, and confidence allow Florida to stress defenses in every dimension. Yet the turnovers continue to loom as the one variable that could derail an otherwise championship-caliber season.
The silver lining?
Unlike last year, Florida found ways to win despite the mistakes.
Harlem Berry Makes an Instant Impact
If there was one storyline that stole the spotlight, it was the debut of Harlem Berry.
The preseason All-American transfer wasted no time justifying the hype, delivering a sensational all-around performance that immediately changed the complexion of Florida’s offense.
Berry finished with:
- 65 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown
- 104 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown
His versatility was on full display. Whether lined up in the backfield, motioned into the slot, or isolated against linebackers, Berry created matchup problems Purdue never fully solved.
More importantly, he gave Florida something they lacked at times last season: a true dual-threat weapon who can dominate both on the ground and through the air.
In a game where Overeem battled inconsistency, Berry provided stability — and star power.
If this performance is any indication, Florida may have added one of the most dangerous offensive pieces in the country.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
While the offense worked through rust, the Florida defense carried the early momentum and never allowed Purdue to fully seize control.
The front seven was especially disruptive, consistently collapsing pockets and blowing up plays before they could develop.
Lagonza Hayward, the hybrid safety who plays closer to a linebacker than a traditional defensive back, was everywhere:
- 3 tackles for loss
- 1 sack
- 2 pass breakups
His versatility once again proved invaluable, allowing Florida to disguise pressures and clog passing lanes.
Up front, Jalen Wiggins delivered a dominant showing:
- 3 tackles for loss
- 2 sacks
Wiggins anchored a defensive line that consistently won at the point of attack, preventing Purdue from establishing any sustained rhythm.
In the secondary, Florida capitalized when opportunities arose.
Jvari Flowers and Jaimier Scott each recorded interceptions, halting potential Purdue scoring drives and swinging momentum back in the Gators’ favor.
Collectively, the defense looked every bit like a championship unit — fast, physical, and opportunistic.
Closer Than Expected, But Valuable
The final score — 35–23 — hardly reflected the preseason expectations. Florida never pulled away completely, and Purdue hung within striking distance well into the second half.
Yet there is value in games like this.
Week 0 offered Florida:
- A reality check
- Film to correct early-season mistakes
- A reminder that every opponent will treat them as the hunted, not the hunters
For Purdue, the performance signaled real progress. This was not a fluke or a moral victory built on garbage-time points. The Boilermakers competed physically, matched Florida’s tempo for long stretches, and looked far closer to a rising program than a rebuilding one.
For Florida, it was a test — and one they passed.
Eyes Already on Oregon
There will be no time to ease into the season.
Up next is a massive showdown with Oregon, a matchup that already has the feel of an early playoff preview. With two explosive offenses, elite quarterback play, and plenty of speed on both sides, the game projects as an all-out shootout.
For Florida, that matchup will answer some early questions:
- Can Overeem protect the football against an elite defense?
- Can the offense fully integrate Harlem Berry into its game plan?
- Can the defense continue to create pressure without exposing the secondary?
The Title Defense Has Officially Begun
Florida’s quest to repeat as national champions is underway — not with fireworks and domination, but with grit, resilience, and lessons learned.
The talent is still there.
The swagger remains.
The ceiling is as high as anyone’s in the nation.
But as Week 0 showed, defending a crown is far harder than winning one.
And for the Gators, the journey has only just begun. 🐊
