Gators Are National Champions Again: Florida Stuns Michigan 28–24 in a Classic Finish

Florida is back on top of the college football world.

In a national championship game that had everything — momentum swings, adversity, defensive heroics, and a finish that will live forever in program lore — the Florida Gators defeated Michigan 28–24 to claim the national title, completing one of the most dramatic postseason runs in recent memory.

It wasn’t clean.
It wasn’t perfect.
But it was unmistakably Florida football.

A Championship Won Through Adversity

All week, Florida’s coaching staff emphasized one thing above all else: protect the football. Against a disciplined Michigan team built to capitalize on mistakes, turnovers would be deadly.

Ironically, that became the story of the night — and yet it still wasn’t enough to stop the Gators.

Freshman quarterback Reshard Overeem endured his most turbulent game of the postseason, finishing with 277 passing yards and three passing touchdowns, while adding 58 rushing yards on the ground. However, he also turned the ball over four times, throwing two interceptions and losing two fumbles.

At several points, Michigan appeared poised to take control. Each Florida mistake felt like it might finally tilt the game out of reach.

But championships aren’t won by perfection — they’re won by resilience.

And when Florida needed its quarterback most, Overeem delivered.

The Drive That Defined a Season

Down late, with the clock dwindling and the margin razor thin, Florida got the ball back with just 2 minutes remaining remaining.

No timeouts.
No room for error.
No excuses.

Overeem, unfazed by earlier mistakes, calmly led the Gators down the field. Then, in the season’s defining moment, he fired a strike to Amir Jackson in the end zone for the go-ahead and game-winning touchdown.

It was a fitting ending — not just to the game, but to Florida’s season. The same quarterback who played with volatility all year showed elite composure when the spotlight burned brightest.

New Heroes Step Up on Offense

With All-American tight end Dorian Fleming limited, Florida needed others to rise — and they did.

Fleming finished with 3 catches for 28 yards, serving primarily as a red-zone decoy while managing his injury. Into that void stepped Amir Jackson, who delivered the performance of his life. The backup tight end caught two touchdowns, including the game-winner, cementing his place in Florida championship history.

Aiden Mizell, playing the final game of his Florida career, closed it out in spectacular fashion. The veteran wideout hauled in 7 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, consistently moving the chains and giving Overeem a trusted target when pressure mounted.

The running game, however, was largely neutralized. Duke Clark was bottled up by Michigan’s defensive front, finishing with just 10 carries for 27 yards as the Wolverines sold out to stop the run and force Florida to win through the air.

Defense Delivers the Play of the Year

While the offense grabbed the headlines late, it was the Florida defense that truly turned the championship.

Michigan led 24–21 late in the fourth quarter and lined up for a field goal with 2:38 remaining — a kick that would have extended the lead to six and potentially delivered a crushing blow to Florida’s title hopes.

Then came the moment that will be replayed forever.

Redshirt freshman Nakobe Okoye exploded off the edge and blocked the field goal attempt, sending the ball skidding away and instantly flipping the momentum of the game.

It was the defining play of the night — and arguably the play of the season.

That block gave Florida life, belief, and just enough time. Moments later, Overeem and the offense marched the field in just over two minutes to take the lead, the title, and the glory.

Jayden Woods Makes History

Florida’s defensive front was relentless all night, led by Jayden Woods, who delivered yet another dominant performance on the biggest stage.

Woods finished with 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss, pushing his season total to 14 sacks, officially making him Florida’s single-season sack record holder. In a year filled with breakout stars, Woods’ consistency and big-game impact anchored a defense that rose when it mattered most.

A Championship That Defines an Era

This national title wasn’t the product of a flawless team. It was the product of a fearless one.

Florida embraced its identity all season: explosive offense, young stars, defensive playmakers, and unwavering confidence in critical moments. That identity carried them through the SEC, through the playoff gauntlet, and finally through Michigan.

For Overeem, the freshman phenom, the championship perfectly encapsulated his season:

• Jaw-dropping highs
• Costly mistakes
• Unshakable belief

And now, a national championship ring.

Florida Is Back on the Throne

Just three seasons removed from uncertainty, the Gators now stand atop the college football world once again. This title caps a remarkable stretch that includes:

• Two SEC championships in three seasons
• Three straight playoff appearances
• A national championship sealed by a blocked field goal and a walk-off touchdown

Florida didn’t just win a title — they announced the arrival of a new era.

One built on resilience.
One powered by youth.
And one forever defined by a redshirt freshman flying off the edge, a freshman quarterback standing tall, and a program reclaiming its place among the elite.

The Gators are national champions once again. 🏆🐊