Gainesville, Fla. — On a cool 68-degree evening in The Swamp, with a gentle 6-mph breeze drifting across the field, Florida didn’t just defend its home turf — the Gators owned it. From the opening whistle to the final interception return, Florida delivered a commanding 40–21 victory over rival Florida State in the 69th meeting of the storied series.
Florida State (5–7) arrived needing one final win to secure bowl eligibility and seeking payback for last year’s loss in Tallahassee. Instead, the Seminoles left with neither. Florida (4–8), humiliated a week ago in a 31–11 defeat at Tennessee, responded with its most complete performance of the season — finally playing with urgency, toughness, and four full quarters of consistency.
The star of the night: Running back Jaden Baugh, who authored one of the greatest rushing performances in Gator history.
First Half: Florida Controls Early, Baugh Reaches Rare Milestone
FSU opened the rivalry clash with a quick three-and-out, ending in a drive-killing sack by Florida’s Graham. The Gators seized the momentum immediately. On their first possession, Baugh broke free for a 21-yard burst, setting up a short field goal and a 3–0 advantage.
Florida kept its foot on the gas with an 11-play, 76-yard march capped by a precise inside-slant touchdown to Eugene Sturdivant, stretching the lead to 10–0.
The Seminoles responded early in the second quarter behind a 21-yard run from #28 Singleton and a touchdown strike to #19 Danzy, closing the gap to 10–7. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos put together an impressive night for FSU, throwing for 240 yards and adding 77 on the ground.
But Florida punched right back. A methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive ended with a touchdown to tight end Hayden Livingston — and during that series, Baugh crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He became only the 10th player in Florida history to reach the milestone, and just the third underclassman ever to do so.
FSU kept it close with late-half scoring, and Florida entered the break up 17–14 after both teams traded turnovers.
Third Quarter: The Turning Point
The game changed for good after Florida stuffed FSU on a crucial 4th-and-1 early in the third quarter.
With the Seminoles reeling, the Gators turned again to Baugh. He ripped off a 20-yard perimeter run, then helped sell the play-action that freed up receiver #89 Hanson for a touchdown from DJ Lagway. The lead grew to 24–14.
Florida wasn’t done. Eight plays and 51 yards later, Baugh powered in a 22-yard touchdown run, breaking tackles and breaking open the game at 31–14. The Seminoles’ defense, worn down by the relentless ground attack, had no answers.
Fourth Quarter: Florida Puts the Rivalry on Ice
Florida opened the final quarter by drilling a 54-yard field goal — the program’s 10th make from 50+ yards this season — pushing the advantage to 34–14.
FSU made one last push, marching 83 yards for a touchdown caught by Lawayne McCoy, who finished with a standout 117 yards on six receptions. That score cut the deficit to 34–21.
But the comeback ended right there.
Florida recovered the ensuing onside kick and leaned again on its workhorse. Baugh ripped off chunk gains on nearly every snap, and on 4th-and-3 he bullied his way into the end zone from 12 yards out for his second touchdown of the game.
The Gators led 40–21, and moments later #12 Ben Hanks closed the book with a 51-yard interception return.
From that point forward, The Swamp roared in celebration.
A Night for the Record Books
Jaden Baugh finished with:
266 rushing yards
38 carries
2 touchdowns
His performance ranks as the second-highest single-game rushing total in the entire history of Florida football.
FSU simply couldn’t contain him once he found his rhythm.
“Being in a category with those guys, it’s just amazing. I don’t think I can wrap my head around it yet,” Baugh said afterward, reflecting on joining legends like Emmitt Smith on the program’s all-time list.
Series Notes & Season Implications
Florida now leads the rivalry 39–28–2 and has earned back-to-back victories for the first time in years.
For FSU, the loss is devastating. The Seminoles finish 5–7 and miss out on bowl eligibility, a painful conclusion for a team that still hoped to extend its season.
Florida wraps up a turbulent year at 4–8, but the rivalry win delivers something meaningful — momentum, identity, and pride.
On a cool night in Gainesville, the Gators gave The Swamp something it hasn’t felt enough this season:
A reminder that the stadium still bites back.
