GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Any lingering offseason questions surrounding the Florida Gators were answered loudly Saturday night in The Swamp. With a dominant 55–0 victory over Long Island University (LIU), Florida showed why expectations are high in Gainesville—and why they might just be warranted.
From quarterback health to freshman firepower and a defense that suffocated from start to finish, the Gators put together a complete performance that was as clean as it was convincing.
Early Jitters, Ground Game Calm
Quarterback DJ Lagway had a shaky start to his 2025 debut, struggling with timing and rhythm in the opening quarter. But veteran running back Jaden Baugh wasted no time picking up the slack. The junior tailback ran with purpose and patience, piling up 104 yards on the ground, keeping the offense afloat while Lagway settled in.
“I definitely felt more comfortable as the game went on,” Lagway said postgame. “And I know I can play better—I will.”
Baugh’s early dominance gave Florida the stability it needed, allowing Lagway time to adjust without pressure mounting.
Freshmen Step Into the Spotlight
With veteran wideout Dallas Wilson out with a leg injury, Florida’s young receivers were under the microscope. They delivered in a big way.
Eugene Wilson III flashed elite instincts near the goal line with a crisp touchdown grab, but it was true freshman Ventrell Miller Jr. who turned heads. In his first college game, Miller racked up 73 receiving yards—a school record for a true freshman debut—and made national headlines with a 41-yard one-handed grab reminiscent of Odell Beckham Jr.
“Ventrell’s catch was unbelievable,” said Lagway. “He’s humble, he works, and he’s got that ‘it’ factor.”
Tramell Takes Over
With the game well in hand by the second half, backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. took the reins—and impressed. The sophomore went 12-for-18 for 131 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing poise and accuracy while keeping the offense humming.
“He’s earned it,” head coach Billy Napier said. “Once he got healthy and started getting reps, he showed what he’s capable of. He made the most of tonight.”
Florida’s second unit didn’t just protect the lead—they extended it, as both offense and defense continued to dominate through the final whistle.
Defensive Domination
Florida’s defense may have been the biggest winner of the night. LIU was held to under 100 total yards and never threatened to score. The Gators forced turnovers, swarmed the backfield, and tackled with textbook discipline.
“We played clean football,” Napier said. “No turnovers. No bad penalties. We tackled well, created takeaways, and executed across the board. That’s the standard.”
The Gators punted just once after halftime. LIU never crossed midfield again.
Pre-Game Drama: Superstition and Symbolism
In a strange pregame moment, LIU’s head coach was overheard scolding players for stepping on Florida’s midfield logo during the walkout—calling out violators as “idiots.” Whether symbolic or not, things unraveled quickly for the visitors.
The game also carried financial significance for LIU, who reportedly earned $525,000 for the matchup—typical for FCS teams facing Power Five programs on the road.
What It Means
Florida was expected to dominate—and they did—but the way they did it matters. Baugh looks like a true workhorse. Lagway settled in and showed upside. Ventrell Miller Jr. looks like the real deal. Tramell proved Florida has depth at quarterback. And the defense? Suffocating.
Up Next: USF, Then LSU
The Gators will host South Florida next week in what could be another tune-up opportunity before heading to Baton Rouge to face LSU in one of the SEC’s marquee matchups. That will be the true test.
