Following an off week for the Gators, the Florida football team hosts No. 9 Texas on Saturday. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. in Gainesville, broadcast nationally on ESPN. After losing three straight games, the Gators are desperate for a win.
Here is everything you need to know about the Longhorns ahead of the pivotal game for UF.
Texas Longhorns - The Names and Numbers to Know
2025 Results: The Longhorns are 3-1, and while they remain in the Top 10, the season has been a bit underwhelming, so far. Preseason Heisman contender Arch Manning has struggled in his first year as the full-time quarterback, though he's settled in more after his rough opening game.
Texas lost to No. 1 Ohio State 14-7 in the season opener in Columbus, and has since reeled off three consecutive blowouts over non-conference competition. The Longhorns collectively outscored their last three opponents 120-17. Those were games against San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston.
By The Numbers: The Longhorns are averaging 31.8 points per game (56th in the country), while allowing only 7.8 points per game - good for second in the country.
The numbers are a bit skewed given the competition in three out of four games, but Texas is currently out-gaining opponents by more than 200 yards per game, checking in at 438.8-211 yards per game.
Manning has flashed his star power, responsible for 14 touchdowns so far, including five on the ground. However, he is only completing 61% of his passes and has thrown three interceptions.
Leading Passer: Arch Manning - 65-for-106, 888 yards, nine touchdowns, three interceptions
Leading Receiver: Parker Livingstone - 11 catches, 232 yards, three touchdowns, 21.1 yards per catch
Leading Rusher: Jerrick Gibson - 36 rushes, 155 yards, one touchdown, 4.3 yards per rush
Leading Tackler: TIE: Linebacker Liona Lefau, defensive back Michael Taaffe - 25 tackles
Game Analysis: On both sides of the ball, this game pits strength against weakness. UF's defense, despite injuries and little support from the offense, has played very well, allowing 16 points per game against stiff competition. It's the first real test for Manning and head coach Steve Sarkisian's offense since only managing seven points against the Buckeyes in the season opener.
Meanwhile, UF's offense has been abysmal as sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway has struggled to get in a groove after an offseason missed due to injury. Florida's last three losses were all against respectable teams, but none of them have a defense as highly rated as Texas.
Florida head coach Billy Napier is desperate for a win. His offense will need to return to its late 2024 form if that's going to happen.
Related Gators Stories
OFFENSIVE BOOST: Lagway and the Gators' offense got some good news, finally. Their five-star, deep-threat freshman receiver is expected to return this Saturday. CLICK HERE
LIVE REPS FOR DJ: During the two week stretch between games, Napier focused on getting live reps for Lagway to make up for what he missed in the offseason. CLICK HERE