Longhorns-Gators Gets Early Kickoff With Revenge In The Air

Texas now knows when Florida is coming to town.

The SEC has set the Longhorns’ Oct. 17 home game against the Gators for 11 a.m. CT at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, with the matchup scheduled for ABC or ESPN.

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Texas remains No. 1 in the AP poll entering Red River week, while Florida slipped to No. 16 after a rough weekend at Missouri. 

A week ago, this looked like it might develop into another top-10 showdown.

Instead, Florida’s momentum took a major hit Saturday when the then-No. 8 Gators were overwhelmed 45-17 by Missouri.

The Tigers scored 35 unanswered points and outgained Florida 560-325, including a 220-42 advantage on the ground. 

Florida coach Jon Sumrall didn’t hide his frustration afterward.

“I’m sick to my frickin’ stomach with what we just did,” Sumrall said. “Like livid.”

That loss shouldn’t make Texas comfortable.

Florida has already shown it can cause the Longhorns problems. The Gators beat Texas 29-21 in Gainesville last season, handing the Longhorns one of their most frustrating losses of 2025.

Texas dominated the previous meeting in Austin, winning 49-17 in 2024, leaving the recent series split at one victory apiece. 

The 11 a.m. kickoff also changes the feel of the matchup.

Texas has benefited from some electric night environments at DKR, but this one will require the crowd - and the Longhorns - to be ready immediately. There won’t be an all-day buildup before kickoff.

First, though, Texas has Oklahoma.

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The No. 1 Longhorns face the Sooners Saturday at the Cotton Bowl before turning their attention to Florida. If Texas handles its rivalry business, the Gators will arrive in Austin with an opportunity to spoil an unbeaten season and erase some of the sting from their Missouri collapse.

Florida may no longer carry a top-10 ranking. That doesn’t make the game harmless.