When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville
Latest line: Texas favored by 6.5 points
TV: ESPN
Weather: 84 degrees, 65% rain chance
Coaches: Steve Sarkisian 41-18 (87-53 overall); Billy Napier 20-22 (60-34 overall)
Quick slant: Texas will visit Gainesville for the first time since 1940, when the Longhorns were 26-0 winners at Florida Field. The No. 9 Longhorns are the first of six Top 20 opponents for Florida during the final eight regular-season games.
About Texas (3-1, 0-0): The Longhorns had to replace 14 starters from a CFP semifinalist, including the entire defensive line. Texas still leads the SEC, allowing an average of 3.58 yards per play. With four new offensive lineman and Arch Manning as new starting quarterback, Sarkisian’s attack managed just 336 yards during a season-opening loss at Ohio State and 340 during a 27-10 snoozer against UTEP.
About Florida (1-3, 0-1): The Gators defense ranks 22nd nationally, up from 75th in 2024, but also has generated just four turnovers, or tied for 91st of 136 teams, after finishing with 25, tied for 13th. Florida averaged just 287.3 yards during losses to USF, LSU and Miami, finishing with just 141 against the Hurricanes while averaging 2.71 yards per play.
Freshman receiver Dallas Wilson (left) recorded a school-record 10 receptions for 195 yards during the Gators’ Orange and Blue game April 12 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (UAA Communications/Victoria Riccobono)
Three things to watch
1. Robust receiving corps. True freshman Dallas Wilson’s long-awaited collegiate debut could be a game-changer, while talented redshirt sophomore Aidan Mizell of Orlando also is expected back after sitting out the Miami game. A full complement of receivers could help struggling quarterback DJ Lagway finally find his rhythm.
2. Pass rush. Florida’s edge defenders have been as disappointing as any group thus far. Redshirt senior Tyreak Sapp has one sack after he set his sights on the school record (Alex Brown 13, 1999), while George Gumbs Jr. has failed to build on his late-season surge in 2024. Rattling Manning will be critical.
3. Jadan Baugh. The talented sophomore tailback is looking to break out. The absence of backup Ja’Kobi Jackson could increase Baugh’s workload as the Gators’ struggling run game (123 ypg, 13th SEC) looks to get on track.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
