GAINESVILLE — UF’s 55-0 romp against outmanned Long Island University was to be expected as 45.5-point favorites at the sold-out Swamp.
“That’s probably what it should look like,” coach Billy Napier said of the one-sided win.
There still were surprises and revelations during the Gators’ highest-scoring performance and first shutout win in his four seasons.
Orlando’s Vernell Brown III did in the opener what fellow freshman Dallas Wilson did in the spring game.
Brown followed a strong fall camp and key role with a scintillating display during his first game as a Gator.
The former Orlando Jones standout became the just the third true freshman receiver to start a season opener, joining the legendary Percy Harvin (2006) and Antonio Callaway (2015).
Florida freshman Vernell Brown III (8) and teammates celebrate after beating the Long Island University 55-0 Aug. 30 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Brown capitalized with a team-leading 79 receiving yards on 3 catches, bettering the debuts of Harvin and Callaway. The 5-foot-11 ¼, 178-pound Brown also returned three punts for 45 yards and ran a kickoff back 25 yards to finish with game-high 149 all-purpose yards.
“He’s a play-maker,” Napier said. “You can see he’s comfortable out there. That will be the first of many like that.”
Brown’s backpedaling one-handed stab while falling down for a 41-yard gain during the second quarter was the highlight.
“That was incredible,” sophomore linebacker Myles Graham said. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”
Brown arrived the top-rated member of the 2025 class and the nation’s No. 5 receiver prospect. Wilson, who rated No. 8, stole the spotlight in the spring game with 10 catches for 195 yards, both school records.
But 6-foot-3, 216-pound Wilson has been injured in recent weeks; he wore a protective boot on his left foot Saturday night. When he returns, UF will have a freshmen duo on the perimeter unlike any since the days of Steve Spurrier.
Florida wide receiver Vernell Brown III (8) tumbles as he hangs on after making a spectacular one-handed catch in front of LIU defensive back Jalen Bell (6) during the Long Island University at University of Florida college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
QB DJ Lagway needs to show more
The sophomore preseason Heisman candidate took ownership of a pedestrian performance. Lagway finished 15-of-18 passing but for just 120 yards. Touchdown throws to end three consecutive possessions helped the Gators built a 38-0 halftime lead and showed encouraging flashes.
“It got more comfortable for me as the game went on,” he said. “I know I need to play better than that and I’m going to play better than that.”
The 20-year-old still didn’t answer questions about the true state a right shoulder ailing much of the offseason.
Lagway badly missed Brown when he was wide open on 3rd-and-10 inside the LIU 40. Jones’ highlight-reel catch rescued Lagway on an errant throw down field.
The pass displayed a rare willingness to attack and air it out — Lagway trademarks in 2024. He aims to re-establish both after injuries limited him during the offseason.
Lagway’s first meaningful snaps since the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl came after just two weeks of full practice. Inconsistency was understandable, but not acceptable.
“I’m happy that I was able to be out there,” he said. “Definitely wasn’t excited the way I played.”
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws a touchdown pass during the Long Island University at University of Florida college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville on Saturday, August 30, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Backup QB question was settled, and so is the future starting role.
True freshman Trammel Jones Jr. had been trending during fall camp. Yet, the battle to be the backup had not been officially settled until Saturday.
Jones’ impressive debut made clear he’ll be the first option behind Lagway. The former 4-star prospect from Jacksonville Mandarin played the entire second half, finishing 12 of 18 for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns for a 164.5 passer rating.
“He’s a pure passer,” Napier said. “He can really throw it. He’s got velocity on the ball … and then he’s a very accurate quarterback.”
When Jones stepped in for Lagway to open the second half, it likely surprised those expecting Louisville transfer Harrison Bailey, an experienced 23-year-old at his fourth school, or redshirt sophomore Aidan Warner, whose growth and improvement drew offseason praise.
Jones was limited during spring practices as he continued to recover from a serious ankle injury suffered in the second game of his senior season. In 2023, he totaled 3,195 passing yards for 33 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions while completing 60.6% of his throws. He led Mandarin to 2023 Class 4M state title.
Originally committed to Florida State, the 18-year-old could now be the Gators’ future at quarterback — just not yet.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth,” Graham said. “He’s electrifying. Him learning from DJ, that’s a deadly combo right there. After DJ’s gone, he’ll be a great player for us.”
Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. throws during the Long Island University at University of Florida college football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Florida won the game 55-0. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Concerns on the offensive line
Facing an outmanned opponent, the Gators’ O-line did not live up to its billing as one of the nation’s best.
Lagway suffered a 5-yard loss on the game’s first play, backup tailback Ja’Kobi Jackson averaged just 3.4 yards on 7 carries and the Gators finished with a fairly modest 451 yards after averaging 616 during their previous three wins against FCS foes under Napier.
Redshirt sophomore right tackle Bryce Lovett was on his heels too often, but options were limited with reserves Fletcher Westphal and Enoch Wangoy injured, and Devin Manuel unavailable. Even All-American center Jake Slaughter missed an assignment or two.
A unit expected to spearhead the Gators’ attack has work ahead.
The Gators’ operation was nearly flawless.
UF committed no turnovers or penalties in the same game for the first time under Napier.
Killer miscues and operational mayhem have been costly. Against LIU, the Gators cleaned up their act.
Graham said it was learned behavior.
“That’s disciplined football,” he said. “In practice if you get a penalty, you have to run a lap and that’s a long, hot lap. That helps us play more disciplined, play more disciplined football, get our eyes where they need to be and play how we want to play.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
