How Florida's 2025 Opponents Fared in Week 1

Florida moved to 1-0 but still has the nation's toughest schedule ahead of them.

The Florida Gators will face Miami on Sept. 20. The Hurricanes edged out a close win over No. 6 Notre Dame. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

It was a great beginning for the Florida Gators in Week 1 against Long Island, walking away with a 55-0 win over their visitors. As good as it was for the Gators, though, the same can’t be said for all of their opponents. 

Florida Gators on SI recaps how those on Florida’s 2025 schedule fared in their first games of the season.

USF Surprises Boise State

Despite Boise State entering the week as a top-25 team, the USF Bulls looked much more prepared and confident to begin their campaign. The Bulls dominated their opponents 34-7, never looking out of place. 

Leading the way for their offense was none other than their star quarterback, Byrum Brown. Brown was responsible for 253 total yards (210 passing, 43 rushing) and two rushing touchdowns. 

Aug 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Byrum Brown (17) runs with the ball against the Boise State Broncos in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Although their offense put forth a strong effort in this game, their defense proved to be equally impressive. They recovered three fumbles on the day and logged one sack. Paving the way for the defense was senior linebacker Jhalyn Shuler, who led the team in tackles with 14. 

USF will have a chance to add another top-25 win to its resume next weekend in Gainesville. 

Three Log Ranked Wins, Another with a Disappointing Loss

Three of Florida’s 2025 opponents added ranked wins to their college football playoff resume this weekend. Those were LSU, Miami and Florida State. The one who fell to a top-25 program was Texas. 

The Longhorns traveled as the No. 1-ranked team in the country to Columbus to face off against No. 3 Ohio State, led by preseason Heisman favorite Arch Manning. 

However, things could not look further from expectations than they did in this game. Manning looked out of sorts against the Buckeyes, finishing the game 17-for-30 with 170 passing yards, 38 rushing yards, a passing touchdown and an interception. In the end, the Longhorns left with a 14-7 loss. 

Ohio State Buckeyes safety Jaylen McClain (18) tries to tackle Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Aug 30, 2025. | Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Florida’s Week 3 opponent, LSU, was in a similar boat as Texas to begin its campaign. The Tigers were scheduled on the road to take on No. 4 Clemson. 

Unlike Texas, though, this contest ended in triumph for the purple and gold with a 17-10 win on the road after erasing a halftime deficit.

Heisman candidate Garrett Nussmeier was 28-for-38 with 230 yards and a touchdown against their ACC opponents. 

Arguably, one of the biggest upsets of the day took place before this game, though. In Tallahassee, Florida State was paired up with Alabama to open its year. Despite the Crimson Tide being ranked No. 8, it was the Seminoles who looked like the top-10 team in this one. 

Florida State handled its foes easily, winning 31-17 and not trailing for a single minute. At one point, they were out in front 24-7. Alabama made it close near the end, but the hosts put the nail in the coffin with a rushing touchdown near the seven-minute mark in the fourth. 

Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Kam Davis (3) and associate head coach Odell Haggins react after a play Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The other in-state rival for the Gators, Miami, had a successful Week 1, too. No. 6 Notre Dame was the first on the docket for the Hurricanes in 2025, and it was a nail-biter. 

Despite controlling the game through the first three quarters, things got hairy near the end for Miami. The Fighting Irish came all the way back from a 21-7 deficit, tying the score at 24 apiece with 3:21 left in the game. Unfortunately for them, it was not enough to overthrow their opponents as the Hurricanes nailed a 47-yard field goal with 1:04 remaining for the final points of the game. 

The final score for this game was 27-24, in favor of Miami.

Florida will travel to Miami on Sept. 20.

All Others Perform as Expected

The remaining six teams on the Gators' schedule all played to their expectations during the weekend. Tennessee beat Syracuse 45-26 behind new quarterback Joey Aguilar. Ole Miss dominated Georgia State 63-7. Texas A&M bested UTSA 42-24. Georgia breezed past Marshall 45-7. Mississippi State defeated Southern Miss 34-17. And, finally, Kentucky edged out Toledo 24-16.