Skip to main content
Texas

Press conference reaction: Texas Longhorns lose to Florida Gators 29-21

by: Evan Vieth10/05/25
NCAA Football: Texas at Florida
Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian walks off the field after a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Join us as we break down the Texas/Florida game’s turning points, standout performances, and what this loss means going forward.

[Sign up for Inside Texas TODAY and get the BEST Longhorns coverage!]

Shop Academy Sports + Outdoors for top brands and low prices, with FREE in-store pickup and same-day delivery! Visit https://www.academy.com/

The Texas Longhorns fell to the Florida Gators 29-21 in a hard-fought game at Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, known as the Swamp. The Longhorns tried to mount a late comeback but ultimately fell short, with a critical final spike by quarterback Arch Manning ending their chances. The game exposed significant issues in Texas’ running game and offensive line, which struggled to generate rushing yards outside of Manning’s scrambles. Florida’s defensive front dominated, stifling Texas’ run game and pressuring the quarterback consistently. Despite some bright spots, including two touchdowns from running back Quintrevion Wiser and a solid performance from Arch Manning in the second half, Texas was unable to overcome Florida’s physical defense and the hostile environment.

The offensive line’s ongoing struggles, with penalties and poor run blocking, left the Longhorns vulnerable against Florida’s defensive front and raise concerns about Texas’ ability to handle upcoming strong defenses from teams like Oklahoma and Georgia. The defense had moments of strong play, particularly from players like Jadan Baugh, Dallas Wilson, and DJ Lagway, though there were breakdowns that allowed Florida to make big plays. The receivers performed relatively well, but offensive inconsistencies and the inability to establish a reliable run game ultimately cost Texas.

With a 3-2 overall record and 0-1 in SEC play, Texas faces an uphill battle to capture a conference title or playoff spot this season. The team must improve markedly, especially in the run game and offensive line, to compete with tougher upcoming opponents. The coaching staff remains optimistic but acknowledges the need to take the season game-by-game. The Red River Shootout against Oklahoma looms as a critical test for Texas’ offense and defense moving forward.

Join Inside Texas for Market-Leading Texas Longhorns Football coverage!

InsideTexas.com provides just what passionate Texas fans expect: Market-leading coverage of Longhorns athletics and recruiting.

Join the best Texas fan community and receive all the benefits that come with it:

  • Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love
  • Immediate access to any Longhorns break news
  • Exclusive insider practice reports and year-round team info as well as board Q&A’s with IT staff
  • High level discourse with the most passionate and informed Longhorns fans across multiple board forums.
  • Market leading team analysis for those who are looking to increase their understanding of Steve Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski’s preferred concepts
  • So much more!

SIGN UP and ensure no Longhorns information gets by you: Join Inside Texas community today!

Talk about this story and many more with fellow Longhorn diehards on the Members Only forum.

You may also like