Florida Dominates LIU with 55-0 Season-Opening Victory
The Florida Gators opened their 2025 football season in Gainesville with an absolute statement, cruising past Long Island University 55-0. It wasn’t just a win, it was a showcase of talent, depth, and the return of quarterback DJ Lagway, who made his long-awaited comeback in front of a packed Swamp.
Lagway, who had been sidelined for months due to core-muscle surgery, a sore shoulder, and a strained calf, finally got back under center. At first, there was some visible rust—he was sacked on the opening play and missed on a couple of early throws. But once he settled in, the sophomore reminded everyone why he’s considered the centerpiece of Florida’s offense. He went 15-for-18, throwing for 120 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball around to receivers Eugene Wilson III, Hayden Hansen, and J. Michael Sturdivant. By halftime, Florida had built a commanding 38-0 lead, and Lagway’s night was done.
Head coach Billy Napier admitted this game was essentially a live scrimmage for his quarterback. After so much missed time, the chance to get comfortable in game action was exactly what Lagway needed. “He’ll get his rhythm,” Napier explained, and fans could see his confidence growing with every drive.
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Florida’s offense looked unstoppable. Jadan Baugh pounded the ground game with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, while freshman Vernell Brown III turned heads with three catches for 79 yards—including a highlight-reel one-handed grab that immediately drew comparisons to Odell Beckham Jr.’s famous catch. Brown also made history, becoming just the third true freshman ever to start an opener for the Gators.
As for Long Island, the night was long and painful. The Sharks managed only two first downs and finished with more penalty yards than total offense—86 yards of offense compared to 100 in penalties. The mismatch was obvious from the start, and the payout of $525,000 they received for making the trip might have been their only consolation.
Despite the lopsided win, Florida left a few points on the field. Kicker Trey Smack missed two field goals, and the Gators went just two-for-six on third-down conversions. Still, the shutout victory showed exactly the kind of dominance that was expected against an FCS opponent.
Adding to the night’s special moments, former Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan was honored at the end of the first quarter. The current Chicago Bulls coach is about to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Gainesville crowd gave him a loud, extended standing ovation in appreciation of his legendary run with the Gators, which included back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Next up, Florida hosts South Florida, a team riding high after upsetting No. 25 Boise State. For Napier’s squad, the real tests will come soon, but this opener provided a confidence boost, valuable reps for Lagway, and flashes of future stars. For now, Gator fans can enjoy the perfect start to the season—55 points scored, zero points allowed, and plenty of optimism moving forward.
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