Florida and Ole Miss face off in top-25 college football matchup

Florida and Ole Miss face off in top-25 college football matchup

No. 4 Ole Miss returns to the road this Saturday to face No. 21 Florida in Gainesville, in a matchup that could extend the Rebels’ impressive early-season run. After last week’s revenge win over LSU, Ole Miss will try to defy the odds as underdogs against a Gators team riding the momentum of a high-scoring victory at Auburn.

Florida’s 44-39 win over the previously unbeaten Tigers was the Gators’ first serious test this season, and it delivered on the promise shown under new coach Jon Sumrall. The victory lifted Florida from a 4-8 season in 2025 to 3-0 heading into this weekend, with a home win over Ole Miss set to match last year’s total wins.

The clash between Florida and Ole Miss is drawing attention for its potential offensive fireworks. Florida’s defense has struggled somewhat despite a manageable schedule, while Ole Miss has allowed points against Louisville and LSU. The combination suggests a shootout is likely, with a SportsLine computer model predicting the game will go over 58.5 points.

One of the most intriguing matchups will be at running back. Florida’s Jadan Baugh is considered one of the nation’s best, matched closely by Ole Miss’ Kewan Lacy. Lacy’s availability is uncertain after sustaining an injury last week, but if he plays, this could be one of the season’s standout battles in the backfield.

Ole Miss aims to accomplish something rare by securing a third win over an AP-ranked opponent before the end of September. The Rebels have already beaten two ranked teams this season. No team has achieved three ranked wins so early since 2017 Clemson, and only three teams have done it in the BCS/CFP era.

Florida’s recent history at home against top-10 teams could influence the game. The Gators have upset highly ranked visitors in Gainesville multiple times, including last year’s win over No. 9 Texas, which effectively ended Texas’ College Football Playoff hopes. Ole Miss also lost twice in Gainesville when ranked in the top 10, including a 38-10 defeat when they were No. 3.

The game kicks off Saturday, September 26, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. ABC will broadcast the matchup, with live streaming available on Fubo.

While Ole Miss faces the challenge of winning on the road as underdogs, Florida’s recent surge under Sumrall and their success in home games against top-ranked opponents set the stage for a compelling contest. Both teams have shown offensive prowess, and the battle between their running backs adds another layer of anticipation.

The latest update confirms Kewan Lacy’s status remains uncertain, with the Rebels awaiting a final decision ahead of kickoff.


According to CBS.