How Gators Have Fared After Top 10 Wins

After a whirlwind weekend that ended in the unranked Florida Gators defeating the No. 9 Texas Longhorns 29-21, fans are riding the high of taking down a top 10 team. 

But what’s next with five ranked foes remaining on UF’s schedule? Here’s a look at how Florida’s fared following similar victories in the last decade: 

In 2018, after the Gators defeated No. 5 LSU 27-19, they went on to finish 10-3. The victory was one of the most significant during head coach Dan Mullen’s tenure, as Florida went on to crush Michigan in the Peach Bowl, capping his opening season at 10-3. Similarly, in 2019, Mullen was able to lead the Gators to a successful season following a marquee victory. After defeating No. 7 Auburn 24-13, Florida ended the season 11-2 and notched an Orange Bowl win over Virginia, 36-28. 

However, results vary. In 2015, after beating No. 3 Ole Miss, Florida surged to 6-0, only to stumble through the rest of the season after suspending quarterback Will Grier. The Gators won the SEC East, but lost the SEC title and then took a massive 41-7 loss to Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. 

In 2020, the Gators defeated rival and No. 5 Georgia 44-28 and went on to win the East again, but lost in the SEC Championship to Alabama. Florida went on to lose the Cotton Bowl to Oklahoma. Again in 2022, after coming off a Week 1 high of defeating No. 7 Utah, the Gators faded to 6-7 after a loss to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl. 

So what does this mean for Billy Napier’s 2025 squad? 

In 2024, the Gators once again stunned No. 8 Ole Miss in Gainesville, earning their first top-10 win under Billy Napier. The victory snapped a two-year streak of losing seasons and reignited confidence among fans that Florida could finally compete again in the SEC East. The pattern shows that when Florida upsets a top opponent in October or later, like in 2018 and 2019, it’s significantly more likely to sustain momentum through the rest of the season. Since 2015, the Gators have gone on to win the week after defeating a top 10 team five times. But, when an upset comes too early, like in 2022, or when it is followed by injury, regression reigns. 

So, beating Texas provided security that Napier desperately needed. However, it did not create complete stability. His position, and Florida’s ability to turn the corner, hinges on tallying more SEC wins in late October and November. To start, the Gators head to No. 5 Texas A&M Saturday. 

Category: College Football, Football, Gators Football