Florida quarterback Aaron Philo (12) celebrates with his teammate, tight end Lacota Dippre (17) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Campbell University, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. (Reagan Bresnahan/WRUF)

Jon Sumrall, Gators Look to Continue History of Upsetting Ole Miss in The Swamp

Florida and Ole Miss are squaring off once again, and the Rebels find themselves coming into The Swamp with a familiar target on their backs.

The last two times Ole Miss has visited Gainesville, it came into the game boasting a top-10 ranking. Both times, Florida walked out victorious.

Saturday’s matchup carries much to be desired, including breaking the tie in the all-time series record that dates back to 1926. The programs have each earned 13 wins against each other and tied once in 1934.

Both teams are coming off the highs of last weekend as Florida earned a statement win on the road at Auburn and Ole Miss got its revenge against Lane Kiffin and his Louisiana State Tigers.

Now, the two teams face off in Gainesville once again.

In 2015, the No. 3 Rebels came into the Swamp for a 7 p.m. nightcap. Florida was fresh off a 28-27 win against Tennessee. Quarterback Will Grier found Antonio Callaway for a 63-yard game-winning touchdown to put the thriller away.

There were concerns throughout the week surrounding Grier and his availability against the Rebels the following week. Grier, who was dealing with the flu, showed no sign of struggle, going 24 of 29 and tallying four touchdowns.

The Gators, who were ranked 25th coming into the game, dominated on both sides of the ball, securing a 38-10 win in Jim McElwain’s first year in Gainesville.

The Rebels and Gators would find themselves in a late-season faceoff once again, this time in 2024. Lane Kiffin and No. 9Ole Miss were pushing for a College Football Playoff berth, but the unranked Gators had other plans.

Florida had just taken down No. 22 LSU in The Swamp the week before and kept its momentum going against Ole Miss.

The teams traded blows and headed into the fourth quarter tied at 17. The Gators defense stepped up down the stretch, forcing back-to-back punts and intercepting Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart twice in the game’s final two minutes. Bryce Thornton came up with each of the picks to secure a 24-17 win for the Gators.

In 2026, a similar narrative sets the scene: Ole Miss comes into Gainesville as a playoff hopeful, and Florida looks to spoil their trip. The Rebels will attempt to break a similar pattern

while the Gators look to take the all-time series lead and deliver another blow to Ole Miss’ postseason hopes.

Category: Football, Gators Football