Florida Aims to End Three-Game Losing Streak in Lexington
Emory Jones’ pass fell incomplete, and Kroger Field turned into a sea of blue. That was 2021. Florida is still looking to end the misery.
Over the past 10 years, the Gators are 2-3 against Kentucky at Kroger Field. They travel back to Lexington on Saturday looking to even that record.
Florida has lost the last three matchups played in Lexington, in 2021, 2023 and 2025. The most recent was a lopsided 38-7 loss in 2025 under interim coach Billy Gonzales.
In 2025, then-Florida quarterback DJ Lagway threw one touchdown and three interceptions. He finished with 83 passing yards, compared to Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley’s 168 yards and two touchdowns.
The Wildcats also outrushed the Gators by 129 yards. The 31-point margin was Florida’s worst loss to Kentucky since a 40-6 defeat in 1950.
In 2023, Kentucky’s running game left Florida’s defense stumbling. Kentucky running back Ray Davis ran for 280 yards on 26 carries, an average of 10.8 yards per carry. Gators quarterback Graham Mertz threw for 244 yards but was sacked three times, and it wasn’t enough as the unranked Wildcats beat the No. 22 Gators 33-14 for their third consecutive win over Florida.
On paper, the No. 10 Gators should have beaten Kentucky in 2021. However, the game told a different story. Jones threw for 203 yards, but Florida’s explosive plays were halted by 15 penalties for 115 yards, including eight false starts. With 18 seconds left, Jones’ pass to wide receiver Trent Whittemore was incomplete, leading to a swarm of blue charging the field and a 20-13 loss for the Gators.
Florida’s latest victory at Kentucky came in 2019, led by quarterback Feleipe Franks and backup quarterback Kyle Trask. Franks suffered a season-ending leg injury in the third quarter with Florida trailing 21-10. Trask came off the bench and led the Gators to 19 unanswered points. The No. 9 Gators’ 29-21 win moved them to 3-0.
The No. 20 Gators’ 2017 win on the road, 28-27, marked their 31st straight win against Kentucky. Florida came back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with backup quarterback Luke Del Rio lofting a 5-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Swain with 43 seconds remaining.
In his first season as head coach, Jon Sumrall will look to change the Gators’ recent struggles against Kentucky. Florida (5-4) faces Kentucky (7-2) on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. on ESPN. A win in Lexington would secure the Gators’ bowl eligibility.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Football
