Florida’s win over Texas was already a major upset. The way the Gators earned it made the result even more memorable.

Freshman quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. made his first career start and led Florida back from a 17-3 deficit to beat the seventh-ranked Longhorns 27-24. Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, both to tight end Lacota Dippre, without throwing an interception.

The Gators took control after halftime, using a long scoring drive to tie the game at 17. Florida then added a fourth-quarter field goal and an 11-yard touchdown run by Jadan Baugh to build a 27-17 lead.

Jones handled the moment

Jones was starting because Aaron Philo was injured, and the assignment came in one of the toughest settings in college football: a road game against a ranked Texas team in front of more than 100,000 fans.

He gave Florida a steady performance. The Gators kept possession for more than 38 minutes, converted eight third downs and controlled the ball for much of the second half. Jones’ two touchdown passes helped turn that possession advantage into points.

Florida also got a major contribution from its defense. After Texas cut the margin to three late in the fourth quarter, the Gators forced an Arch Manning fumble to end the Longhorns’ final meaningful drive.

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Texas had a chance to steal it back

Manning completed a 62-yard pass to Emmett Mosley V to set up Texas’ final touchdown. The Longhorns were within three with 4:21 left, and they got the ball back with 2:32 remaining.

Florida’s pressure ended that opportunity. Manning lost the ball, and the Gators recovered before running out the clock.

The result gives Florida a signature win and a promising first-start story for Jones. It also gives Texas plenty to review after a loss at home. The Longhorns host Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 24, while Florida can carry the confidence of a comeback that demanded composure from its young quarterback.

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Sources: Florida Athletics and Texas Athletics.