Florida football earned its largest comeback win against a ranked SEC opponent in a true road game over Texas on Saturday, marking its first-ever victory over the Longhorns in Austin. The Gators are now just one win away from returning to postseason play after scoring its fifth victory of the 2026 campaign.
Following Florida's signature win over Texas in Week 7, The Athletic writer Scott Dochterman issued his updated bowl projections, with the Orange and Blue taking on SMU Mustangs in the Gator Bowl.
The Gators and Mustangs have split their four previous face-offs dating back to 1964. SMU won both games played on a neutral field — a 35-25 victory in 1978 (Orlando) and a 21-14 triumph in 1972 (Tampa) — while UF prevailed in Gainesville during the 1964 season,
24-8, and again in 1975, 40-14.
Florida has played in the Gator Bowl nine times dating back to 1952, with seven wins over that span. The last time UF participated in the in-state event was in 2012 during Will Muschamp's first season on the sidelines, beating Ohio State, 24-17. The last time Florida lost a Gator Bowl game was in 1975, when Maryland shut out Doug Dickey's squad, 13-0.
This week, USA TODAY Sports, Sports Illustrated and ESPN also projected Florida to participate in the Gator Bowl against various opponents.
The Athletic's Week 7 bowl projection
- Bowl: Gator Bowl
- Opponent: SMU
- Date: Dec. 30
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Conference matchup: SEC vs. ACC
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: The Athletic projects this in-state bowl game for Florida after Week 7
