Gramatica’s Last-Second Kick Propels South Florida to Upset Win Over No. 13 Florida
Published Time: 09-07-2025, 17:45 EDT
South Florida pulled off another shocking upset on Saturday, defeating No. 13 Florida 18-16 in Gainesville on a last-second field goal. Nico Gramatica, who earlier missed a long attempt, redeemed himself by drilling a 20-yarder as time expired, delivering the Bulls consecutive wins over ranked opponents to open the season.
Gramatica’s Redemption and Game-Changing Penalty
Gramatica had missed a 58-yard try with just under three minutes remaining, but the Bulls quickly got another chance after a costly mistake by Florida’s defense. Gators defensive lineman Brandon Bett was ejected for spitting on a South Florida player, a penalty that gave the Bulls 15 yards and an automatic first down.
The unsportsmanlike conduct helped ignite South Florida’s decisive 87-yard drive. With the clock winding down, Gramatica calmly converted the short kick, securing one of the program’s most memorable victories.
“This is the kind of game that tests your resilience,” South Florida head coach Alex Golesh said after the win. “Nico showed what it means to bounce back and deliver when it counts.”
Gators’ Missed Opportunities
The loss was another setback for Florida head coach Billy Napier, whose tenure has faced increasing scrutiny. The Gators are now 1-1 for the fourth straight year, a pattern that has frustrated fans and boosters alike.
Florida briefly appeared poised to take control when freshman Vernell Brown III returned a punt 40 yards, setting up quarterback DJ Lagway’s only touchdown pass of the night. However, the momentum faded quickly as the Gators’ offense sputtered down the stretch.
Napier’s play-calling and the offensive line’s performance drew heavy criticism. The line allowed consistent pressure and failed to open running lanes, leaving Lagway to force plays with his arm despite coming off shoulder rehabilitation.
South Florida’s Historic Start
The victory marked South Florida’s second consecutive upset of a ranked opponent after the Bulls defeated then-No. 25 Boise State in their opener. According to the Associated Press, South Florida became just the third unranked team since 2000 to begin a season 2-0 with wins over ranked teams, joining 2012 Oregon State and 2008 East Carolina.
“This group has proven it can compete with anyone,” Golesh said. “The challenge now is maintaining that focus against another tough opponent next week.”
Poll Implications
With two high-profile victories, South Florida is expected to break into the Associated Press Top 25 when the new poll is released on Sunday. The Gators, by contrast, are likely to slide out of the top 15, continuing a troubling trend of inconsistency under Napier.
Takeaways From the Game
For South Florida, the key takeaway is resilience and execution under pressure. Despite facing adversity after Gramatica’s earlier miss, the Bulls kept their composure and capitalized on Florida’s mistakes.
For Florida, the loss highlighted deeper issues beyond quarterback play. While Lagway showed flashes of promise, the offensive line’s breakdowns and the late-game collapse underscored systemic problems.
“The frustration is real,” Napier admitted in his postgame remarks. “We had opportunities to win the game, and we didn’t finish.”
What’s Next for Both Teams
South Florida’s challenging schedule continues with a trip to face No. 5 Miami next Saturday, the Bulls’ third consecutive matchup against a ranked opponent.
Florida will travel to Baton Rouge to face No. 3 LSU. The Gators have not won at Tiger Stadium since 2016, raising further doubts about their ability to compete with elite SEC programs.
Broader Context: Napier’s Job Security
Saturday’s loss adds to mounting pressure on Billy Napier, who is now in his fourth season as Florida’s head coach. The Gators have struggled to find consistency under his leadership, and fans have grown restless after repeated slow starts.
With Florida facing consecutive games against top-ranked SEC opponents, including LSU and Georgia later in the season, Napier’s future could hinge on whether the team can turn things around quickly.
For South Florida, however, the win represents a statement moment for a program seeking national respect. By defeating two ranked teams to start the year, the Bulls have signaled they are no longer underdogs but legitimate contenders in college football’s spotlight.
Source: AP News – Gramatica’s kick lifts South Florida to an 18-16 upset at No. 13 Florida and heats Napier’s seat
