GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WATE) – Breaking a long-standing jinx, the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers football team emerged victorious over the Florida Gators with a decisive 31-11 win on Saturday night. This marked Tennessee’s first triumph in the Swamp since 2003.
The game began with the Volunteers setting an assertive tone. On their initial drive, quarterback Joey Aguilar skillfully orchestrated the offense downfield, culminating in a 23-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Davis, putting Tennessee ahead 7-0 with 11:28 remaining in the first quarter.
In related news, Joey Aguilar has joined a Vanderbilt quarterback’s legal action against the NCAA concerning junior college regulations.
Florida’s offense struggled from the start, hindered by a penalty that ultimately led to a punt. Seizing the opportunity, Aguilar maintained his precision on Tennessee’s subsequent possession, and Desean Bishop concluded the drive with a one-yard touchdown run.
By the end of the first quarter, Tennessee had dominated the play, amassing 135 total yards compared to Florida’s meager single yard. The Volunteers’ offense was clearly firing on all cylinders, while the Gators were left trying to find their footing.
Florida finally picked up a first down on the ensuing drive but the Vols defense held strong once again, turning the Gators over on downs around midfield.
Star Thomas broke loose for a 52-yard run and was brought down at the one-yard-line, but he scored with the goal line carry to put Tennessee up 28-0 with 9:14 left in the second quarter.
The Vols defense continued to bring the pressure, forcing yet another punt for the Gators. However, Tennessee’s offense stalled for the first time in the game, punting from just beyond midfield after taking an intentional delay of game penalty.
A Florida fans wears a paper bag on his head during the first half of an NCAA college football game between Florida and Tennessee, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee running back Desean Bishop (18) dives over the Florida defense to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee running back Desean Bishop, left, is stopped by Florida defensive back Alfonzo Allen Jr. after a short gain during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee running back Desean Bishop, top, dive over the Florida defense to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) runs past Florida cornerback Cormani McClain on his way to a 23-yard touchdown off a pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) leaps over Florida safety Jordan Castell as linebacker Myles Graham comes in to help during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) throws a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) runs past Florida linebacker Myles Graham (5) for a touchdown on a 23-yard pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (0) runs past Florida linebacker Myles Graham (5) for a touchdown on a 23-yard pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, right, looks for a receiver as he scrambles from the Florida defense during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee wide receiver Mike Matthews, right, makes a move to get around Florida defensive back Drake Stubbs (9) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar celebrates in front of fans an he leaves the field after defeating Florida in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Vols defense showed their first sign of weakness right before the two-minute timeout. Florida QB DJ Lagway rushed for a huge first down to set the Gators up in the redzone.
Florida was forced to kick a field goal to try and get points on the board with 1:15 left in the half but the kick of wide right and the Vols took back over at their own 21.
Aguilar was hit late and the Gators were called for roughing the passer, setting up Tennessee around midfield. Bishop broke loose for a 28-yard run to put the Vols in field goal range with 26 seconds left until the break.
The Vols moved the ball closer but called a timeout with two seconds left to kick a field goal on 3rd and 7. Max Gilbert put it through the uprights to put Tennessee in command 31-0 at the half.
In the third quarter, the Gators found some momentum, picking up the only score of the quarter with a 46-yard field goal by senior kicker Trey Smack.
Starting off the fourth, after a dozen plays, the Vols missed a field goal, which turned the ball back over to Florida at the Gator’s 32 yard line. With a 33-yard pass from Lagway to Jadan Baugh, the Gators picked up another touchdown. The Gators also found a successful pass for a conversion, adding another two points and bringing the score with 3:29 left in the game to 31-11.
Although the Vols tried to bring the ball back with a series of short passes and runs, as well as a 15-yard pass from Aguilar to Davis, there just wasn’t enough time on the clock. With the score ending 31-11, the Vols brought home their first win in Gainesville since 2003.
UP NEXT: The Vols are back in Knoxville next weekend to take on Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium.
