Florida Shocks Ole Miss, Ruining Rebels' Playoff Hopes with Upset Victory in the Swamp

 GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Coach Billy Napier and his Florida team accomplished something that hadn’t been done in nearly two decades, potentially marking a turning point for a program that had slipped in recent years.

DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson rushed for 127 yards and a score, and the Gators stunned No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17 on Saturday, effectively ending the Rebels' College Football Playoff hopes.

Florida (6-5, 4-4 SEC) earned back-to-back victories over ranked teams, having defeated LSU in the Swamp last week. This marks the first time since 2008 that the Gators have achieved consecutive wins over ranked opponents.

"We're just getting started," said Napier, who is set to return for a fourth season in 2025. "This is part of the big-picture journey. Belief is the most powerful thing in the world."

The victory was Florida's second-largest upset in the past 45 years, behind only a win at No. 16 LSU in 2016, where they were 14-point underdogs. It also marked the Gators' first win as a double-digit home underdog in that same period.

For Ole Miss (8-3, 4-3), which entered as a 13.5-point favorite, the loss ended a four-game winning streak and dashed their playoff chances. Ranked No. 9 in the latest CFP standings, the Rebels were hoping to avoid any slip-ups against Florida and Mississippi State to secure a playoff spot.

"Obviously a lot was at stake, and we didn’t come through," said Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. "A lot of missed opportunities."



Kiffin’s team struggled throughout the game: 0-for-3 in the red zone, three turnovers, a season-high five dropped passes, and a dismal 3-for-14 on third downs.

Still, Ole Miss had chances late, but Jaxson Dart threw interceptions to end the team's final two drives. Florida’s Bryce Thornton, who had given up a touchdown earlier in the game, picked off both passes, with the final interception coming with 17 seconds left, sealing the victory.

Dart completed 24 of 41 passes for 323 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also scrambled 14 times for a team-high 71 rushing yards.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry to my teammates. I'm sorry to my coaches. Sorry to the fans," Dart said after the game. "Can't lose these games. This one's going to hurt for a long time."

Ole Miss could have had a comfortable lead had it not been for several missed opportunities. Defensive tackle J.J. Pegues, a 325-pound powerhouse, was stuffed twice on fourth-down attempts inside the 20-yard line, and kicker Caden Davis missed a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Florida capitalized on its chances, with Lagway completing 10 of 17 passes for 180 yards, including several big throws under pressure.

"Those were the plays of the game," Napier said.

Johnson, who had missed most of the past four games, played a key role with a 9-yard touchdown run from the Wildcat formation.

"I focused on grinding and trying to work my way back," Johnson said. "Last week I got a couple of carries, and this week I shot to the moon."

Florida’s upset win continues to build momentum for the program and marks a key step toward reclaiming its former glory.

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