{"id":430866,"date":"2026-10-18T00:58:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T00:58:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/430866\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T00:58:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T00:58:10","slug":"gators-stun-no-7-texas-in-qb-tramell-jones-jr-s-first-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/430866\/","title":{"rendered":"Gators stun No. 7 Texas in QB Tramell Jones Jr.’s first start"},"content":{"rendered":"

AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Florida stars Jadan Baugh<\/a> and Myles Graham heard what people were saying about them heading to Texas.<\/p>\n

The Gators hadn\u2019t arrived. Jon Sumrall\u2019s team<\/a> was going nowhere.<\/p>\n

But Saturday\u2019s 27-24 win against the No. 7 Longhorns behind first-time starting quarterback Tramell Jones Jr.<\/a> snapped a two-game losing streak, put the Gators (5-2, 3-2 SEC) back on track and revived their College Football Playoff hopes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like we stepped up today, and we were ready for the moment,\u201d Baugh said.<\/p>\n

Baugh, who scored the game-winning touchdown on an 11-yard run to cap a gritty 91-yard day, was shut down during double-digit losses to Missouri and South Carolina.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Graham, forced a fumble of Texas star Arch Manning, delivering a pivotal play for a Florida defense ranked last in the SEC entering the day.<\/p>\n

The praise that followed Florida\u2019s win against then-No. 4 Ole Miss and 4-0 start had turned into a cacophony of criticism. The Gators are now eager to build on the program\u2019s first road win against a Top 10 team since a 2012 win at Florida State.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo weeks ago, they weren\u2019t saying anything good about us,\u201d Baugh said. \u201cThey were just saying, \u2018Oh you\u2019re washed.\u2019 We definitely see it, but I just don\u2019t look at it. I feel like it drives me a lot more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Knowing how his team handled its September success, Sumrall isn\u2019t getting ahead of himself with an Oct. 31 trip to Atlanta to face Georgia looming after a bye week.<\/p>\n

The Gators played their most complete game against the Longhorns (4-2, 1-2), saw Jones step in for injured starter Aaron Philo<\/a> and shine, and watched a resurgent defense sack Manning five times and make six more stops behind the Longhorns\u2019 line of scrimmage.<\/p>\n

Still, plenty concerned Sumrall after Florida\u2019s biggest win of his first season.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody around Gainesville was patting our guys in the back telling them how good they were, and I\u2019m like, guys, we suck,\u201d Sumrall said. \u201cWe still suck. We just suck less. And so we have to figure out to suck less each week. We\u2019re not like a complete team yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it does nothing for us. What it does for us, it gets us another win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Early on, the Gators appeared headed for a long day in Austin.<\/p>\n

Manning led the Longhorns 75 yards on seven plays for a 7-0 lead on Raleek Brown\u2019s 32-yard run. Texas went 60 yards after a Florida three-and-out before settling for a 38-yard field goal by Gianni Spetic.<\/p>\n

A 45-yard field goal Patrick Durkin cut the lead to 10-3. After another Gators\u2019 three-and-out, Ryan Niblett returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown to push the Longhorns\u2019 advantage to 17-7.<\/p>\n

Florida responded, rather than let Texas pull away, as the Gators had when they fell behind against Missouri and South Carolina.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur guys fought today,\u201d Sumrall said. \u201cAnd we happened to win the game, too, which is huge. I want us to always win, but how you play the game matters as much to me. And we today showed a lot of character, a lot of growth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jones came of age before halftime, becoming the first Florida quarterback to earn his first win on the road since Jesse Palmer in 1997 at Auburn.<\/p>\n

With the first half winding down, Jones\u2019 17-yard completion to Dallas Wilson on fourth-and-12 from the Texas 36 saved the day for Florida and provided the 19-year-old a shot of confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt gave the team a spark, and that\u2019s what we needed,\u201d Jones said.<\/p>\n

Jones\u2019 14-yard run on the ensuing play and a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lacota Dippre two snaps later cut the Longhorns\u2019 lead to 17-10 at halftime.<\/p>\n

After receiving the second-half kickoff, Jones then marched the Gators 69 yards to tie the game at 17-17. On the 15-play drive, he was 5-of-5 on third down \u2014 culminating with an 8-yard touchdown to Dippre with Texas nose tackle Hero Kanu in Jones\u2019 face.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven when he didn\u2019t make some throws he needed to make, he kept battling and kept fighting, and that\u2019s when good things happen,\u201d Sumrall said.<\/p>\n

Jones led a Gators\u2019 youth movement that also featured edge rusher LJ McCray and linebacker Ty Jackson joining in.<\/p>\n

McCray, a junior, recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks, tying his career total.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt meant a lot to me,\u201d he said. \u201cNot only just making the plays, but I saw it motivated my brothers. Everybody started playing harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jackson, a sophomore reserve, had 1.5 tackles for loss, including a key stop on fourth-and-1 that gave Florida the ball with 2:44 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just a dog. He\u2019s a freak athlete,\u201d Graham said. \u201cThat\u2019s somebody who can change the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

Graham, who finished with a team-leading seven stops, made the defensive play of the game for a unit that allowed just 272 yards after giving up an average of 393 yards through six games.<\/p>\n

Manning had a chance to be a hero as he had been earlier the season against Ohio State.<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Tramell Jones Jr. #9 of the Florida Gators rushes for yardage in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. celebrates after the Gators’ 27-24 win at No. 7 Texas on Saturday at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. (Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) is hit by Florida linebacker Jaden Robinson (29) as he throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Jadan Baugh #13 of the Florida Gators scores a touchdown in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Jadan Baugh #13 of the Florida Gators celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Lj McCray #11 of the Florida Gators sacks Arch Manning #16 of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) reacts after running for a first down against Texas during the second half of the Gators’ victory over the Longhorns on Saturday. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida players celebrate their win over Texas in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Jon Sumrall of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Jon Sumrall of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs past Texas defensive back Kobe Black (6) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Aaron Philo #12 of the Florida Gators and Daniel Pierre Louis #73 celebrate after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida running back London Montgomery (24) is hit by Texas linebacker Justin Cryer (28) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida tight end Lacota Dippre (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. (2) is upended by Texas defensive back Kade Phillips (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas defensive back Bo Mascoe (5) and defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) break up a pass intended for Florida wide receiver TJ Abrams (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas defensive back Bo Mascoe (5) and defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) break up a pass intended for Florida wide receiver TJ Abrams (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida tight end Lacota Dippre (17) celebrates his touchdown against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida guard Knijeah Harris celebrates after defeating the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday in Austin. (Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo (1) is hit by Florida safety Bryce Thornton (1) Jr. (5) and linebacker Myles Graham (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida running back Jadan Baugh (13) is stopped by Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) is hit by Texas edge Colin Simmons (1) as he throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas running back Hollywood Smothers (2) is hit by Florida linebacker Myles Graham (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) is hit by Florida linebacker Jaden Robinson (29) as he throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) looks to pass against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida tight end Lacota Dippre (17) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Dallas Wilson (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) runs against Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"Florida<\/p>\n

Florida quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) is knocked down by Texas defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo\/Eric Gay)<\/p>\n

\"AUSTIN,<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Tramell Jones Jr. #9 of the Florida Gators is tackled by Lance Jackson #40 and Hero Kanu #93 of the Texas Longhorns in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 31<\/p>\n

AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 17: Tramell Jones Jr. #9 of the Florida Gators rushes for yardage in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

With Florida leading 27-17 after Baugh\u2019s touchdown run, Manning\u2019s 62-yard completion to freshman Emmett Mosley V on fourth-and-6 was followed by a 9-yard touchdown pass to Cam Coleman with 4:21 remaining. Florida\u2019s lead was cut to 27-24.<\/p>\n

But on Texas\u2019 next possession, Graham forced Manning to fumble, and nickelback Kanye Clark recovered at the Texas 39 with 1:58 remaining.<\/p>\n

The miscue marked another costly late turnover for Manning<\/a>, who a week earlier threw two fourth-quarter interceptions during a 27-24 loss for then No. 1-Texas to unranked rival Oklahoma.<\/p>\n

On Saturday, the Gators entered as a 10.5-point underdog, but delivered a statement win and silenced their critics.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last two weeks we got knocked down, we didn\u2019t play how we want to,\u201d Graham said. \u201cWe had a chance to respond, and that\u2019s what we did \u2014 just kept fighting no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"AUSTIN, Texas \u2014 Florida stars Jadan Baugh and Myles Graham heard what people were saying about them heading…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":430867,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[111,28,2530,2496,114,139,141,140,76046,110],"class_list":["post-430866","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-college-sports","tag-florida","tag-florida-gators","tag-gainesville","tag-latest-headlines","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news","tag-social-sports","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430866","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=430866"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/430866\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/430867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=430866"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=430866"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=430866"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}