Florida Gators Secure Gasparilla Bowl Matchup Against Tulane

A late-season surge propels the Gators to a postseason return, facing Tulane on December 20 in Tampa.

The Florida Gators (7-5) will face Tulane (9-4) in the Gasparilla Bowl on December 20 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. and televised on ESPN.
Florida earned its first bowl appearance since 2021 following a three-game winning streak, including victories over ranked opponents LSU and Ole Miss, and a decisive season-ending win against Florida State.
True freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has been instrumental in the Gators' turnaround, showcasing his deep-ball accuracy and contributing nine touchdown passes in six starts.
Tulane enters the matchup as the American Athletic Conference runner-up after falling to Army in the AAC title game; their top receiver, Mario Williams, is a Plant City High alumnus.
The Gators aim to end a three-game bowl losing streak and achieve their first eight-win season since 2020 under second-year head coach Billy Napier.