The 18-16 win by South Florida at Florida on Saturday sets up a potential game for Miami against an unexpected Top 25 opponent next week. Nico Gramatica gave South Florida a walk-off win with a 20-yard field goal for their first victory against Florida in four games.
South Florida was 33rd in the Week 2 Associated Press Top 25 and 39th in the AFCA Coaches Poll. The Bulls have multiple teams to climb in the polls, but have one of the most impressive wins this season with the victory in Gainesville.
South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown outplayed former five-star Florida signal caller D.J. Lagway. Brown completed 23 passes in 36 attempts for 263 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and ran for 66 yards on 17 carries.
Lagway completed 22 passes in 33 attempts for 222 yards, one TD and one interception and had six carries for nine yards. Florida had a chance to put the game away late with a one point lead, but their final two drives ended with punts.
Miami will face a ranked USF team with two ranked wins next week.
— MIAMI (@MiamiSportsHQ) September 7, 2025
Another big test on the way for the Canes. https://t.co/XXIN6ddIHg
In its penultimate drive of the game, Florida drove 34 yards in eight plays but stalled at the South Florida 46 yard line. A Florida punt resulted in a touchback to give South Florida possession at their own 20. South Florida drove 40 yards in seven plays, but Gramatica missed a 58-yard field goal.
South Florida forced a three-and-out on the next Florida possession. After taking over at its own 11, Brown drove South Florida 87 yards in eight plays in 2:25 to set up the game-winning field goal. South Florida did not have to convert a third down on the game-winning drive.
The South Florida win at 13th-ranked Florida was their second over an opponent in the Top 25 in 2025. South Florida beat 25th-ranked Boise State in the season opener. The win by South Florida, who was an 18.5-point underdog, was the biggest outright victory by a team not favored in 2025.