Bulls Stun No. 13 UF 18-16 with Last-Second Field Goal

South Florida spoiled Florida’s home opener Saturday in Gainesville, as USF kicker Nico Gramatica split the uprights from 20 yards out as time expired to seal an 18-16 upset. The cross-state foe capped an eight-play, 87-yard drive in the final 2:26, overcoming UF’s 9-6 lead and handing the Gators their first loss of 2025.

The rivalry showdown lived up to its billing when USF senior quarterback Byrum Brown orchestrated the game-winning sequence, punctuating a season-opening statement win over Boise State with a signature upset. Florida’s defense, flagged 11 times for 103 yards, could not contain the Bulls’ late surge.

Game-Deciding Drive

Facing 2nd-and-10 at their own 11-yard line with 2:26 remaining, USF converted a pass-interference call and a pair of chunk runs by Alvon Isaac to reach UF’s 2-yard line.
A defensive lineman’s 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty moved the ball into field-goal range and drew a critical ejection.
Gramatica, son of former NFL kicker Martin Gramatica, delivered his third successful kick of the night as the clock hit zero.

Key Performers

Byrum Brown finished 23-of-36 passing for 263 yards and one touchdown, added 66 rushing yards and orchestrated both the late third-quarter scoring strike and the final drive.
DJ Lagway led Florida’s offense with 23 completions on 33 attempts for 222 yards, one touchdown and an interception, while freshman Vernell Brown III provided a 40-yard punt return that set up UF’s lone offensive TD.
UF tailback Jaden Baugh paced the ground game with 133 yards on 17 carries.

Implications and Next Steps Florida (1-1) now shifts focus to SEC play, opening Sept. 13 at No. 3 LSU. South Florida (2-0) enters AAC competition buoyed by back-to-back wins over ranked opponents, its defense earning national attention. Conference realignment stakes rise as both programs chase College Football Playoff positioning.