Florida rallies late to beat No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 in Sumrall’s return to Lexington

Florida defeated No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 on Saturday night in Lexington, handing Gators coach Jon Sumrall a win in his return to the program where he played college football. The finish came late, with Florida using a late scoring drive capped by a go-ahead touchdown run from quarterback Aaron Philo.

The game, played in Lexington on Nov. 14, 2026, featured a close back-and-forth that left the Wildcats and Gators separated by just a handful of points for much of the contest. Kentucky entered the game ranked No. 13, setting up an early-season style test for Florida against a ranked opponent in a hostile home environment.

Florida’s fourth-quarter performance proved decisive. Philo, listed as Florida’s quarterback, scored on a run that put the Gators in front, turning the tide at a point when Kentucky had opportunities to respond. After the go-ahead score, Florida’s defense and ball control helped preserve a narrow lead.

Kentucky’s offense fought to stay within range throughout the game. Florida’s 21-14 final margin indicates that the Wildcats remained competitive until the end, but the late Florida touchdown and the subsequent inability by Kentucky to overtake the Gators limited Kentucky’s chances to complete a comeback.

The result mattered for Sumrall personally as well as competitively. According to the report, the win came in Sumrall’s return to Lexington for a game against his alma mater, a backdrop that added emphasis to a late-game execution by Florida.