Florida Stuns No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 as Philo's Late TD Ends Kroger Field Drought

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Florida beat No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 on Saturday at Kroger Field, rallying from a half-time deficit to stun the Wildcats in Week 11 and end a seven-year wait for a win in Lexington. Aaron Philo's two-yard touchdown run with 9:08 left, followed by a two-point conversion, gave the Gators a lead they never gave back, and Kentucky's final drive ended with four straight incompletions in the closing minutes.

The win was Florida's first at Kroger Field since a 29-21 comeback on September 14, 2019, ending three straight road losses at the stadium. It also dealt a heavy blow to Kentucky's College Football Playoff hopes, handing the Wildcats their third loss of the season. Florida improved to 6-4 overall and 4-4 in Southeastern Conference play, while Kentucky fell to 7-3 overall and 5-3 in the SEC. The Gators scored on all three of their possessions after the break.

Key Points

• Florida beat No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Kroger Field in Lexington in Week 11.
• Aaron Philo scored the winning touchdown on a two-yard run with 9:08 left and led all rushers with 93 yards on 12 carries.
• Florida scored on all three second-half possessions after trailing 7-2 at half-time.
• It is Florida's first win at Kroger Field since September 14, 2019, ending three straight road losses there.
• Kentucky's third loss dents its College Football Playoff hopes, with the Wildcats now needing to win out.

What Happened

Kentucky struck first. Quarterback Kenny Minchey threw a five-yard touchdown pass to CJ Baxter to put the Wildcats ahead 7-0 after the first quarter, and the home crowd had every reason to expect a routine afternoon for a ranked side chasing the playoff.

Florida's only points of the first half came from a safety, after a holding call on Kentucky offensive tackle Lance Heard in the end zone. The Gators trailed 7-2 at half-time, and the call itself drew attention, with ESPN rules analyst Jerry McGinn disputing whether the holding penalty should have been called at all.

Whatever was said in the Florida locker room at half-time worked. Jadan Baugh's one-yard touchdown run with 10:06 left in the third quarter gave Florida a 10-7 lead, its first of the game. Kentucky answered quickly, retaking the lead at 14-10 on Jason Patterson's three-yard run with 7:20 left in the quarter.

Florida refused to go away. Patrick Durkin's 37-yard field goal cut the gap to 14-13, and then Philo took over. His two-yard touchdown run with 9:08 remaining put the Gators ahead 21-14, and the two-point conversion — a pass from Kahleil Jackson to Dallas Wilson — made it a seven-point game and forced Kentucky to need a touchdown just to tie. Philo led all rushers on the day with 93 yards on 12 carries. Kentucky had one last chance, but its final drive ended on four straight incompletions with about 1:30 left, and Florida ran out the clock to seal the upset.

Background: Florida's Long Wait in Lexington

For Florida, this was about more than one win. The Gators had not won at Kroger Field since September 14, 2019, when they came back to beat Kentucky 29-21. Since then, three straight trips to Lexington had ended in defeat.

That history made Saturday's slow start feel familiar. Florida managed only a safety in the first half and went into the break trailing, with Kentucky's defence looking comfortable and the home crowd loud.

The second half told a different story: Florida's offence found its rhythm and the Gators scored on all three possessions. For Kentucky, the defeat is a bitter one, with the Wildcats ranked 13th and in control of their own playoff destiny before kick-off.

Florida Beats Kentucky 21-14: How the Gators Closed It Out

The defining stretch of the game was the fourth quarter. Florida's go-ahead drive was built on the running game, with Philo carrying the ball and the offensive line opening lanes against a Kentucky front that had looked strong early on. Philo's two-yard touchdown run was the finish, but the drive that produced it showed Florida's patience. Rather than forcing throws into a defence that had already made life difficult in the first half, the Gators leaned on the ground game and kept the chains moving.

The two-point conversion that followed was just as important: Jackson's pass to Wilson turned a three-point lead into a seven-point one, so Kentucky needed a touchdown against a Florida defence that had grown in confidence all afternoon.

Reactions

The most debated moment of the game came in the first half, when the holding call on Kentucky tackle Lance Heard in the end zone gave Florida a safety and its first two points. ESPN rules analyst Jerry McGinn disputed the call on the broadcast, arguing that the penalty should not have been called, and the decision became a talking point among fans and analysts after the game.

Why It Matters

For Kentucky, the consequences are serious. At 7-3, the Wildcats now need to win their remaining games and hope for help elsewhere to keep any playoff hopes alive. A third loss in November is hard to overcome, and the way this one happened — at home, after leading at half-time — makes it harder still.

For Florida, the win changes the shape of its season. At 6-4, the Gators are one win from bowl eligibility being secure and, more importantly, have a ranked road win to show for a season that has had its share of setbacks.

What Happens Next

Florida will look to build on the win in the final weeks of the regular season, carrying the momentum of a near-flawless second half.

Kentucky, meanwhile, faces a short week of hard questions. The Wildcats must regroup quickly, fix the second-half problems that cost them this game, and win out to keep any outside hope of a playoff place alive. The margin for error is now zero.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Florida vs Kentucky?
Florida beat No. 13 Kentucky 21-14 on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Kroger Field in Lexington.

Who scored the winning touchdown for Florida?
Aaron Philo scored on a two-yard run with 9:08 left in the game, and he led all rushers with 93 yards on 12 carries.

When did Florida last win at Kroger Field before Saturday?
Florida's previous win in Lexington came on September 14, 2019, a 29-21 comeback. Saturday's win ended three straight road losses there.

What does the loss mean for Kentucky's playoff hopes?
Kentucky fell to 7-3 with its third loss of the season, denting its College Football Playoff hopes. The Wildcats now need to win out to stay in the conversation.

How did Florida come back from 7-2 down at half-time?
The Gators scored on all three second-half possessions: Jadan Baugh's one-yard touchdown run, Patrick Durkin's 37-yard field goal, and Aaron Philo's two-yard touchdown run plus a two-point conversion.

Read more from the weekend's college action: No. 3 Alabama beats Vanderbilt 21-6, LSU stuns No. 14 Gonzaga 81-80 and Syracuse storms back to stun NC State 34-31.