The Texas Longhorns, currently 3-1, are heading to Gainesville for a Week 6 clash with the Florida Gators, a game that could easily become a trap for the No. 9 ranked team. Billy Napier’s Florida squad, sitting at 1-3 after three consecutive losses, will enter The Swamp desperate for a statement win. Backed by one of the loudest home crowds in college football, the Gators are poised to create a hostile environment for the visiting Longhorns.
Why Is Kevin Durant Betting on the Texas vs. Florida Game?
During an “Up and Adams” appearance with Kay Adams, NBA superstar Kevin Durant revealed that the upcoming Texas-Florida matchup has sparked a friendly rivalry inside the Houston Rockets’ locker room. The Rockets added Dorian Finney-Smith, a former Florida Gator, this offseason; his presence has raised the stakes.
“Florida, yeah. We got a couple Florida Gators here, that I just played, and Dorian Finney Smith is a former [Florida] Gator. So we already, we already had that little side bet on what’s going to happen this week,” Durant said.
“I got Arch stepping up and showing the world that he’s the #1 pick…”
— Kevin Durant on Texas vs. Florida@heykayadams | @KDTrey5 | @TexasFootball pic.twitter.com/nC3eZxQ8Z3
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 4, 2025
Durant, who played for Texas during the 2006-07 season, couldn’t pass up the chance to back his alma mater against Finney-Smith’s Gators.
How Confident Is Durant in Quarterback Arch Manning?
More than just rooting for Texas, Durant made it clear his confidence lies squarely with quarterback Arch Manning. Manning is coming off a five-touchdown performance against Sam Houston and leads the Longhorns into his second SEC start with 888 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions this season.
“I got Arch stepping up and showing the world that he’s the one picked,” Durant declared.
Durant was straightforward when asked if he had built a relationship with the young quarterback.
“I met Arch one time. I haven’t reached out and like built a relationship with him, but he’s a cool dude for meeting him now and what’s up,” he said. Pressed further on whether he truly believed in Manning’s potential, Durant doubled down, stating, “I do, I do. I do, I I think he’s be a hell of a player.”
This isn’t the first time Durant has shown support for Manning. When the five-star quarterback initially committed to Texas, Durant posted a motivational message on social media, saying, “Let’s get it Arch.”
Despite Durant’s unwavering confidence, Manning still has much to prove. While he has shown toughness, questions remain about his ability to deliver against Power Four opponents, especially after struggling in the season-opening loss to Ohio State. His standout game against Sam Houston came against an overmatched defense, and his outings against San Jose State and UTEP, while showing potential, were less convincing. The sophomore quarterback possesses the physical tools, including size, mobility, and arm talent, but his decision-making remains a focal point for opposing defenses like Florida’s.
According to the PFSN College QB Impact (QBi) Metric, Manning currently holds a 74.0 score, ranking him 95th among all eligible quarterbacks with a C grade through Week 5. As Florida prepares to unleash a defense that thrives on discipline and pressure, Manning’s composure will be tested. The outcome will likely determine whether Texas emerges unscathed or falls into another upset trap in The Swamp. With Durant publicly backing him, the stage is set for Arch Manning to prove he can live up to the lofty expectations that follow his famous name.
