Get ready, Cavalier fans! The Virginia Cavaliers are on the cusp of making history! They're heading to the 2025 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl to face off against the Missouri Tigers, with a chance to etch their name in the record books. The game is set for Saturday, December 27th, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ABC and the Virginia Sports Radio Network.
- Tickets
- ABC
- Listen
- Live Stats
- Virginia Game Notes (PDF)
- UVA Football on X
- UVA Football on Facebook
- UVA Football on Instagram
- Virginia Sports Mobile App
Currently ranked No. 20/19, Virginia boasts an impressive 10-3 record, and a win in the Gator Bowl would secure their 11th victory of the season – a feat never before achieved in the program's 136-year history!
But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any bowl game; it's a clash between two ranked teams, making it one of only three bowl games outside the College Football Playoff to feature such a matchup. Virginia will be facing off against No. 25 Missouri, adding extra spice to the competition.
A Season of Milestones
This season has been a whirlwind of achievements for the Cavaliers. They've already matched their best record in ACC play at 7-1, and for the first time ever, they finished alone atop the league standings. This marks their second-ever 10-win season, matching the 1989 team's record. The team has been ranked in the AP Top 25 for 11 consecutive weeks, the longest streak since the 2004 season.
What to Watch For
- This marks Virginia's first bowl game since the 2019 Orange Bowl. They were bowl-eligible in 2021, but the Fenway Bowl was canceled.
- This will be Virginia's 22nd bowl game appearance and their third time in the Gator Bowl (1991, 2008, 2025).
- Missouri is the first SEC opponent for Virginia since the 2023 season opener against Tennessee.
- The Cavaliers have only faced Missouri once before, a 31-7 loss in 1973.
- Virginia's last win against an SEC team was the 2018 Belk Bowl against South Carolina.
Key Storylines and Connections
- Virginia head coach Tony Elliott played in the Gator Bowl with Clemson in 2000.
- UVA defensive end coach Chris Slade played in the 1991 Gator Bowl.
- Virginia offensive coordinator Des Kitchings worked with Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz at NC State.
- Thirteen Cavaliers hail from Florida, including Jacksonville native Antonio Clary.
Numbers to Know
- 2: Field goals Will Bettridge needs to break the UVA single-season record.
- 6: UVA has lost only three fumbles all season, the fewest in school history.
- 11: Total number of players on the UVA roster who have played in a bowl game.
- 28: Virginia is ranked third in the country and first in the ACC in third-down defense (28%).
The stage is set for an unforgettable game! Will the Cavaliers make history? What are your predictions for the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
