The LSU Tigers take on the Florida Gators. SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Florida, LSU get into pregame scuffle before SEC showdown

By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 7:32 PM ET

Florida and LSU could not wait until kickoff to get physical with one another on Saturday night.

The Gators and Tigers squared off in Baton Rouge on Saturday night in what was one of the most highly anticipated SEC showdowns of the season. Some players crossed paths on the field during pregame warmups, and a few unpleasantries were exchanged. Things escalated into a shoving match from there. Officials and coaches from both teams had to step in and break up the altercation.

The bad blood's already boiling. One hour before kickoff between #LSU and Florida. pic.twitter.com/wuEfxStNO9
— Jared Paul Joseph (@JaredPJoseph) September 13, 2025

LSU entered the game ranked No. 3 in the nation. The Tigers have national championship hopes in their fourth season under head coach Brian Kelly. Florida is off to a 1-1 start in what many view as a make-or-break season for head coach Billy Napier, who is also in his fourth year with his respective program.

The Tigers beat No. 4 Clemson in Week 1 and cruised to a win over Louisiana Tech last week. Florida beat Long Island in its season opener and lost a close game to South Florida last week.

LSU and Florida have a rivalry that dates back many years. The two teams almost always play a physical game that features a lot of intensity, and the tone was set early on Saturday night.

Steve DelVecchio

Steve is a veteran writer who has covered a variety of sports and pop culture topics for more than 15 years. In addition to Yardbarker, his work has been featured on prominent digital publications including Larry Brown Sports, MSN and FOX Sports. The UConn graduate has published more than 40,000 stories and is one of the most experienced trending news writers in the country

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