Myles Graham explains what Florida-Georgia rivalry means to him

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Myles Graham explains what Florida-Georgia rivalry means to him

Myles Graham explains what Florida-Georgia rivalry means to him

David Rosenberg, Gators Wire · Gators Wire

Fri, Oct 30, 2026 ·

8 min read

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Myles Graham has seen Florida 's defense flash its potential throughout the season. The challenge now is making that version of the unit show up consistently.

The Gators took an encouraging step at Texas, overcoming a rough opening two drives before settling in and playing some of their best defense of the season. Graham said the unit gained confidence by playing aggressively, especially when Brad White dialed up the pressure, but still has plenty to clean up ahead of a physical matchup with Georgia.

There's no hiding what this week means to Graham. Florida hasn't beaten Georgia since he arrived in Gainesville, and as one of the veterans responsible for explaining the rivalry to younger players, Graham made his feelings clear: enough is enough.

Here's everything Graham had to say ahead of Florida's matchup with Georgia.

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs a play against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs against Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) catches a pass for a touchdown score during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) reacts to a first down pickup during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators defensive lineman Brendan Bett (90) makes Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) cough up the ball during the first half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) scores a rushing touchdown against Georgia Bulldogs safety Zion Branch (2) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) and Sharif Denson sack Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators defensive back Jamroc Grimsley (26) intercepts against Georgia Bulldogs during the first half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Jontae Gilbert (25) downs Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) during the second half of an NCAA football game at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Georgia won 24-20. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
(Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) catches a pass in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) wraps up Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) in the first quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) escapes the grasp of Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quintavius Johnson (33) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20 [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators linebacker Myles Graham (5) shoves Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) out of bounds in the second quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shoves off Georgia Bulldogs defensive back JaCorey Thomas (20) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20 [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators defensive back Bryce Thornton (18) sacks Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (9) tries to convince the referees that his catch was good in the fourth quarter in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back JaCorey Thomas (20) and defensive back Daylen Everette (6) during the first quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) and safety Zion Branch (2) combine to tackle Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) who is short on the line to gain on a third down during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia held off Florida 24-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
(Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jaden Robinson (29) makes a tackle against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Drake Stubbs (9) makes a tackle on Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Raylen Wilson (5) makes a tackle on Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators kicker Trey Smack (29) lines up for a kick against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
(Travis Register, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Florida Gators place kicker Trey Smack (29) celebrates a 54 yard field goal in the second half in an NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 24-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
(Doug Engle / Florida Times-Union, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

On Ty Jackson's growth

I've seen him grow since day one. The talent has always been there. It was just more of him knowing where to be, where to fit. I've just seen him skyrocket from the first day he got here.

He's going to be a special, special player. His closing speed is second to none. Honestly, he's one of the fastest players on the team, and it shows on film.

On building off the defensive performance at Texas

We came together. We came together and we played better.

I think it was definitely not anywhere close to perfect, but it is something that we can build on. It's something that we can tighten up the screws, link and lock arms and play even better.

We're excited about getting better and moving forward.

On how blitzing impacts the defense

Coach White knows how much we like to play. It's really fun, honestly. It's really fun for linebackers, and it gives us confidence, just knowing we can go hunt and play fast and do what we do.

It's really fun, so I'm looking forward to doing that some more.

On how close the Texas performance was to being elite

I agree. It was still crazy. There are still a lot of things that we can clean up.

Obviously, in the first two drives of the Texas game, they came out pretty hot on us. Really, how we get better is just communication and the fundamentals and technique of what we need to do.

We've got the confidence down. We've got all that stuff. We just need to communicate and do the stuff that we can control.

On the importance of details

It's really just attention to detail. Every single thing we do, we have to be intentional with it.

Every rep has to be a game-day rep every single time. We have to communicate, know where we're at, know where we need to fit and communicate with who we need to communicate with.

That just helps us play faster, so that's a really big deal.

On stopping Georgia's running game

It's going to be a fun game. It's going to be very physical. They've got a great O-line, great running backs, so it's definitely going to be a game that we have to stop the run, and we know that.

That's no different from any other game, but especially in this one with a team that loves to pound the ball and run the rock. We're going to have to bring our A-game if we want to stop it.

On playing Georgia in Atlanta

I'm excited. It doesn't matter where it is. We'll play this game wherever. It could be in the parking lot. We're going to be ready to play.

On his connections to the Atlanta area

For sure. I know a lot of people up there. I know a lot of fans of that school, so it definitely means more.

I lived an hour and a half away when I was up there, and I know some players on that team. You know what it is already.

On blitzing becoming part of Florida's defensive identity

To be honest, that's what we want. We just want to go hunt. We want to come downhill, we want to play, we want to go straight. That's fun for us.

But we'll play whatever Coach White wants and we're going to execute it to the best of our ability. We trust in him. We know that he knows what he's doing. He knows what he's calling.

We're going to do what we do regardless of the call, but it's definitely exciting.

On the cornerbacks giving the defense confidence to blitz

For sure. It gives us all confidence, really. The defense ain't nothing without its corners. That's our last line of defense. We need them to play good.

Carmody had a great practice today, and I agree with Coach White. They've been bringing it every single day, so I'm just excited to see how they progress.

It gives everybody confidence. On offense, defense, everybody. They're important players at important positions, so we have to win out there.

On disguising blitzes

I think we could have done better at disguising the blitzes. Sometimes it's hard because we want to hit it on the run. You want to go hard, so it's hard to sit back and be patient.

But at some point you can't really care if the offense knows. You've got to get there so your coverage doesn't have to cover for that long. You've got to affect the quarterback.

On LJ McCray's progress

I'm really proud of him, man. He came through a lot of adversity. He's persevered through that, through last year, through the spring. He's fought a lot of challenges.

I'm really excited for him and really happy for him. Like I said, he's somebody I really respect, and I think he's going to keep building and keep going hard.

I don't see any signs of slowing down. I think he's just going to keep progressing.

On whether LJ is carrying himself differently after his performance

Not really. I haven't really seen a change. LJ has always been a confident dude.

He knew what he was capable of and he just went out there and showed it. We already knew. We already knew he could do that.

I didn't see any difference in how he acted or how he carried himself. He knew he was capable of that, and he went out there and did it.

On Gunner Stockton

He's a winner. You've got to respect it. He's a winner and he's a football player.

He's going to put the team on his back. He's going to make throws that he needs to make, and it's a great challenge. We're excited for it.

On creating takeaways

That's a big deal. That's a big deal for Coach White, a big deal for the whole defense.

Takeaways can really change the game, so that's something that we have to focus on. I definitely plan on getting some more.

On why the Texas performance mattered

We definitely needed it. It was rough. It was rough, and we locked arms. We came together.

We knew that was how we could play. We showed it at times. We showed flashes, but we didn't put together a whole game.

We needed that so we could build on it for the rest of the year and keep doing it for this team.

On the significance of the Georgia game

It is. It's a huge game. It counts for a lot. It's a rivalry. It counts in the regular record and in the SEC record.

This is a huge game. We know that. It's an opportunity of a lifetime, and we want to be in this position. We're excited for it. We're going to capitalize on it.

On explaining the rivalry to players experiencing it for the first time

We all have to get those guys that haven't been a part of it to understand how monumental this game is. It means everything.

We haven't been on the right side of it, and we have to find a way to climb back out of the hole. We're excited for it.

On whether he feels "enough is enough" against Georgia

Absolutely. Absolutely.

I haven't won a game versus those guys since I've been here, so I'm ready for the opportunity. I can't wait.

On playing inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium

It's a nice stadium. It's real nice. It's going to be cool.

I've never played in a dome, never played indoors, so it'll be different. It'll be different, but like I said earlier, we'll play anywhere.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky , and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Myles Graham explains what Florida-Georgia rivalry means to him

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F1 São Paulo GP 2026 – Practice 1

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On Ty Jackson's growth

On building off the defensive performance at Texas

On how blitzing impacts the defense

On how close the Texas performance was to being elite

On the importance of details

On stopping Georgia's running game

On playing Georgia in Atlanta

On his connections to the Atlanta area

On blitzing becoming part of Florida's defensive identity

On the cornerbacks giving the defense confidence to blitz

On disguising blitzes

On LJ McCray's progress

On whether LJ is carrying himself differently after his performance

On Gunner Stockton

On creating takeaways

On why the Texas performance mattered

On the significance of the Georgia game

On explaining the rivalry to players experiencing it for the first time

On whether he feels "enough is enough" against Georgia

On playing inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium