By Paul Vangos –
Long Island University opened its 2025 football season on August 31 with a difficult road test, falling 55-0 to 15th-ranked Florida in Gainesville. The matchup marked the first-ever meeting between the Sharks and the Gators, placing LIU against a nationally established SEC opponent on one of college football’s biggest stages.
The Sharks took the field before a capacity crowd of 89,451 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field, the largest audience the LIU program has ever played in front of. Florida’s speed, depth, and execution set the tone early, limiting opportunities for an LIU offense that worked through multiple quarterbacks while searching for rhythm.
Wide receiver Deion Richardson provided LIU’s most productive moments on offense, recording two receptions for 37 yards. His 28-yard fourth-quarter catch from junior quarterback Luca Stanzani stood as the Sharks’ longest play from scrimmage. Stanzani was one of three quarterbacks utilized by head coach Ron Cooper as LIU attempted to navigate Florida’s pressure and coverage.
On the defensive side, senior linebacker Rafael Fasolino delivered a strong performance with nine tackles, including four tackles for loss, showing consistent pursuit against a high-tempo Gators attack. Junior linebacker Elijah Casey added eight tackles and produced the team’s lone sack, helping slow several Florida drives despite extended time on the field.
Special teams also offered a steadier presence. Senior punter Will Lynch averaged 42.6 yards on nine punts, including a 58-yard effort and one placed inside the 20-yard line, repeatedly flipping the field under heavy pressure.
LIU now turns its attention to next Saturday’s matchup on the road against Eastern Michigan of the Mid-American Conference. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, with coverage available on ESPN+ and the LIU Sharks Audio Network beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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