The Florida Gators are poised for another deep NCAA Tournament run in the 2025-26 season, following their national championship victory over Houston in April. Coach Todd Golden has rapidly transformed the program, bringing Florida back to national prominence and tying a school record with 36 wins in the championship season. The Gators’ dominance is anchored by a formidable frontcourt and an influx of new talent.
Gators Aim for Repeat title Defense
Table of Contents
Florida’s strong frontcourt and new backcourt additions position them as a top contender to repeat as national champions.
- florida captured the 2025 national title, a swift return to prominence under coach Todd Golden.
- The Gators boast arguably the nation’s top frontcourt, returning key big men.
- New backcourt transfers Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland will aim to fill the shoes of departed guards.
- Florida is ranked No. 6 in early national rankings and could contend for a preseason No. 1 spot.
- the program has a history of back-to-back championships, achieving it in 2006 and 2007.
Following a 65-63 championship victory against Houston in San Antonio, Florida’s swift ascent under Golden is complete. After a 16-17 record in his first season, Golden led the Gators to a 24-12 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance in his second. This past season saw a leap to 36 wins, a school record. Florida aims to replicate the success of UConn’s consecutive championships, a feat Florida last achieved in 2006 and 2007.
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Florida’s odds to win 2026 NCAA Tournament: +1700
The return of Florida’s elite frontcourt provides a high floor for their title defense, unmatched in size, athleticism, and rebounding tenacity. The primary question lies at guard, with transfers Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland tasked with replacing the shooting and finishing ability of Clayton, Martin, and Richard.Fland’s finishing at the rim and Lee’s general offensive game are areas for progress. Coach Golden’s experiment with a larger lineup featuring Haugh at small forward alongside Condon and Chinyelu could impact floor spacing and guard effectiveness. Even with potential offensive regression, Florida’s defense and rebounding should keep them competitive. The optimistic outlook is a physically dominant team with two facilitators, capable of another Final Four appearance.
Projected Starting Lineup
1. Xaivian lee | 6-4 | 180 | Sr.
Lee arrives from Princeton, where he was a two-time all-Ivy League performer. He will share ball-handling duties with Boogie Fland.Lee excels at shooting off the dribble, a skill reminiscent of departed guard Walter Clayton Jr. His fit within Golden’s system is anticipated to be seamless, though replacing Clayton’s production will be a significant challenge.
2. Boogie Fland | 6-3 | 180 | So.
A former five-star recruit, fland played just 21 games for Arkansas last season due to a thumb injury. He showcased promising offensive upside with 5.1 assists per game and shot 36.8% from three-point range before his injury.Fland is confident in his jump shot but needs to improve his ability to finish through contact.
3. Thomas Haugh | 6-9 | 215 | Jr.
Haugh is expected to play a larger role at small forward after a breakout sophomore season as a reserve forward. He is an aggressive rebounder, a versatile defender, and an intelligent offensive player. Haugh thrives driving to the basket in transition and as a cutter. He can also hit three-pointers and is projected to receive NBA Draft consideration with a strong junior campaign.
4.Alex Condon | 6-11 | 230 | Jr.
Condon returns after flirting with the
