While Florida basketball and its fans continue to bask in the glow of the program’s third national championship, attention has already begun to shift to next season.
Ultimately, the age of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) along with the transfer portal leaves little room for celebration. If the coach Todd Golden If he and his team do not swiftly shift their focus, the Gators could miss out on securing some of the top transfer players.
Repeating is UF basketball’s MO. Before UConn’s previous season, Florida The last time such repetition occurred was during the 2006-07 season. The Florida Gators team from that year kept all members of its starting lineup intact. In contrast, this current group will definitely see the departure of Aliyah Martin, Walter Clayton Jr., and Will Richard, as they have used up their remaining eligibility.
Despite this, the "Gator Boys" remain well-placed for achievement in the 2025-26 season. How do the odds makers and preseason Top 25 rankings view them?
What are the chances of Florida basketball repeating their success in the 2025-26 season?
Bet MGM Florida has odds of +2000 to defend their title, alongside BYU, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, and Alabama. Among these teams, UF is the sole one to have reached this year’s Final Four.
In front of the Gators are Houston with odds at +900, Duke at +1000, UConn at +1400, Auburn also at +1600, Purdue at +1600 as well, and Louisville at +1800.
This places the Gators beneath all three of their Final Four counterparts and in a tie for second place within the SEC. The University of Florida’s recruitment class ranks lower than those of other programs, coming in at number thirty-one nationwide with commitments from Fort Lauderdale guard Alex Lloyd and Hawthorne/Montverde Academy forward CJ Ingram.
All the teams ranking above Florida, excluding Purdue and Louisville, boast higher-rated recruiting classes. Purdue brings back Braden Smith, while Louisville has added Xavier transfer Ryan Conwell.
How high does Florida rank in early pre-season top 25 rankings?
The Gators' ranking differs depending on the poll. According to Fox Sports’ John Fanta, UF is ranked 13th nationally, placing them third in their conference, trailing only No. 9 Alabama and No. 11 Auburn.
According to USA Today, Florida ranks slightly above at number 8 and holds the second position within the conference following Alabama. The piece mentions that although losing Clayton is significant, Florida gains an advantage with the comeback of majority of their interior players.
ESPN ranks the Gators at number 19, mentioning they will come back with a significantly altered starting lineup. However, this projection does not account for possible transfers and assumes the potential departure of Alex Condon, who may consider entering the NBA draft.
The roster includes Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, Denzel Aberdeen, Urban Klavzar, and CJ Ingram.
In conclusion, CBS Sports ranks Florida at number nine, pointing out that the team retains seven of their top ten scorers.
Which players return for UF in the 2025-26 season?
The sole three Gators set to depart are the three starting guards. Aberdeen will step in to fill one spot. Klavzar, freshmen Isaiah Brown, Lloyd, Ingram, or any transfer player might claim the remaining two positions.
So long as Condon comes back, the Gators will have their whole frontcourt returning. This lineup includes Condon, Haugh, Chinyelu, and Micah Handlogten.
Noah Ram reports on high school sports in the Gainesville area as well as University of Florida athletics for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com, and the USA TODAY Network. Reach out to him via email for more information. Nram@gannett.com and follow him @Noah_ram1 on X/Twitter.
The article initially appeared in The Gainesville Sun. Will Florida basketball defend their title in the 2025-26 season? Here’s what the odds makers and early preseason rankings suggest.
