The Florida Gators men’s basketball team will open its 2026‑27 campaign at home against the Jacksonville Dolphins on November 5, 2026, a date that marks the start of a highly anticipated season for the program.
A storied rivalry renews
Florida has dominated the all‑time series, holding a 33‑5 edge over Jacksonville, and the Gators last met in November 2024, posting an 81‑60 victory that underscored their historical superiority.
Rankings and expectations
Analysts have positioned the Gators as the preseason No. 1 team in the nation, a projection that reflects both the returning talent pool and the challenging slate of non‑conference opponents that await them.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The season opener will be followed by a neutral‑site showdown against the Miami Hurricanes on November 2, and later in the schedule Florida will travel to face Notre Dame and Duke, two programs that consistently rank among the country’s elite.
These matchups are expected to serve as early barometers for the Gators as they fine‑tune their roster before stepping into SEC play.