The University of Florida has released its non‑conference slate for the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season, a schedule that blends familiar rivalries with fresh challenges. The lineup was announced amid growing excitement among fans and analysts who are eager to see how the Gators will fare against a diverse set of opponents before stepping into SEC play.
A centerpiece of the schedule is a December 12 contest against Georgia Tech in Orlando, part of the Hall of Fame series. The two programs last met in Gainesville on November 23, 1987, when Florida secured an 80‑69 victory, and they have not faced each other since. Florida holds a 20‑24 all‑time record against the Yellow Jackets, a statistic that adds a layer of historical context to the upcoming clash.
A challenging non‑conference road
The Gators will also travel to Jacksonville on December 18 to meet Grand Canyon in the Jacksonville Hoops Showdown. This will be the first meeting between the programs, and it comes after Grand Canyon’s 20‑12 record in the 2025‑26 season, a campaign that included three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The matchup promises a test of contrasting styles, with the Gators’ traditional brand of play facing a team that has recently made deep tournament runs.
Florida Atlantic is slated to take on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as part of the non‑conference slate, while the Gators will also square off against Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame, and several SEC rivals throughout the year. Each of these games is designed to sharpen the team’s depth and prepare it for the rigors of conference play.
The coaching staff will look markedly different as Scott Cross, formerly the head coach at Troy, prepares to take the reins of the Florida program. Cross guided Troy to Sun Belt Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his final two seasons, earning a reputation for disciplined, up‑tempo basketball. His transition to Gainesville follows the recent dismissal of the previous head coach and signals a new direction for the Gators’ strategy and culture.