The Florida Gators will begin the 2026‑27 men’s basketball season with a much‑anticipated opener against the Miami Hurricanes in Tampa, setting the stage for a demanding non‑conference slate.
A rematch with historic significance
A year after edging Miami 82‑68, the Gators will look to replicate that success, a performance anchored by Alex Condon’s 19 points in the previous meeting.
Florida’s schedule also includes participation in the Players Era Tournament, where they will meet powerhouse programs such as Auburn, Houston and Kansas, providing a rigorous test before SEC competition.
Head coach Todd Golden has emphasized the importance of confronting high‑profile opponents to sharpen the team’s chemistry and intensity, noting that securing willing adversaries has become increasingly difficult.
In their last victory over Miami, the Gators featured four players in double figures, with contributions from Condon and Thomas Haugh helping the team surge ahead after a slow start and build a 13‑point lead in the second half.
The upcoming matchup not only serves as a benchmark for the Gators’ early‑season form but also as a key preparatory step toward the rigors of SEC play, a goal that Coach Golden has pursued since his arrival.