Gators Unveil 2026‑27 Jersey Numbers Ahead of Championship Hopes
The University of Florida announced the jersey numbers that its men’s basketball squad will wear during the 2026‑27 campaign, revealing a blend of continuity and fresh faces as the team looks to translate preseason hype into a title run.
Most of the returning roster will sport the same digits they wore a year ago, a decision that underscores the coaching staff’s confidence in the existing chemistry. Among them, forward Thomas Haugh and big man Rueben Chinyelu will again don their previous numbers, while guard AJ Brown switches from 23 to 3 after a season‑ending injury.
New additions to the program have also been assigned numbers. Freshmen Denzel Aberdeen, Jones Lay, Domen Petrovic and Arturas Butajevas will wear 15, 22, 30 and 18 respectively, with Aberdeen expected to receive an NCAA waiver that could grant him an extra year of eligibility.
Coach Todd Golden described Aberdeen’s waiver as a common sense situation, emphasizing that the staff is focused on maximizing the group’s potential. The Gators have been tabbed as the No 1 team in the preseason polls, a reflection of the belief that the blend of experience and talent positions them as a serious contender for the national championship.
The program also secured the return of point guard Boogie Fland and SEC Sixth Man of the Year Urban Klavzar, ensuring continuity at key positions. With the new numbers set and the roster largely intact, Florida’s staff and fans alike are gearing up for a season that could define the next era of Gators basketball.