The confetti has barely settled from April, but the Florida Gators are already staring down a new challenge, defending their national championship. Todd Golden’s program vaulted back into the spotlight last season with a run that ended in Indianapolis. Now the Gators open 2025-26 as the target everyone else wants to hit.
Non-conference battles to circle
Nov. 3 vs Arizona (Las Vegas)
Florida tips off the year in the Hall of Fame Series with a heavyweight clash against the Wildcats. The defending champs waste no time stepping into the spotlight.
Nov. 11 vs Florida State (Gainesville)
The rivalry game returns to the O’Dome early in the season. The Seminoles will treat this as their Super Bowl, and Florida knows it.
Nov. 16 vs Miami (Jacksonville)
Another in-state battle, this time on neutral ground. Miami’s backcourt firepower should make this one feel like March.
Nov. 27 vs TCU (San Diego)
The Rady Children’s Invitational puts the Gators up against one of the Big 12’s scrappiest teams.
Dec. 2 at Duke (Durham)
Circle it in red, the champions head into Cameron Indoor to face Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils. This one will feel like a Final Four preview.
Dec. 9 vs UConn (New York City)
The Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden gives Florida another showdown with an elite program.
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SEC showdowns that define the defense
Jan. 10 vs Tennessee
The Volunteers’ defense always travels. Florida’s offense will need answers.
Jan. 24 vs Auburn
The Tigers, now led by Steven Pearl, are on the rise. This one could shape the SEC standings by February.
Feb. 14 vs Kentucky
Blue blood vs defending champ. Gainesville will be rocking for this Valentine’s Day clash.
Feb. 25 at Texas
A new SEC power and one of the league’s most hostile road trips.
Mar. 7 at Kentucky
The regular-season finale at Rupp Arena is as dramatic as it gets heading into the SEC Tournament.
What’s at stake for the Gators?
Florida is no longer climbing the mountain; they’re at the top with everyone else chasing. The non-conference schedule guarantees national attention before SEC play even begins, while the league gauntlet makes sure every week is a test. If Golden’s squad wants to go back-to-back, they’ll need to embrace the role of the hunted and handle every opponent’s best punch.
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