Florida Basketball Cracks Top Five in The Athletic’s Latest Rankings, Signaling Return to National Prominence and Championship Contention
The Florida Gators are officially back in the national conversation. In The Athletic’s recently released Top 25 reset rankings, the Gators found themselves inside the top five, marking a dramatic rise for a program that has been building steadily under head coach Todd Golden. The inclusion among college basketball’s elite signals more than just offseason optimism—it confirms that the Gators are a legitimate contender as the 2025-26 season approaches.
Florida’s ascension is rooted in a blend of experienced returners, promising young talent, and savvy additions from the transfer portal. Golden, entering his third year at the helm, has reshaped the identity of Florida basketball, instilling a culture that blends toughness with tempo, and analytics with attitude. The product is a team that is not only winning but doing so with a brand of basketball that can compete in March.
The Gators’ rise to the top five was not overnight. Last season, Florida began to find its rhythm late in the year, with a combination of gritty defensive play and balanced scoring proving to be the difference in several critical matchups. That momentum carried into the SEC Tournament, where Florida made a deep run that boosted its national profile. While they ultimately came up short of the Final Four, the foundation had been laid.
Much of the credit belongs to Golden’s approach to roster building. This offseason, he doubled down on his recruiting philosophy: target players who bring high IQ, versatility, and defensive commitment. That strategy has paid major dividends. Florida retained key pieces from last year’s team, headlined by dynamic guard Riley Kugel, who flirted with the NBA Draft before announcing his return to Gainesville. Kugel’s decision sent shockwaves through the SEC and beyond, as his combination of size, scoring ability, and defensive potential makes him one of the most complete guards in the country.
Joining Kugel is returner Alex Condon, whose development into a reliable interior presence was one of last season’s biggest surprises. The Australian big man has refined his footwork, added strength, and showcased a soft shooting touch that stretches defenses. With another year of development, Condon projects as one of the top big men in the conference, if not the nation.
But what truly separates Florida from many other contenders is its activity in the transfer portal. Golden struck gold with the acquisition of several high-impact players who bring both experience and fit. Among them is former Arizona guard Kylan Boswell, a proven floor general who adds poise and playmaking to Florida’s backcourt. Boswell’s ability to control tempo and take care of the ball fits perfectly with Golden’s motion-heavy offensive system. His leadership will be invaluable, especially in tight SEC games where possessions are precious.
In the frontcourt, the Gators added another layer of strength with the commitment of Brandon Garrison, a former McDonald’s All-American and transfer from Oklahoma State. Garrison, known for his rebounding prowess and shot-blocking instincts, provides a strong complement to Condon and offers Florida the luxury of rim protection on nearly every possession. His presence should dramatically improve Florida’s interior defense, which was already a strength last season.
One of the most exciting aspects of this Florida team, however, might be its freshmen. Golden has quietly assembled one of the most talented incoming classes in the country. Highlighting the group is five-star wing Josiah Moseley, whose length and athleticism make him an ideal fit in Florida’s aggressive defensive schemes. Moseley has drawn comparisons to former Gator great Corey Brewer for his defensive versatility and transition scoring ability. Though freshmen can be unpredictable, early reports out of Gainesville suggest Moseley is ahead of schedule.
Golden has also prioritized chemistry, something that cannot be overlooked in today’s transfer-heavy landscape. Florida’s locker room culture has become a strength, with veteran leaders setting the tone for work ethic and unselfishness. This buy-in from top to bottom is a key reason why The Athletic’s rankings panel elevated the Gators so aggressively in the reset rankings.
Another factor is Florida’s strength of schedule. The Gators are not shying away from competition, with several marquee non-conference games already on the slate. This includes neutral site showdowns against perennial powerhouses and a trip to the West Coast for a high-profile tournament. These games will not only prepare the team for SEC play but could also serve as resume-builders for NCAA Tournament seeding. Golden understands that testing his team early will pay off in March.
Defensively, Florida was already among the SEC’s best last season, and with the additions of Garrison and Moseley, they have the potential to become elite. Golden’s teams are known for their ability to switch across multiple positions, deny passing lanes, and close out shooters. Expect more of the same in 2025-26—but with even more length, athleticism, and rim protection. If Florida can continue to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities and force turnovers at a high clip, they could have one of the stingiest defenses in the nation.
Offensively, the Gators are expected to take a leap as well. Kugel’s return provides a go-to scorer, but it’s the supporting cast that could make this a top-15 offense nationally. Boswell’s court vision will unlock more efficient looks for shooters, while Garrison and Condon can run high-low actions and stretch the floor. Florida’s offensive spacing, something Golden emphasizes constantly, should be among the best in the SEC.
What’s perhaps most exciting for Florida fans is the ceiling. While teams like Kansas, Duke, and UConn continue to dominate headlines, Florida has all the ingredients to be a Final Four team. They boast veteran guards, frontcourt depth, elite defenders, and a coach whose system is clearly resonating. In a sport where continuity and chemistry can be just as important as pure talent, Florida checks every box.
The Gators also benefit from a deep bench. Players like Denzel Aberdeen and Will Richard, who might start for other high-major programs, give Florida one of the deeper rotations in college basketball. Golden has the luxury of going nine or ten deep without sacrificing quality. This will be especially important during the grind of conference play and into the postseason, where injuries and fatigue often derail teams with shorter benches.
Florida’s climb into The Athletic’s top five also represents a symbolic return to form. It’s been nearly two decades since the Gators ruled college basketball with back-to-back national titles under Billy Donovan. Since then, the program has seen flashes of relevance but lacked staying power. Under Golden, that may be changing. The momentum is real, the recruiting pipeline is healthy, and the buy-in from players and fans alike is stronger than it’s been in years.
Even nationally, opposing coaches have taken notice. One anonymous coach told The Athletic, “They’ve built a team that can win in March. You don’t want to see them in your bracket.” That kind of respect isn’t given lightly—and Florida has earned every bit of it.
Still, challenges remain. The SEC will once again be loaded, with Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama all fielding talented squads. Florida will need to navigate a brutal schedule and maintain health and focus throughout the year. But if early indications are any sign, this Gators team isn’t just built to make the tournament—they’re built to make noise once they get there.
As the 2025-26 season draws closer, expectations in Gainesville are soaring. For a program that has patiently rebuilt under the radar, cracking the top five in The Athletic’s rankings is a validation of the hard work and vision put in over the past few years. But don’t expect this team to be satisfied with preseason hype. With a deep roster, a rising star in Kugel, and a coach with a plan, Florida basketball is ready to chase championships again. The Gators are no longer a sleeper—they’re a powerhouse in plain sight.
