Florida Gators Conclude Track and Field Season with Grit and Glory at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon

The Florida Gators wrapped up their 2025 track and field season at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with performances that embodied the spirit of perseverance, elite athleticism, and the promise of an even brighter future. From thrilling finishes on the track to standout efforts in the field, Florida’s men’s and women’s teams competed with pride against the nation’s best and emerged with moments that will be remembered long after the final baton was passed.

Held at the historic Hayward Field, the four-day meet drew the top collegiate athletes in the United States, and the Gators arrived with high expectations. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Holloway, Florida has built a powerhouse program that consistently competes for national titles. This year was no exception, as the Gators delivered strong individual performances and top finishes, while also using the championship as a proving ground for the program’s next generation of stars.

On the men’s side, senior standout Robert Gregory Jr. capped his collegiate career in impressive fashion. Known for his explosiveness in the sprints, Gregory blazed his way into the 200-meter final, where he finished fourth with a season-best time of 20.10 seconds. While just off the podium, Gregory’s presence in the final demonstrated his consistency and resilience, especially after recovering from a midseason hamstring issue. His run was not only a testament to his talent but also to the careful management and support of Florida’s training staff.

Gregory wasn’t the only male sprinter to shine. Sophomore Jordan Anthony qualified for the 100-meter final, finishing seventh with a time of 10.09 seconds. Anthony, a dual-sport athlete who also plays wide receiver for the Gators football team, showed his potential as a future NCAA champion with poise and speed against elite competition. His progression from a raw talent to a national finalist in just his second collegiate season bodes well for both Florida’s track and football programs.

In the field events, junior Malcolm Clemons made his mark in the long jump, placing fifth with a leap of 7.89 meters. Clemons, who has battled injuries throughout his career, showed that he can still compete with the best when healthy. His fifth-place finish was Florida’s highest in the field events during the championships, and he will return next season with eyes on a national title of his own.

Meanwhile, the Gators’ women’s team saw a mix of experience and rising talent deliver when it mattered most. Senior sprinter Talitha Diggs, a former national champion in the 400 meters, was a finalist in the event once again, placing sixth with a time of 50.87 seconds. Diggs, who has anchored many memorable relay victories for the Gators over the years, leaves behind a legacy of speed, consistency, and leadership.

One of the most electric moments of the meet came in the women’s 4×400-meter relay. The Gators—featuring a quartet of Diggs, Taylor Manson, Autumn Wilson, and Sterling Lester—ran a season-best 3:26.95 to finish third, earning a spot on the podium and securing crucial team points. The chemistry and baton exchanges were seamless, showcasing the preparation and teamwork that have long defined Florida’s relay dominance.

Freshman sensation Autumn Wilson was another highlight. In her NCAA Outdoor Championships debut, Wilson advanced to the 200-meter final and finished sixth. Her performance in a field stacked with Olympic hopefuls solidified her status as a rising star. Throughout the season, Wilson impressed with her range and composure, and Eugene was her grandest stage yet. With three years of eligibility remaining, she looks poised to be a cornerstone for Florida’s sprint squad.

In the hurdles, Sterling Lester delivered a gritty effort in the women’s 400-meter hurdles final, placing fifth with a personal-best 55.48 seconds. Lester’s ability to compete in both the relays and individual events makes her one of Florida’s most valuable athletes. Her progression through the season and peak performance at nationals demonstrated her dedication and mental toughness.

The Gators’ combined team finishes reflected the depth and competitiveness of their program. The men’s team finished in eighth place overall, while the women’s team landed in ninth. While both squads had hoped for podium team finishes, the number of individual finalists and emerging talents offered plenty of reason for optimism.

Coach Holloway, who also serves as the U.S. men’s national team coach, praised his athletes for their resilience and unity throughout a challenging season.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted this week, but I couldn’t be prouder of this group,” Holloway said. “These championships bring out the best in everybody, and we had a lot of people step up. We had veterans give us everything they had, and some young ones show they’re ready to take over.”

One of those young ones is sophomore decathlete Kyle Garland, who earned All-American honors by placing sixth in the decathlon. Garland’s consistency across ten grueling events—including a strong pole vault and discus throw—earned him national recognition. As he continues to develop, he could become one of the best all-around athletes in school history.

While the NCAA Outdoor Championships mark the official end of the collegiate season, many Gators will continue competing through the summer in U.S. and international meets. Several, including Gregory and Diggs, are expected to vie for spots on Team USA for the 2025 World Championships. With Florida’s athletes frequently appearing in national team lineups, the program’s reputation as a pipeline for world-class talent continues to grow.

Beyond the track, the Gators also shined academically and in leadership roles throughout the 2025 campaign. Multiple athletes earned SEC and USTFCCCA academic honors, reflecting the team’s emphasis on excellence in all facets of student-athlete life. That culture, combined with elite coaching and state-of-the-art facilities, is a major draw for recruits and has kept Florida among the nation’s elite programs year after year.

Recruiting also received a boost during the week of the championships, as Florida secured commitments from several top high school prospects. The visibility and exposure of competing at Hayward Field—often called the “TrackTown USA” of the sport—helped reinforce Florida’s brand on the national stage. With several seniors moving on, a new crop of talent is already lined up to step into their shoes.

As the season concludes, the mood around Florida’s track and field program is one of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation. There were moments of heartbreak—like narrowly missing the podium in certain events—but also triumphs that brought teammates, coaches, and fans to their feet. Most importantly, there was growth. The experience gained in Eugene will prove invaluable for the Gators’ underclassmen, who now know what it takes to succeed at the sport’s highest collegiate level.

In a sport where fractions of a second or a few centimeters can determine glory, the Gators have shown they have what it takes to compete and win at the highest levels. And while the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships marked the end of a season, they also offered a glimpse into a future brimming with promise.

As the athletes head into the offseason—some into the professional ranks, others into summer training—one thing remains clear: the Florida Gators are not going anywhere. They remain a dominant force in NCAA track and field, with a foundation built on speed, strength, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

With Coach Holloway at the helm and a roster full of rising stars, the Gators will be back. And next time, they might just take it all.