Gators’ Denzel Aberdeen Wins Court Battle, Eligible for 2026-27 Season

Florida men’s basketball moved one step closer to a solidified starting five. 

Judge George Wright and the Alachua County Court granted guard Denzel Aberdeen a temporary injunction Tuesday, allowing him a fifth year of eligibility.

“We’re pleased with today’s ruling, and we’re especially happy for Denzel,” coach Todd Golden said. 

Aberdeen took the NCAA to court to gain one more year of eligibility in the wake of the “5-for-5” age-based rule, previously lobbying for a redshirt on the grounds of only playing 41 minutes in 12 games his freshman season. Aberdeen’s attorney Jesse Panuccio argued Tuesday that the legislation does not specify recruiting classes and uses the term “individual,” according to y GatorsOnline’s Zach Abolverdi.

“The NCAA’s refusal to honor its current eligibility framework breaches its contract with UF, which is intended to benefit student-athletes like Aberdeen,” the lawsuit said. 

The fifth year was a key piece in the Gators’ 2025 national championship run, averaging 7.7 points and 1.4 assists while shooting 35% from 3-point range. 

Aberdeen played his senior season at Kentucky, where he upped his averages to 13.5 points, ¾ assists and 36.3% from 3.. He entered the transfer portal and returned to Gainesville while looking to gain one more year of eligibility.

“I’m excited to announce that I’m planning to re-enroll at the University of Florida to finish my undergraduate degree,” Aberdeen posted on Instagram in April. “Thankful for the opportunity to finish my academic journey back home at the place where it started.”  

With the approval, Aberdeen is eligible for a fifth year to play alongside guard Boogie Fland and bigs Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Reuben Chinyelu.

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