Florida coach Todd Golden speaks to the team after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Feb. 14, 2026. [Matthew Lewis/WRUF]

Florida Men’s Basketball Jumps to No. 4 to End Regular Season

As the regular season comes to an end, the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll saw a shakeup ahead of March Madness’ Selection Sunday — Florida being among them.

Florida, previously ranked No. 5, jumped one spot to No. 4 in the AP Top 25, finishing the regular season with a 25-6 record overall.

The Gators concluded their final game of the regular season against Kentucky on Saturday, fighting the Wildcats for an 84-77 victory led by junior forward Thomas Haugh’s 20-point outing.

Florida’s win landed the team the No.1 overall seed in the SEC tournament, giving them a double-bye into Friday’s quarterfinal round.

The Gators head into the conference tournament with a league-best three players earning All-SEC nods. Haugh was awarded first team, while center Ruben Chinyelu earned a second-team appearance and forward Alex Condon was placed on the third team for the second straight year.

As for individual awards, Chinyelu won Defensive Player of the Year, while guard Urban Klavzar earned Sixth-Man of the Year. Head coach Todd Golden rounded off the honors with his first Coach of the Year selection.

Florida will be back in action this Friday at 1 p.m. in the SEC Tournament quarterfinal as they await either LSU, Kentucky or Missouri.

Category: Gators Men's Basketball