Greatest Gators of All Time? The Debate Starts Now.

Thursday’s debut of The 35 revealed the first five names on the list of the greatest Gators of all time. Shane Matthews, Steve Spurrier’s first starting quarterback and two-time SEC Player of the Year, joined the show along with James Bates, the senior captain of the 1996 national championship team.

While the show ranks the greatest Gators, running alongside it all summer is a separate question. What is the single greatest moment in UF athletics history?

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket is now live, and the first quadrant is open for voting.

The 2008 National Championship against the 2023 College World Series. The 1996 National Championship against Danny Wuerffel’s Heisman.

You decide which moments advance. Voting closes Thursday, May 21 at 1:59 p.m.

Vote in the Bracket →

The 35 — Revealed So Far

Episode 1 — The Forgotten Legends May 14, 2026

James Bates

Football · Linebacker · 1992–96 • Senior captain of the 1996 national championship team

Jason Williams

Basketball · Guard · 2000–02 • Florida single-game record: 17 assists vs. Duquesne

Kerwin Bell

Football · Quarterback · 1984–87 • Walk-on to 1984 SEC Player of the Year as a freshman

Ike Hilliard

Football · Wide Receiver · 1994–96 • Three TDs in the 1997 Sugar Bowl, including the iconic “stop and pop”

Shane Matthews

Football · Quarterback · 1990–92 • Spurrier’s first QB • Two-time SEC Player of the Year • Led the 1991 SEC Championship

Next Thursday — May 21 at 2 PM

Episode 2 — The Championship Builders

No. 30 through No. 26 revealed live on WRUF 98.1

🔴 Listen Live

HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG

📻Listen live every Thursday 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1

▶️ Watch and submit questions live on YouTube

🗳️ Vote in the bracket each week

📱 Text your takes to 352-325-3777 — best ones go on air live

The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time. Thursdays 2–3 p.m. on WRUF 98.1. May 14 through July 2.

Category: Feature Sports News, The 35