The 35 Greatest Gators: Program Pillars Are Here

June 11, 2026

The Program Pillars are next.

Episode 5 of The 35 — WRUF 98.1’s summer countdown of the greatest athletes in University of Florida history — airs live this today at 2 p.m.

Five more names. Five more arguments. And we’re inside the top 15.

This week’s tier is “The Program Pillars,” featuring No. 15 through No. 11. These are the Gators who didn’t just win. They built something.

A two-time NCAA champion who went on to win an NBA title 17 years later. An Olympic gold medalist who turned down a football scholarship to Georgia and repaid Florida with eight national titles and a 40-year-old record. The only Florida player to win the Heisman Trophy outright. A pitcher and power hitter who shares a statistical club with only one other person in the history of baseball. And the coach who brought back-to-back national championships to Gainesville with the same starting five.

You’ll find out who they are today, and hear from three Gator Greats at 2 p.m.

The Greatest Gators Moments Bracket is also live. Week 4 voting is still open — the Gymnastics Three-Peat (2013–15) vs. Caeleb Dressel’s NCAA Career, and the 2007 Men’s Basketball Title (Repeat) vs. Women’s Tennis Back-to-Back (2011–12). Vote before today at 1:59 p.m. Results announced live on air during the show.

Greatest Gators Moments Bracket
What’s the greatest moment in Gators history? You decide.
Closes Thu. June 11 • 1:59 PMbull; 1:59 PM
Matchup 1
3
Gymnastics Three-Peat (2013–15)
vs.
6
Caeleb Dressel NCAA Career

Which is the greater Gators moment?

View Results

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Matchup 2
2
2007 Men’s Basketball Title (Repeat)
vs.
7
Women’s Tennis Back-to-Back (2011–12)

Which is the greater Gators moment?

View Results

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Part of The 35: Greatest Gators of All Time on WRUF 98.1
Full bracket →

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