ESPN has ranked Florida basketball as the No. 1 team heading into the 2026-27 season after the transfer portal closed. The Gators retained key players and could potentially add more talent if NCAA eligibility is granted.
Key points
Florida basketball ranked No. 1 for 2026-27 season by ESPN
Four of five starters expected to return next season
Todd Golden retained key players and is recruiting actively
Florida GatorsAlex CondonBoogie FlandThomas Haugh
The college basketball transfer portal closed last Tuesday, and the NBA early-entry deadline was last Friday, so ESPN updated its way-too-early rankings ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Todd Golden did some major recruiting within his own program, retaining Alex Condon, Boogie Fland and Thomas Haugh — the latter of whom was an expected lottery pick. Rueben Chinyelu is testing the draft waters while retaining his college eligibility, and he's committed to staying at Florida if he doesn't go pro.
Florida could bring in Denzel Aberdeen, who was a member of the national championship team and transferred to Kentucky last year, if he's granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.
That means four of the Orange and Blue's five starters are set to return next season, and ESPN says that makes the Gators the team to beat early on. Florida sits at No. 1 on the rankings as April comes to a close — a two-spot jump from the end-of-season update produced after the NCAA Tournament concluded.
"The Gators vaulted to No. 1 following the return of Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, both of whom passed on the NBA draft to play in Gainesville for another year," ESPN basketball recruiting insider Jeff Borzello wrote. "And although Rueben Chinyelu has entered the NBA draft process, he is ultimately expected to return. That means Florida is likely to bring back the same frontcourt that won a national championship two seasons ago and is coming off an SEC title.
"Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen has committed to the Gators, too, but will need a waiver to play another season. If that happens, there's not much of an argument for any other team to top these rankings."
Q&A
What is Florida basketball's ranking for the 2026-27 season?
Florida basketball is currently ranked No. 1 by ESPN for the 2026-27 season.
Which key players are returning to Florida basketball next season?
Florida is set to retain Alex Condon, Boogie Fland, and Thomas Haugh, with Rueben Chinyelu testing the draft waters.
Could Florida basketball add any new players for the upcoming season?
Florida may bring in Denzel Aberdeen if he is granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.
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The Gators swapped spots with the reigning national champion Michigan Wolverines and leapfrogged the perennial championship-contending Duke Blue Devils. The Illinois Fighting Illini and UConn Huskies round out the top five. The Arkansas Razorbacks, Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide control Nos. 6-8 spots, putting some distance between Florida and the other top teams in the SEC.
Florida basketball's projected starting lineup
Boogie Fland (11.7 points per game)
Urban Klavzar (9.7 PPG)
Thomas Haugh (17.1 PPG)
Alex Condon (14.9 PPG)
Rueben Chinyelu (11.2 PPG)
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