Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale is already fired up for college basketball season, and he’s high on the defending national champions from Gainesville.
In his latest “Dazzling Dozen” preseason rankings for ESPN, Vitale placed the Florida Gators at No. 3 on his list of the top men’s basketball teams for the 2025-26 season.
Florida basketball trails only the Purdue Boilermakers and Houston Cougars in his rankings, further cementing the Gators’ status as one of the sport’s elite heading into the summer.
The Gators return two key frontcourt starters in Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, both of whom played major roles during Florida’s run to the 2025 national title.
Joining them are high-profile transfer additions Xaivian Lee, a dynamic guard from Princeton expected to be one of the highest-paid players in college hoops through NIL, and Boogie Fland, a former Arkansas Razorbacks guard with big-game experience.
Head coach Todd Golden has reloaded with a deep roster, blending returning production with elite newcomers. Florida’s size, pace and veteran presence make them one of the most complete teams in the country heading into the new campaign.
Here is everything Vitale wrote about the Orange and Blue heading into the next season.
What Vitale wrote about Florida basketball
“The defending champs from Gainesville are chomping for more. Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are back, joined by transfer stars Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland. Can they repeat? They have the talent, baby.”
Vitale’s “Dazzling Dozen” heading into the 2025-26 season
- Michigan Wolverines
- Kentucky Wildcats
- UCLA Bruins
- Duke Blue Devils
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- BYU Cougars
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- St. John’s Red Storm
- UConn Huskies
- Florida Gators
- Houston Cougars
- Purdue Boilermakers
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