Gainesville, Florida, October 31, 2025
The Florida Gators have been recognized with multiple preseason All-SEC honors across various sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and football. The Gators men’s basketball team is set to begin its season ranked No. 21 and as SEC favorites, while standout players from the women’s team have also received accolades. This recognition reinforces the strong athletic reputation of the University of Florida as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-2026 sports seasons.
Gainesville, Florida – Florida Gators Named Preseason All-SEC
The Florida Gators have received multiple preseason All-SEC honors as they gear up for the 2025-2026 sports seasons. This recognition cements the university’s strong athletic reputation across various disciplines, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and football.
Men’s Basketball
The Florida Gators men’s basketball team has been designated as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) preseason favorites, a title they have achieved for the third time since 1989. Under head coach Todd Golden, now in his third season, the Gators are set to return star players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Alex Condon, both of whom have earned All-SEC honors. The team will kick off its season against the No. 13 Arizona Wildcats on November 3 in Las Vegas.
Women’s Basketball
Sophomore guard Liv McGill has been named to the 2025-26 Preseason All-SEC Second Team after an exceptional freshman year, where she averaged 16.5 points per game and set the program record for the most points by a freshman. The women’s basketball team will start their season on November 3, hosting North Florida at the Exactech Arena.
Baseball
In baseball, second baseman Cade Kurland has been recognized on the All-SEC preseason first team, while catcher Luke Heyman and shortstop Colby Shelton made the second team. Florida’s baseball team is expected to finish fifth in the SEC, with one vote for conference champions. The season begins on February 18 against Jacksonville.
Lacrosse
The lacrosse team is set to start the season with five players selected for the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the most of any team in the conference. The Gators were also predicted to finish first in the Big 12 standings. Notable players include Kaitlyn Davies, who was named Preseason Midfielder of the Year.
Gymnastics
The gymnastics team enters the new season ranked No. 3 and will compete in a quad meet on January 10 against No. 11 Michigan State, No. 23 Nebraska, and Northern Illinois. This marks Coach Jenny Rowland’s tenth season leading the program.
Football
The football team boasts four preseason All-American selections, including defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The Gators are preparing for their season opener on August 30 against Long Island University at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Men’s Basketball Rankings
The Gators’ men’s basketball team is also ranked No. 21 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25, following a successful prior season that included a 24-win campaign and an NCAA Tournament berth.
Preseason SEC Poll
In the SEC preseason poll conducted by media members, Florida was placed at the top, reflecting the Gators’ strong position ahead of the 2025-2026 competition year.
About the Florida Gators
The Florida Gators represent the University of Florida, competing in the Southeastern Conference. The athletic teams have a rich history of success across various sports, including basketball, baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and football.
FAQ
- What sports have Florida Gators been recognized in for the 2025-2026 season?
- The Florida Gators have received preseason All-SEC honors in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, lacrosse, gymnastics, and football.
- Who is leading the Florida men’s basketball team?
- The team is led by head coach Todd Golden, entering his third season with the Gators.
- When does the Florida women’s basketball team begin their season?
- The team will begin their season on November 3, hosting North Florida at the Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
- What is the Florida baseball team’s preseason ranking?
- The team was picked to finish fifth overall in the SEC, with one vote to win the conference outright.
- When does the Florida lacrosse team start their season?
- The team is set to begin the 2025 season with a quad meet on January 10, featuring No. 11 Michigan State, No. 23 Nebraska, and Northern Illinois.
- Who are the Florida football team’s preseason All-American selections?
- Defensive tackle Caleb Banks and wide receiver Eugene Wilson III have been recognized with preseason All-American selections.
- What is the Florida men’s basketball team’s preseason ranking?
- The team is ranked No. 21 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25.
- What is the SEC preseason poll ranking for Florida?
- The SEC preseason poll has placed Florida at the top, followed by Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Missouri, and Mississippi in the top half of the conference.
| Sport | Preseason Recognition | Key Players | Season Opener |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Basketball | Preseason SEC Favorites | Walter Clayton Jr., Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, Boogie Fland | November 3 vs. No. 13 Arizona Wildcats in Las Vegas |
| Women’s Basketball | Liv McGill named to Preseason All-SEC Second Team | Liv McGill | November 3 vs. North Florida at Exactech Arena |
| Baseball | Second baseman Cade Kurland named to All-SEC preseason first team | Cade Kurland, Luke Heyman, Colby Shelton | February 18 vs. Jacksonville |
| Lacrosse | Five players named to Preseason All-Big 12 Team | Kaitlyn Davies, Theresa Bragg, Elyse Finnelle, Ashley Dyer, Ava Tighe | January 10 vs. No. 11 Michigan State, No. 23 Nebraska, and Northern Illinois |
| Gymnastics | Ranked No. 3 in preseason | Team under head coach Jenny Rowland | January 10 vs. No. 11 Michigan State, No. 23 Nebraska, and Northern Illinois |
| Football | Four preseason All-American selections | Caleb Banks, Eugene Wilson III | August 30 vs. Long Island University at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium |
| Men’s Basketball | Ranked No. 21 in preseason AP Top 25 | Team under head coach Todd Golden | November 3 vs. No. 13 Arizona Wildcats in Las Vegas |
| SEC Preseason Poll | Florida picked to win SEC | Team under head coach Todd Golden | November 3 vs. No. 13 Arizona Wildcats in Las Vegas |
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