The Florida Gators capped off a historic NCAA Tournament run by defeating Houston to win their third national championship and first since 2007. The Gators rallied from an 11-point deficit with just over 14 minutes left, tying the game with a 14-3 run. Alijah Martin’s clutch free throws with 46 seconds remaining gave Florida its first lead of the second half. Under the leadership of Todd Golden, now only the second coach in program history to win a title after Billy Donovan, the Gators matched a school-record 36 wins in a season.
Florida’s championship season was defined by resilience and momentum. The team ended the year with a 12-game win streak and victories in 18 of its last 19 games. The Gators thrived in high-stakes matchups, going 8-2 in top-10 games and securing a program-best 12 top-25 wins — 10 of those against teams ranked in the top 12.
Their tournament journey included a dramatic comeback against Texas Tech in the national semifinals, overcoming a nine-point deficit with an explosive 18-4 run. Walter Clayton Jr., who became Florida’s first-ever first-team All-American, played a crucial role throughout the tournament. He also earned SEC Tournament MVP and All-SEC honors, while teammates Will Richard and Alex Condon received recognition as well.
The Gators showed dominance in multiple tournament rounds. Against Maryland in the Sweet 16, they crushed the Terrapins on the boards with a 42-20 rebounding advantage and outscored them 29-3 off the bench. In the second round against UConn, Clayton scored 13 of his 23 points in the final stretch, while Martin and Richard delivered strong performances. Florida began its run with a commanding win over Norfolk State, powered by Clayton’s 23 points and 21 second-chance points.
Golden praised his team’s chemistry and unselfishness, highlighting roster continuity and leadership from returning players. He emphasized how the positive culture helped integrate newcomers and credited that dynamic for the team’s success.
Florida has now won the national championship three times after entering the NCAA Tournament as SEC champions (2006, 2007, 2025). The Gators’ six Final Four appearances and four championship game berths cement their place among the nation’s elite.
This title signals a return to form for Gator basketball, re-establishing the program as a powerhouse in college hoops.
