Florida Gators Aim for First NCAA Title Since 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators are entering the 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament as the No. 1 seed in the West Region, fueled by a strong 30-4 record and a Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship. With aspirations of claiming their first national title since 2007, the Gators face a challenging road ahead.

Opening in the Round of 64, Florida will play No. 16 Norfolk State, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. While historically a No. 1 seed’s chance of losing to a No. 16 is low, the Gators are aware of past upsets, such as Virginia’s loss to UMBC in 2018.

“We know what’s at stake,” said Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr., who leads the team, averaging 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game. “Our focus is on execution and not underestimating any opponent.”

Norfolk State’s Brian Moore Jr., a guard and Murray State transfer, has been particularly effective, averaging 18.4 points and boasting a 55% shooting success rate from the field. The Gators, known for their interior defense, rank among the top 10 in the nation for blocked shots, which will be vital in their matchup.

If Florida advances, they will likely face either the UConn Huskies or the Oklahoma Sooners in the Round of 32. The Huskies have a strong tournament pedigree with two consecutive national championships, while Oklahoma brings physicality after their first season in the SEC.

“Regardless of who we face in the next round, we are prepared for a grind-it-out battle,” said head coach Todd Golden. “We strive for that No. 1 seed and understand what it means for our program’s legacy.”

UConn’s starting guard, Solo Ball, leads the Huskies with a 42% shooting average from the three-point range. In contrast, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears, a true freshman, has emerged as a scoring leader, averaging 17.0 points per game.

Should the Gators progress to the Sweet 16, they might encounter either Maryland or Colorado State—teams known for distinct playing styles. Maryland boasts a top-five defensive efficiency, while Colorado State features a potent offensive game, scoring over 80 points per game.

“Every game matters as we head deeper into the tournament, especially against such skilled competitors,” Clayton Jr. added.

The road to the Elite Eight potentially leads the Gators to battle St. John’s or Texas Tech, both formidable opponents with championship aspirations. St. John’s guard RJ Luis Jr. and Texas Tech forward JT Toppin pose significant threats with their scoring abilities.

“The urgency to make each moment count is critical as we aim for San Antonio,” said Gators senior player. “We’ve sacrificed a lot this season, and it’s about executing our strategy to get back on top.”

Florida last captured NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007 under coach Billy Donovan. As they aim to reclaim that dominance, the Gators must combine tenacious defense with sharp offensive execution throughout the tournament.

“This is more than just a tournament; it’s our chance to solidify our legacy,” Golden stated. “We are ready to go all in.”