The Florida Basketball Gators schedule for the 2024–25 season is packed with thrilling matchups, fierce SEC rivalries, and high-stakes tournament implications. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, sports bettor, or casual observer, understanding the Gators’ schedule offers key insights into their path toward another championship campaign.
Let’s explore the complete Florida basketball schedule, highlighting important games, SEC contests, and postseason possibilities.
Florida Gators 2024–25 Basketball Schedule Overview
The 2024–25 season marks a pivotal year under head coach Todd Golden, now entering his third year at the helm. Florida opened their campaign strong with a mix of non-conference games designed to prepare the team for the demanding SEC schedule.
The Gators’ regular season consists of:
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13 non-conference games
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18 SEC matchups
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SEC Tournament games
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NCAA Tournament run
Their overall regular-season record ended at 27–4, with a 14–4 record in SEC play, giving them a strong seed heading into March Madness.
Key Non-Conference Games
Florida opened the season undefeated through their first 13 non-conference games, showcasing depth, experience, and elite defense. These games were crucial in building team chemistry and improving their national ranking before entering SEC action.
Notable Non-Conference Matchups:
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vs Florida A&M – Season opener at home.
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vs Xavier – A test against a seasoned Big East team.
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vs Michigan – A high-profile early-season game that boosted Florida’s NCAA NET rating.
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vs George Washington (Neutral Site) – A competitive neutral-court game.
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vs Dartmouth, Saint Francis, Colgate – Rounding out non-conference play before the holidays.
By the end of the non-conference slate, Florida was ranked Top 10 nationally, driven by standout performances from returning stars and experienced transfers.
Florida Gators SEC Basketball Schedule
SEC play is always tough, and the 2024–25 SEC basketball schedule did not disappoint. Florida faced some of the nation’s top programs, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, and Alabama.
Major SEC Matchups:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 4 | @ Kentucky | L 100–106 |
| Jan 14 | vs Missouri | L 82–83 |
| Jan 25 | vs Georgia | W 89–59 |
| Feb 1 | @ Tennessee | L 64–44 |
| Feb 8 | @ Auburn (#1) | W 90–81 |
| Feb 15 | vs South Carolina | W 88–67 |
| Mar 1 | vs Texas A&M | W 89–70 |
| Mar 5 | @ Alabama (#7) | W 99–94 |
Florida’s SEC record of 14–4 positioned them among the top two teams in the league. Their ability to win on the road, especially against top‑ranked Auburn and Alabama, set the tone for their postseason success.
SEC Tournament Recap
Held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville from March 12–16, 2025, the SEC Tournament was a showdown of powerhouse programs. Florida entered as the No. 2 seed.
SEC Tournament Results:
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Quarterfinal: Defeated Missouri 95–81
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Semifinal: Crushed Alabama 104–82
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Final: Beat Tennessee 86–77 to become SEC Tournament Champions
This tournament win added momentum heading into the NCAA bracket and marked Florida’s 5th SEC Tournament title.
NCAA Tournament Journey
The Gators earned a No. 1 seed in the West Region and lived up to the hype, clinching the 2025 NCAA National Championship.
March Madness Game Results:
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Round 1: vs Norfolk State – W 95–69
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Round 2: vs UConn – W 77–75 (statement win against defending champs)
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Sweet 16: vs Maryland – W 87–71
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Elite Eight: vs Texas Tech – W 84–79
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Final Four: vs Auburn – W 79–73
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Championship Game: vs Houston – W 65–63
Led by Walter Clayton Jr., who was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, the Gators capped off the season in style.
Standout Players and Performances
The 2024–25 season featured veteran leadership and dynamic play from multiple Gators:
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Walter Clayton Jr. – Senior guard, team MVP, clutch performer
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Will Richard – Two-way wing, key in high-pressure games
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Alijah Martin – Transfer spark plug with a deadly 3-point shot
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Micah Handlogten – Rebounding and rim protection anchor
Coach Todd Golden’s system emphasized tempo, spacing, and aggressive perimeter defense. The team’s performance on both ends was among the best in the nation.
Full Florida Gators Basketball 2024–25 Schedule (Highlights)
| Phase | Games | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Conference | 13 | 13–0 |
| SEC Regular Season | 18 | 14–4 |
| SEC Tournament | 3 | 3–0 (Champions) |
| NCAA Tournament | 6 | 6–0 (National Champions) |
| Overall | 40 games | 36–4 |
Schedule Analysis & Strategy Insights
The Florida Basketball Gators was perfectly structured. The tough non-conference matchups raised their resume, while alternating home and road games in SEC play kept legs fresh and minimized fatigue. This smart scheduling played a major role in their championship run.
Other strategic takeaways:
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Road wins vs top SEC schools proved resilience.
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Balanced rest days in February helped prepare for March Madness.
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Well-timed easier games (e.g., Colgate, Dartmouth) before big SEC slates allowed recovery.
What’s Next? 2025–26 Season Preview
Looking ahead to the 2025–26 Florida basketball schedule, fans can expect marquee matchups:
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Home-and-away vs Kentucky
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Non-conference tests against Big Ten and ACC programs
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Another possible tournament at a neutral venue (Maui/Jimmy V Classic)
With several starters graduating, recruiting and transfers will determine if Florida can defend its title.
FAQs About Florida Gators Basketball Schedule
🔸 Where can I find the latest Florida Gators basketball schedule?
Visit FloridaGators.com for the official, up-to-date schedule including TV listings and ticket info.
🔸 When does Florida play Kentucky next?
The 2025–26 SEC schedule includes home and away games vs Kentucky, typically in January and February.
🔸 Who was Florida’s toughest opponent in 2024–25?
Auburn (ranked No. 1) on February 8 was arguably the toughest, but the Gators pulled off a massive 90–81 upset win on the road.
Conclusion: Florida Basketball Gators Schedule Delivers Championship Glory
The Florida Basketball Gators schedule for 2024–25 was a masterclass in program building and execution. From non-conference dominance to SEC tournament success, and culminating in an NCAA championship, the Gators seized every opportunity.
Whether you’re following the team for insights, betting analysis, or pure fandom, keeping up with the Florida Gators basketball schedule offers a front-row seat to elite college basketball action.
Stay tuned for another thrilling season in Gainesville.
