Gators' Historic NCAA Tournament Journey

0:00On March 17th, the Florida Gators are stepping into the 2026 NCAA tournament as a number one seed for the second year in a row, marking the first time that's happened in program history. They're chasing a fourth national title after winning three already in 2006, 2007, and just last year in 2025. Overall, they've made 24 official tournament appearances with a 51 wins and 20 losses record. Early on, Coach Norm Sloan got them into the dance for the first three times from 1987 to 89, including a sweet 16 run. Though two were later vacated due to violations, Long Kruger took over and led them to their first Final Four in 1994 as a number three seed, upsetting Yukon along the way. Billy Donovan's era brought the glory, starting with a Final Four in 2000 and back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, the first. Repeat champ since Duke. His team's made nine straight appearances from 1999 to 2007 and hit four elite eights in a row later on.

1:06After Donovan left for the NBA, Mike White kept him competitive with an elite eight in his second year, but struggled with early exits, including a stunning first round loss as a higher seed. Todd Golden arrived amid ups and downs, then delivered the 2025 championship as a number one seed, beating Yukon and rallying in key games. Now as the tournament tips off Friday against either Lehigh or Prairie View A&M, the Gators carry that momentum and history into another deep run. Made in AI.