Florida Picked to Win SEC in Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll; Three Players Named All-SEC

The Florida Gators are once again poised for a run in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) after being tabbed as the media’s preseason favorite for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season. Along with Florida’s team distinction, three Gators earned preseason All-SEC honors, highlighting the program’s blend of returning talent and championship pedigree.

Florida Tops the SEC Preseason Poll

Voters in the preseason poll included a select panel of both SEC and national media members. Florida’s selection as the favorite marks just the third time in the history of the preseason SEC poll, which began in 1989, that the Gators have received this honor. The previous seasons were 2006-07 and 2010-11, both of which ended with Florida winning the SEC title.

Returning stars Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh, and transfer Boogie Fland helped cement the Gators’ status as frontrunners. Florida is expected to leverage its experienced core and high-level depth to compete for the conference crown and a high NCAA tournament seed.

“We have the talent, the experience, and the mindset to compete at the highest level in the SEC,” said Coach Todd Golden. “This preseason recognition is encouraging, but we know every game is earned, and the league is always competitive. Our goal is to show up and perform every night.”

Gators Earn Three Preseason All-SEC Honors

Florida leads the conference with three preseason All-SEC selections:

• First Team All-SEC: Alex Condon – Florida
• Second Team All-SEC: Boogie Fland – Florida, Thomas Haugh – Florida

Condon, the team’s top returning scorer from last season, received first-team honors, underscoring his impact as a leader on the court. Haugh and Fland also received recognition for their dynamic scoring and defensive versatility, providing the Gators with multiple threats to challenge opposing defenses.

The full preseason All-SEC teams include:

First Team All-SEC

• Alex Condon – Florida
• Josh Hubbard – Mississippi State
• Otega Oweh – Kentucky
• Tahaad Pettiford – Auburn
• Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama

Second Team All-SEC

• Nate Ament – Tennessee
• Boogie Fland – Florida
• Ja’Kobi Gillespie – Tennessee
• Thomas Haugh – Florida
• Mark Mitchell – Missouri

Third Team All-SEC

• Malik Dia – Ole Miss
• Aden Holloway – Alabama
• Karter Knox – Arkansas
• Jaland Lowe – Kentucky
• D.J. Wagner – Arkansas

SEC Player of the Year (Preseason Prediction): Otega Oweh – Kentucky

Predicted SEC Standings

The full predicted order of finish for the SEC in 2025-26 reflects a competitive conference, with several programs vying for positioning behind Florida:

1. Florida
2. Kentucky
3. Tennessee
4. Alabama
5. Arkansas
6. Auburn
7. Missouri
8. Ole Miss
9. Texas
10. Mississippi State
11. Vanderbilt
12. Oklahoma
13. Texas A&M
14. Georgia
15. LSU
16. South Carolina

Season and Conference Timeline

The 2025-26 campaign officially begins Monday, Nov. 3, with non-conference games setting the stage for SEC action. Conference play will tip off Saturday, Jan. 3, and the SEC Tournament is scheduled for March 11-15 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Florida will look to leverage its preseason momentum into a strong regular season and a deep run in the SEC Tournament, with an eye toward NCAA seeding.

Ticket Information for the 2025-26 Season

Fans eager to watch the defending champions in action have several options:

Traditional Season Tickets

• Already officially sold out for the 2025-26 season, reflecting high demand for Florida basketball.

Arena Pass

• $450 for tickets to all 15 home games, no Booster contribution required.
• Offers varying seating locations each game for a fresh experience.
• Seats are randomly assigned weekly, but accounts can be linked for the full season.
• Single-game guest passes available.

All Gators Weekend Pack

• Includes the Florida men’s basketball game vs. Merrimack on Friday, Nov. 21, and the Florida football game vs. Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 22.
• Priced at $149 plus taxes/fees.
• Fans attending the Merrimack game receive a 2025 NCAA National Championship replica ring, presented by Meldon Law.

Single-Game Tickets

• Available for Swamp Certified members starting Oct. 10, public on-sale begins Oct. 14.
• Tickets can be purchased online at FloridaGators.com, by phone at (352) 375-4683, or in person at Gate 2 of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Looking Ahead

Florida enters the season with high expectations and a proven core, bolstered by preseason recognition across the SEC. With Alex Condon leading the way and Thomas Haugh and Boogie Fland complementing him, the Gators have the depth and versatility to contend for both the SEC title and another shot at the NCAA Tournament spotlight.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching how the Gators navigate a competitive conference, integrate new talent, and defend their national prominence. If the team can stay healthy and execute on both ends of the floor, Florida has the tools to live up to its top preseason billing.

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