Key Points:
- Florida wins national title after a last-second 65-63 win over Houston
- Gators rise to No. 1 in the final AP Top 25 poll of the season
- Massive celebration rally held at the University of Florida campus
- Gators finish the season with a 36-4 record and third national championship
- Merch sales explode, with Gators gear hitting $2 million in a day
- SEC dominates rankings with 8 teams in the final AP poll
Florida is celebrating like never before—and with good reason. Florida wins national title in heart-stopping fashion, then immediately shoots to No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll of the season. It’s a double dose of victory, and Gators fans are soaking it all in.
After edging past Houston in a thrilling 65-63 win to capture the NCAA championship, the Gators returned home to Gainesville where thousands flooded the campus for a massive rally. From Flavet Field to social media, the celebration is all-out madness.
This marks Florida’s third national title, but first in nearly two decades—and the buzz is electric.
Back on Top: Florida’s Rise to No. 1
Florida capped off a magical 36-4 season with a narrow victory over Houston and now, for the first time since the 2013-14 season, finishes as the top-ranked team in the AP poll.
All 61 first-place votes went to the Gators in a unanimous decision that cements their place in college basketball history.
Head coach Todd Golden, now the youngest coach to win a title since 1983, couldn’t stop smiling.
“We have an incredibly talented group,” Golden said. “But what makes this team special is how they’ve played for each other all year. They earned this.”
Gainesville Erupts in Celebration
The championship parade started just hours after the team landed. As soon as the players stepped off the plane, they headed to the University of Florida campus, where thousands of fans had already gathered.
At Flavet Field, the players were introduced one by one to deafening cheers. The band played, flags waved, and confetti flew as fans welcomed home their heroes.
Todd Golden, along with stars Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard, addressed the crowd.
“We did this for all of you,” Clayton shouted. “We’re champions together!”
Merch Madness: Gators Gear Breaks Records
You know the hype is real when fans start spending—and they are.
Within 24 hours of the title win, Florida Gators merchandise sales topped $2 million, with championship shirts, hats, and jerseys flying off the shelves and online shops.
Retailers report that demand is surpassing what they saw after the Gators’ previous titles in 2006 and 2007.
“It’s insane,” said a Gainesville shop owner. “We’ve had lines out the door all day.”
How the Top 10 Shaped Up
After the championship game, the top of the AP poll saw some big changes:
- Florida (36-4)
- Houston (35-5)
- Duke (35-4)
- Auburn (32-6)
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Michigan State
- Texas Tech
- Maryland
- Michigan
Duke, who had held the top spot in the final pre-tournament polls, dropped two spots to third after their semifinal loss to Houston. Auburn remained at No. 4 after falling to Florida in the Final Four.
SEC Dominates the Rankings
Florida’s win wasn’t just a victory for the Gators—it was a statement for the entire Southeastern Conference.
The SEC placed eight teams in the final Top 25, the most of any conference. That includes Auburn, Tennessee, Alabama, and surprise risers like Ole Miss and Texas A&M.
The conference also earned a record 14 tournament bids, solidifying its place as the toughest league in college basketball this season.
Cinderella Moments and Big Climbs
Purdue made the biggest jump in the rankings, climbing eight spots to No. 14 after a dramatic Sweet 16 run that ended in heartbreak against Houston.
Kentucky and Arizona each rose six places after impressive second-week performances. Meanwhile, Arkansas and Ole Miss entered the rankings after pulling off tournament upsets.
It was a season of chaos, drama, and epic comebacks—and the final rankings reflected that energy.
Heartbreaks and Free Falls
For every team that climbed, others tumbled.
Louisville dropped 11 spots after a shocking first-round exit. Clemson and Memphis fell 10 and 9 places respectively. St. John’s, which had been projected to go deep, collapsed after shooting just 28% in a loss to Arkansas and fell six spots.
A total of eight teams from the pre-tournament rankings dropped positions, underscoring the madness of March.
The National Champs: How They Did It
Florida didn’t just win a title—they ran through a brutal bracket.
- Beat top-seeded Auburn in the Final Four
- Survived an Elite Eight thriller against Texas Tech
- Walter Clayton Jr. led multiple comebacks
- Will Richard dominated in the title game
- Alijah Martin hit the biggest free throws of the season
They did it with balance, teamwork, and clutch plays. And in doing so, wrote a new chapter in Gators basketball history.
Coach Todd Golden’s Moment
Just two years ago, Todd Golden was a rising name. Now, he’s a national champion.
At 39, Golden becomes the youngest coach to cut down the nets since Jim Valvano did it with NC State in 1983.
He’s already become a legend in Gainesville. And after guiding Florida to a perfect tournament run, his stock couldn’t be higher.
“I’m just proud of these guys,” he said at the rally. “They bought in. They believed. And now they’re champions.”
What’s Next?
The Gators are expected to return several key players next season, and with recruiting buzz already building, Florida might not be done.
Expect early Top 5 projections next season and a target on their back all year.
As for this season? They finished No. 1. They hoisted the trophy. And the campus may not stop celebrating anytime soon.
Final Word: Florida Wins National Title and Becomes America’s Team
Florida wins national title and completes a dream season with a celebration for the ages. From the nail-biting championship win to their rise to No. 1 in the final AP poll, the Gators are officially back on top.
For fans, alumni, and college basketball lovers everywhere, this season will be remembered as the year Florida reclaimed its crown.
They’re champions. They’re top-ranked. And they’re not done yet.
