UF Students Chant 'Florida Dropout' at Kentucky's Denzel Aberdeen

Fans taunt former Gators player during free throw attempts

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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During a basketball game between the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky, UF students in the crowd began chanting "Florida dropout" at Kentucky player Denzel Aberdeen, who previously played for the Florida Gators, whenever he went to the free throw line.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the intense rivalries and emotions that can arise between fans when a player transfers to a rival school. Aberdeen's decision to leave the Florida program after winning a national championship has clearly left a sour taste in the mouths of some Gators fans.

The details

Denzel Aberdeen, a former star player for the Florida Gators, was playing against his old team as a member of the Kentucky Wildcats. Whenever Aberdeen went to the free throw line, UF students in the crowd began loudly chanting "Florida dropout" in an attempt to distract and heckle him.

  • The chanting occurred during the second half of the game between Florida and Kentucky.

The players

Denzel Aberdeen

A player for the Kentucky Wildcats who previously played for the Florida Gators, winning a national championship with the team.

University of Florida

The rival school of Kentucky that Denzel Aberdeen previously played for.

University of Kentucky

The school that Denzel Aberdeen now plays for, as a rival of his former team the Florida Gators.

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What they’re saying

“Fans are always going to get a little bit louder when opposing players are at the charity stripe. But with Aberdeen leaving the program following a national championship, an extra chirp or two is thrown his way.”

— Griffin Mcveigh, Author (on3.com)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense rivalries and emotions that can arise in college sports, especially when a player transfers to a rival school. The chanting by Florida fans towards Aberdeen demonstrates the lingering resentment some fans can hold towards players who leave their program, even after achieving success together.