Florida Hoops Shines as Football Stumbles

March Madness brings joy to Sunshine State fans after lost fall football season

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:04am

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With four Florida teams in the NCAA Tournament and a fifth narrowly missing, college basketball has taken center stage in a state traditionally dominated by football. After a dismal fall for the state's top football programs, fans are finding joy and pride in the unexpected success of the Sunshine State's hoops teams.

Why it matters

For decades, football has defined the culture and sports landscape in Florida, but the state's struggles on the gridiron last season left fans frustrated. The unexpected rise of multiple basketball programs has provided a welcome distraction and renewed enthusiasm among Florida sports fans.

The details

Florida, Miami, UCF, and USF all earned NCAA Tournament bids, while Florida State narrowly missed out despite a strong finish to the season. The basketball success comes after a fall in which Florida, Florida State, and UCF all failed to reach a bowl game, an almost unthinkable scenario in a football-centric state. Coaches like Todd Golden at Florida, Johnny Dawkins at UCF, and Jai Lucas at Miami have transformed their programs, providing hope and excitement for fans.

  • Florida won the national title in men's basketball last season.
  • Miami and FAU both reached the Final Four just three seasons ago.
  • In October 2024, USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim passed away suddenly, but the program has rallied under Bryan Hodgson.
  • Florida State won 10 of its last 13 games and lost by just one point to No. 1 Duke in the ACC Tournament.

The players

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators men's basketball team, who led the team to a national title last season and has them poised for a potential repeat.

Johnny Dawkins

The head coach of the UCF Knights men's basketball team, who has guided the program's transition into the Big 12 Conference.

Jai Lucas

The first-year head coach of the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team, who transformed a 7-24 team into a 25-win contender in his debut season.

Bryan Hodgson

The head coach of the USF Bulls men's basketball team, who has led the program to the NCAA Tournament after the sudden passing of former coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.

Luke Loucks

The first-year head coach of the Florida State Seminoles men's basketball team, who led the team to a strong finish and narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This March Madness has provided a much-needed boost of joy and pride for Florida sports fans after a frustrating fall football season. The unexpected success of the state's basketball programs has united fans and given them a reason to celebrate, proving that the Sunshine State is more than just a football powerhouse.