Jay Williams: Florida 'looks like the best team in the nation' entering postseason

ESPN analyst believes the Gators are playing their best basketball at the right time

Mar. 7, 2026 at 10:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

ESPN's Jay Williams believes the Florida Gators are the best team in the nation heading into the postseason, citing their recent dominant performances and ability to carry momentum from last year's national championship run.

Why it matters

Florida's strong late-season play has them in contention for a top seed in the upcoming SEC and NCAA Tournaments, where they will look to defend their national title from last year.

The details

The Gators lost their SEC opener to Missouri but have won 10 straight games since then, including an impressive victory over Arkansas last week that caught Williams' eye. While teams like UConn, Arizona, and Michigan have also made cases for being the nation's best, Williams believes Florida's mix of talent and postseason experience makes them the team to beat.

  • Florida lost its SEC opener in Columbia, MO, before going on a five-game winning streak.
  • Auburn picked them off in the O'Dome on Jan. 24 but ever since then, it's been nothing but dominating performances.
  • Ten consecutive wins for the Gators, looking to extend things to 11 inside Rupp Arena.

The players

Jay Williams

An ESPN analyst who believes Florida is the best team in the nation heading into the postseason.

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators, who has led the team to a strong late-season run.

James Fletcher

An On3 analyst who had Florida behind UConn in his Bracketology Insights prior to Saturday's games.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Last year, we saw Florida play around this time of the year. And I think all of us pointed at them and said, 'I think that's the best team in the nation.' Watching them play again after last week against Arkansas — I know we're here at Duke, I know Arizona has something to say, I know Michigan has something to say. But that looks like the best team in the nation. It does. Again.”

— Jay Williams, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Florida will look to extend its 10-game winning streak when it takes on Kentucky inside Rupp Arena. A victory would further cement the Gators' status as the team to beat heading into the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.

The takeaway

Florida's late-season surge has them positioned as the team to beat in the postseason, with ESPN's Jay Williams declaring them the best team in the nation. The Gators' mix of talent and tournament experience makes them a formidable opponent for any team they face in March and April.