No. 12 Florida's imposing size could pose trouble for Ole Miss

The Gators' rebounding dominance may be too much for the struggling Rebels to overcome.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 12 Florida Gators, the defending national champions, are riding a six-game winning streak and remain in sole possession of first place in the SEC. However, their upcoming matchup against Ole Miss could pose some challenges, as the Rebels have struggled with rebounding all season. Florida leads the conference in rebounds and rebound margin, which could be a major factor against an Ole Miss team that was outrebounded 37-23 in its most recent loss.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams as they navigate the stretch run of SEC play. Florida is looking to solidify its position atop the conference standings, while Ole Miss is hoping to end its eight-game losing streak and improve its chances of making the postseason. The Gators' size and rebounding prowess could be the difference-maker in this matchup.

The details

Florida has won 11 of its last 12 games, with an average margin of victory of 22 points during its current six-game winning streak. The Gators' most recent win, a 76-62 victory over South Carolina, was not as lopsided as some of their other recent wins, but head coach Todd Golden still believes his team is playing at a high level. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has struggled with rebounding all season, ranking 15th in the SEC in rebound margin. In their most recent loss to Texas A&M, the Rebels were outrebounded 37-23 and gave up 18 second-chance points.

  • Florida's current six-game winning streak began on January 28.
  • Ole Miss has lost eight games in a row heading into this matchup.

The players

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators, who has led the team to a 20-6 record and first place in the SEC.

Alex Condon

A forward for the Florida Gators, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds in the team's most recent win.

Rueben Chinyelu

The center for the Florida Gators, who recorded his 16th double-double of the season in the team's most recent win.

Chris Beard

The head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who is hoping to end his team's eight-game losing streak.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anytime you can win, that's a huge step in the right direction. And I tell these guys all the time when we're preparing for games: I don't care if it's Alabama, I don't care if it's Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina -- we're treating that game like the national championship.”

— Todd Golden, Head Coach (statenews.net)

“We've just got to attack it. That's what championship teams do every night -- come out with the same mentality and keep rolling.”

— Alex Condon, Forward (statenews.net)

“The difference in the game is offensive rebounding for them. The reason we're not in a little bit better mood is we're one or two blockouts away.”

— Chris Beard, Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Gators and Rebels will face off on Saturday in Oxford, Mississippi, with Florida looking to continue its dominant run and Ole Miss hoping to end its losing streak.

The takeaway

Florida's size and rebounding prowess could be the key factor in this matchup, as the Gators look to maintain their position atop the SEC standings. For Ole Miss, finding a way to limit the Gators' second-chance opportunities will be crucial if the Rebels hope to pull off the upset.