Florida Surges into SEC Tournament as Favorite

Gators look to defend their 2025 SEC title as they enter Nashville on an 11-game win streak.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Florida Gators are peaking at the right time, entering the 2026 SEC men's basketball tournament in Nashville on an 11-game win streak. After struggling to start the season, the defending national champions have lost just twice since the new year and won the SEC regular season title by three games. While teams like Arkansas and Alabama have also had strong seasons, all eyes will be on the Gators as they look to defend their 2025 SEC tournament championship and potentially earn a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

Why it matters

Florida's late-season surge has made them the clear favorite to win the SEC tournament, which would solidify their status as a top contender for the national title. The Gators' ability to turn their season around after a rocky start demonstrates their resilience and the depth of talent on their roster.

The details

The Gators ended the regular season with a 25-6 record, including an 84-77 win over Kentucky in their final game. They lost just twice since the start of the new year, with one of those losses coming against Alabama, who they beat by 23 points earlier in the season. Other top contenders in the SEC include Arkansas, who the Gators beat by more than 30 points last month, and Vanderbilt, who started the season 16-0 before leveling out a bit.

  • Florida ended the regular season on an 11-game win streak.
  • The Gators lost just twice since the start of the new year.

The players

Florida Gators

The defending national champion men's basketball team, who are surging into the SEC tournament as the clear favorite after winning the regular season title by three games.

Arkansas Razorbacks

A strong SEC contender who the Gators beat by more than 30 points last month.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Won nine of their last 10 games to earn a double bye in the SEC tournament, though they lost to Florida by 23 points earlier in the season.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Started the season 16-0 before leveling out a bit, but still held their own in the SEC.

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What’s next

If Florida can avoid an early slip-up, they may end up with a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, which would only help in their quest to defend their national championship.

The takeaway

Florida's late-season surge has made them the clear favorite to win the SEC tournament and potentially earn a top seed in the NCAA tournament, proving their resilience and depth of talent after a rocky start to the season.