Florida Makes Major Statement on Fight for Denzel Aberdeen’s Eligibility

The Florida Gators are looking to fight for a fifth year of eligibility with guard Denzel Aberdeen.

The NCAA recently approved a "five-for-five" eligibility rule, meaning players can have five years of eligibility without having to redshirt. However, the rule does not allow graduating seniors like Aberdeen a fifth year of eligibility. 

That has led Aberdeen to meet with his legal representation to discuss the matter, and Florida will also be prepared to step in.

Gators head coach Todd Golden said they are "ready to take legal action" if Aberdeen doesn't get approved for a fifth year.

"Our hope is that there's some common sense that comes into play before that, and they look at a guy that's 22 years old — so, way younger than a lot of these guys that are still playing in college — that, again, is back working for his undergraduate degree within his five-year clock," Golden said. "There's a lot of things that are going his way. So, we'll do what we need to do to make sure he's supported properly."

Aberdeen spent his first three years playing for Florida before playing his senior season at Kentucky. However, if he is granted a fifth year of eligibility, he will return to the Gators. 

Aberdeen played only 12 games and 41 minutes in his freshman year with Florida, which they are hoping will be weighed in the decision on Aberdeen gaining a fifth year of eligibility. 

He continued to improve his game every season, as he averaged just 1.6 points, shooting 43.8 percent from the field. Aberdeen had a small role again in his sophomore year, averaging 3.3 points, shooting 40.4 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent from three.  

He became a consistent rotational player for the Gators in his junior year and helped them win the National Championship. Aberdeen averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the arc.

He then transferred to Kentucky and played at a high level, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from deep.

Aberdeen would join a talented Gators roster and help them compete for a National Championship in the 2026-27 season if he is given a fifth year of eligibility.

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