Entering the 2026-27 college basketball season, there seems to be a feeling that Florida is the best team in America. I'm uncertain whether the Gators are actually going to go out and win a national title, considering how hard that is, and I think all fans understand that after doing so recently. But on paper, I truly believe this is the best team in America. I've said it plenty of times, and I'll continue to say it, but what Todd Golden has built in Gainesville is absolutely ridiculous. That's part of the reason why ESPN named Florida the number one team in America entering the year, recently highlighting a big non-conference game against Duke. Many consider Duke the second-best team in America, with Florida and the Blue Devils seemingly a lot better than the rest of the field at the moment. “Key nonconference game: Dec. 1 vs. Duke “A potential No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup -- on campus? It doesn't get much better than this. Taking place one month into the season, this will be a chance for the Gators to solidify as the favorites to win their second national championship in three years. For the Blue Devils, it will give us an idea of how Jon Scheyer is handling his point guard battle. It will also be a fascinating physical battle, for Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon against Dame Sarr, Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Cameron Williams,” Jeff Borzello of ESPN wrote [https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/49491209/mens-ncaa-basketball-2026-27-way-too-early-top-25-rankings-biggest-nonconference-games]. Even if we take out the fact that Florida is the best team in America and Duke comes in at number two, this is an absolutely sick game for many reasons. These are two of the elite college basketball programs going at it, and considering this game will be on campus, it makes it that much more exciting. I wouldn't put too much stock into it if Florida were to lose this game, or even if they win. But of course, it's always a good thing to come away with a victory. Still, it'll be very early in the season, and this won't ultimately determine what happens in March.
