The Miami Hurricanes aim to avenge last season's loss against the Florida Gators, with a potential rematch featuring two ranked, in-state powerhouses on the horizon.
Miami, FL. – Across all college sports, facing an in-state rival comes with greater excitement and intensity. There are always bragging rights at stake, especially for the fans involved. Regardless of not being in the same conference, anytime the Miami Hurricanes face the Florida Gators, it’s must-see television. There are five National Championships between the football programs, as well as other awards across various sports.
In this past college basketball season, the Hurricanes and the at-the-time reigning National Champion Gators faced off in a neutral area: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. However, the environment was filled with blue and orange, favoring one side over the other.
The Hurricanes battled in what was the team’s first significant test of the season. However, they didn’t have enough to conquer, falling in an 82-68 outing. The Gators had four players score in double figures, including guard Urban Klazvar, who had 15 points on 50 percent shooting, including four three-pointers made, off the bench.
As the offseason unravels, 247Sports reports that both “Sunshine State” programs are working towards a rematch.
“The Gators are expected to take on FSU and Miami in mid-November for the second-consecutive season,” staff writer Graham Hall wrote. “With the Hurricanes in particular coming off an impressive offseason of roster building, making it likely the matchup pits two in-state ranked teams against one another at a neutral site.”
The Hurricanes underwent significant changes after the NCAA Tournament. Coach Jai Lucas added guard Acaden Lewis, center Somto Cyril, forward DeSean Goode, and guard Quin Berger through the transfer portal. Plus, the program has a couple of freshmen joining the roster: Caleb Gaskins and Chris Birden. Coming off a historic 26-9 season, the Hurricanes look to remain competitive, but take things a step further.
Meanwhile, approximately 340 miles north of Coral Gables, the Gators will have some continuity as forwards Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon return as seniors. Despite declaring for the upcoming NBA Draft, center Rueben Chinyelu still has an extra year of NCAA eligibility and can return to the program’s roster.
The Hurricanes would surely welcome the competition, despite still having four voids to fill, and the same goes for the Gators.
Another matchup between the programs, who are likely to enter the 2026-27 season ranked in the Associated Press’ top 25 list, is must-see television, with the level of competition likely to be stronger than last year. An official date has yet to be announced, but the report should stir some excitement.
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