Florida basketball’s championship glow hasn’t faded, and head coach Todd Golden is making sure it burns even brighter in 2025-26. Golden added another major piece to his reloading puzzle, securing a commitment from Arkansas transfer guard. The dynamic freshman averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists in just 18 games last season, showcasing elite court vision and scoring instincts despite missing time with a thumb injury. His pledge immediately signals that the Gators have no plans of stepping back after cutting down the nets in April.
He joins a growing list of marquee additions aimed at keeping Florida atop the college basketball mountain. After their thrilling 65-63 national title win over Houston, the Gators bid farewell to their top three scorers—Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and graduate standout Alijah Martin. But Golden wasted no time in retooling. Princeton star Xaivian Lee, who averaged 16.9 points and 5.5 assists last season, was one of the first to join the cause. Now, with Fland on board, Florida boasts a backcourt that’s not only explosive but built to terrorize opposing defenses.
The Gators’ reload isn’t confined to their guard play. Frontcourt bruiser Rueben Chinyelu, a 6-foot-10, 260-pound enforcer, announced Monday that he had withdrawn from the NBA Draft and would return to Gainesville. His decision provides crucial stability and toughness down low, while eyes now turn to 7-footer Alex Condon, who could also choose to return after testing the draft waters. If Condon follows suit, Florida may retain one of the most balanced and dangerous lineups in the nation.
Ranked the No. 8 overall transfer in the portal by 247Sports, Fland had originally declared for the NBA Draft earlier this month before opting to return to college. His choice to don the orange and blue is yet another sign that Golden is assembling a roster capable of repeating as national champions. With a blend of returning talent, star transfers, and elite coaching, the Gators are not just reloading—they’re reasserting their dominance in college basketball.