GAINESVILLE, FL: Florida ESPN preseason rankings received a massive boost following the NBA draft withdrawal deadline, with the Gators surging from No. 18 to No. 2 in ESPN’s updated poll released June 3rd.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello moved Florida up 16 spots after the May 28th NBA draft deadline solidified rosters across college basketball. The dramatic rise stems from key player additions and returns that transformed the Gators’ 2025-26 outlook.
Florida ESPN Preseason Rankings Surge Powered by Key Additions
Arkansas transfer Boogie Fland headlines Florida’s offseason improvements after averaging 13.5 points per game with the Razorbacks. Meanwhile, center Alex Condon’s return provides stability in the paint following his 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game performance in 2024-25.
Additionally, Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee brings elite playmaking ability to Gainesville. Lee averaged 16.9 points and 5.5 assists per game, giving Florida a proven floor general for the upcoming season.
“The debate over preseason No. 1 intensified with Milos Uzan returning to Houston and Florida adding Boogie Fland while also getting back Alex Condon,” Borzello stated. “Both programs are squarely in the conversation alongside Purdue, with UConn and St. John’s not far behind.”
Projected Starting Five Takes Shape
Florida’s projected starting lineup showcases the talent influx that drove their ranking surge:
• Boogie Fland (Guard)
• Xaivian Lee (Guard)
• Thomas Haugh (Forward) – 9.8 PPG returner
• Alex Condon (Forward/Center)
• Rueben Chinyelu (Center) – 6.1 PPG returner
This combination of transfers and returning players creates one of the most balanced rosters in college basketball. Consequently, multiple publications labeled Florida an offseason “winner” following the draft deadline.
Complete ESPN Top 25 Rankings
The updated Florida ESPN preseason rankings slot the Gators behind only top-ranked Purdue. Houston (+1) claims the third spot, while UConn (-2) and St. John’s (-2) round out the top five.
Other notable SEC programs include Kentucky at No. 9 (+2) and Auburn at No. 13 (-4). Furthermore, teams like San Diego State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Texas, and USC earned “Next in Line” status just outside the top 25.
Florida’s remarkable 16-spot jump represents one of the largest movements in ESPN’s post-deadline update. This surge positions the Gators as legitimate national championship contenders entering the 2025-26 season.
For more coverage of Florida basketball recruiting and player updates, visit Prospect-Radar.com.
