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The Florida Gators have once again secured their place among college basketball’s elite, earning a spot in the Final Four after a thrilling comeback against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight. Despite trailing by ten points with just over five minutes left and by nine in the final three minutes, the Gators displayed remarkable resilience to overcome the Red Raiders and advance.
This marks Florida’s sixth Final Four appearance in program history and the first since 2014. Under third year head coach Todd Golden, the Gators have defied expectations and reignited the program’s winning tradition. While Florida is not traditionally considered a “blue-blood” basketball school, its modern success tells a different story. Since first appearing in the NCAA Tournament in 1987, the Gators have consistently competed at the highest levels, claiming back to back national titles under Billy Donovan in 2006 and 2007.
With another Final Four berth now secured, it’s the perfect time to revisit Florida’s storied history in the tournament and explore the triumphs, challenges, and hidden narratives that have shaped the program’s legacy.
A Look Back: Florida’s Final Four History
1994: The Beginning of a New Era
Florida’s first trip to the Final Four came in 1994 under head coach Lon Kruger. The Gators, a No. 3 seed, battled their way through the East Region, securing a dramatic overtime victory over No. 2 seeded UConn in the Sweet 16. They followed that up with a decisive win against No. 9 seeded Boston College in the Elite Eight.
However, their run ended in Charlotte, where they fell to No. 2-seeded Duke by five points. The Blue Devils went on to lose to Arkansas in the national championship game a team that had also edged out Florida for the SEC regular-season title.
2000: The Rise of Billy Donovan
After Kruger’s departure in 1996, Florida took a gamble by hiring a relatively unknown 30 year old coach named Billy Donovan. The move paid off, and by 2000, the Gators had transformed into a national contender. As a No. 5 seed, Florida made an impressive tournament run, including victories over No. 1 seeded Duke and No. 8 seeded North Carolina in the Final Four.
The championship game, however, proved to be a tough battle, as Michigan State, led by Tom Izzo, defeated Florida 89-76. It remains the last national championship won by a Big Ten team.
2006-2007: The Golden Era
By 2006, Donovan had cemented his legacy in Gainesville. After struggling in earlier NCAA tournaments, the Gators turned the tide as a No. 3 seed, dominating their region and ultimately defeating UCLA in the national championship game. This victory marked Florida’s first basketball title.
The following year, Florida retained its entire starting lineup, entered the season as the No. 1 team, and lived up to expectations by winning a second consecutive national title. Their dominant run culminated in another win over UCLA in the Final Four and a championship victory against Ohio State, led by future NBA star Greg Oden. Until UConn’s back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, Florida was the last team to achieve this feat.
2014: The Roadblock
After a few down years, Donovan led Florida to another Final Four in 2014. The Gators entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed following a nearly flawless regular season. They breezed through the regional rounds but stumbled in the Final Four against UConn, losing 63-53. The Huskies, led by Shabazz Napier, would go on to win the national championship.
2024: A New Chapter Under Todd Golden
Florida’s return to the Final Four under Todd Golden signals a new chapter for the program. While past success under Billy Donovan remains a benchmark, Golden’s team has proven its ability to compete at the highest level. With another championship within reach, the Gators have the opportunity to add another title to their growing legacy.
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