The Florida Gators men's basketball team opens its 2026-27 season against in-state rival Miami Hurricanes on Monday night in Gainesville. The highly anticipated matchup marks the first meeting between the programs since 2021 and serves as the season opener for both squads.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Exactech Arena. The game will be televised on SEC Network, with streaming available via the ESPN app and SEC Network+ for authenticated subscribers. Radio coverage can be heard on the Gators Sports Network flagship station WRUF 98.1 FM/850 AM.
Florida enters the season under head coach Todd Golden, who begins his third year at the helm after guiding the Gators to a 24-12 record and NCAA Tournament appearance last season. Miami, led by coach Jim Larrañaga in his 14th season, returns several key contributors from a team that reached the Final Four in 2023.
The series history favors Florida with a 53-43 advantage, though Miami won the last meeting 69-67 in Coral Gables. Both programs feature revamped rosters with significant portal additions, adding intrigue to the early-season rivalry renewal.
