The Florida Gators (26-7) have been named the No. 1 seed in the South Region of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, setting the stage for a potential repeat national championship run.
Path to the Sweet Sixteen
UF will start its tournament journey on Friday in Tampa, Florida, at the Benchmark International Arena. Their first opponent will be the winner of Wednesday’s First Four game between No. 16 Lehigh and No. 16 Prairie View A&M. A victory there would advance the Gators to a Sunday matchup against either No. 8 Clemson or No. 9 Iowa, as well in Tampa.
The South Region also features No. 2 seed Houston (28-6), whom the Gators defeated 65-63 in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Championship game. A potential Sweet 16 opponent could be No. 5 seed Vanderbilt (26-8), who defeated Florida 91-74 on Saturday, eliminating them from the SEC Tournament.
Matchup Insights
Lehigh (18-16) won the Patriot League Championship Tournament Wednesday, defeating Boston University 74-60. The Mountain Hawks are led by junior guard Nasir Whitlock, who averages 21.0 points per game. Prairie View A&M (18-17) secured their tournament berth by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Tournament, beating Southern 72-66 on Saturday. The Panthers boast two players averaging over 18 points per game: senior guards Dontae Horne (20.2) and Tai’Reon Joseph (18.2).
Other teams in the South Region include No. 3 seed Illinois (24-8), No. 4 seed Nebraska (26-6), No. 6 seed North Carolina (24-8), and No. 7 seed Saint Mary’s (27-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What seed was Florida assigned in the NCAA Tournament?
Florida was named the No. 1 seed in the South Region of the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Where will Florida play its first tournament games?
Florida will play its first two tournament games at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Who could Florida face in the Sweet 16?
A familiar foe, No. 5 seed Vanderbilt, could await the Gators in the Sweet 16.
As the tournament unfolds, will the Gators be able to leverage their No. 1 seed and defend their national championship title?
