If you’re staring at your bracket or settling a bar bet, you want the straight answer. The Florida Gators are one of those programs that seem to alternate between being an unstoppable juggernaut and a complete mystery. So, did Florida win March Madness recently, or are we still living in the glory days of the mid-2000s?
The short answer is a resounding yes. They didn't just win back in the day; they actually just climbed back to the mountain top in spectacular fashion.
The Short Answer: Did Florida Win March Madness?
Yes. In fact, Florida is now a three-time national champion. They won the NCAA Tournament in 2006, 2007, and most recently in 2025.
That 2025 title was a bit of a shocker for anyone who hadn't been following Todd Golden's squad closely. They entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed after a monster regular season, but the way they did it—knocking off the two-time defending champ UConn in the second round—sent shockwaves through Gainesville. They ended up beating Houston 65–63 in a physical, defensive slugfest in San Antonio to secure their third star.
It was their first title in 18 years. For a while there, it felt like the program might never reach those Billy Donovan heights again. Then 2025 happened.
What Happened in the 2025 Tournament?
Most people thought Houston's defense was going to suffocate the Gators. Honestly, for about 30 minutes, it did. Florida trailed by 12 points early in the second half. Walter Clayton Jr., their star guard, couldn't buy a bucket in the first half—literally zero points.
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But March is weird.
Will Richard kept them afloat with some timely shooting, and then Clayton finally woke up. He finished with 11 points, but it was his defense on the final play that saved the season. Houston had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but Clayton forced Emanuel Sharp into a weird, hesitant travel/fumble as the clock hit zero.
The Path to the 2025 Trophy
The road wasn't exactly easy.
- The Giant Killers: In the second round, they faced a UConn team trying to win three titles in a row. Florida won 77–75.
- The SEC Revenge: They had to get past Auburn in the Final Four, a team that had given them fits in the past.
- The Young Gun Coach: Todd Golden became the youngest coach to win a title since Jim Valvano in 1983. He's only 39.
The "Oh Yeah" Years: 2006 and 2007
You can’t talk about Florida winning March Madness without mentioning the "Repeat." Before 2025, the Gators were famous for being the last team to win back-to-back titles (until UConn recently matched the feat).
In 2006, they were a No. 3 seed. Nobody really expected much, but Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Corey Brewer turned into absolute monsters. They crushed UCLA in the final.
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Then came the move that changed college basketball history: the "Oh Fours" all decided to come back for another year instead of going to the NBA. It was unheard of. They were the hunted all year in 2007, entered as the No. 1 overall seed, and took down Greg Oden’s Ohio State team to go back-to-back.
It’s arguably the most impressive two-year run in the modern era of the sport.
Why Do People Keep Asking If They Won?
There’s usually a bit of confusion because Florida has had some "lean" years. Between their 2014 Final Four run under Billy Donovan and the recent 2025 explosion, the Gators were often a "bubble" team or an early-exit disappointment.
Specifically, in 2024, things didn't go great. They were a No. 7 seed and lost a heartbreaker to Colorado in the first round, 102–100. If you’re thinking about that game, then no, they definitely didn't win March Madness that year. They barely stayed in the building.
But if you are looking at the 2025 season, the narrative has completely flipped. Florida is officially "back" as a national powerhouse.
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Quick Stats on Florida's Tournament Success
- National Titles: 3 (2006, 2007, 2025)
- Final Four Appearances: 6 (1994, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2014, 2025)
- All-Time Record: They are one of the few schools with at least three titles in both football and basketball.
What’s Next for the Gators?
Right now, the team is dealing with the "defending champ" hangover in the 2025-26 season. They’ve had some big wins—like blowing out Oklahoma 96-79 recently—but they’ve also dropped a few close ones in SEC play.
The target on their back is huge. Every team in the SEC wants to be the one to knock off the reigning kings.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the team this season or looking to bet on their future:
- Watch the Guard Play: Florida lives and dies by their backcourt. When Walter Clayton Jr. or the new guys like Boogie Fland are clicking, they are almost impossible to stop.
- Home Court Advantage: The O’Connell Center (the O'Dome) has become a fortress again. If you're looking at SEC matchups, the Gators are a much safer bet at home.
- Check the Rankings: As of early 2026, they are hovering around the Top 20. They aren't the dominant force they were last April, but they are built for another tournament run.
Florida's history in March Madness is defined by stretches of silence followed by absolute explosions of greatness. Whether it was the Noah/Horford era or the current Todd Golden era, when the Gators win, they usually do it by outlasting everyone in the most stressful moments possible.
To keep up with their current standing, keep an eye on the SEC standings as the 2026 tournament approaches. The Gators are currently 3-1 in conference play and looking to secure another high seed to defend their crown.