When Florida walked into Cameron Indoor Stadium this past December, everyone expected a bloodbath. Duke was ranked No. 4. Florida was sitting at No. 15. The "Cameron Crazies" were essentially vibrating with that specific brand of hostility they save for top-tier non-conference opponents. Honestly, if you just looked at the historical record—where Duke has basically dominated the series 6-2 over the decades—you’d have assumed the Gators were just there to collect a paycheck and a loss.
But that’s the thing about Florida vs Duke basketball. It’s never quite as simple as the blue-blood pedigree suggests.
What actually happened on December 2, 2025, was a 67-66 nail-biter that came down to a single defensive tip in the final 1.5 seconds. Isaiah Evans, the Duke sophomore who had been having a nightmare of a night from beyond the arc (starting 0 for 7), suddenly found his rhythm when it mattered most. He drained a go-ahead three with about 20 seconds left. It was a dagger. But even then, the Gators didn't blink. They had out-rebounded the Blue Devils 44-33 and looked like the physically stronger team for most of the second half.
Why the Florida vs Duke Basketball Rivalry Hits Different Now
We usually think of Duke’s rivals as North Carolina or maybe Maryland if you’re old enough to remember the early 2000s. Florida, meanwhile, is supposed to be worried about Kentucky or Tennessee. Yet, whenever these two programs meet, something weirdly intense happens. Maybe it’s the fact that Florida is one of the few programs outside the traditional "Blue Blood" circle that actually has multiple rings in this millennium.
They aren't scared of the jersey.
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Take Thomas Haugh. The UF junior wing went absolutely nuclear in Durham, dropping 24 points and making Duke’s frontline look human. On the other side, you have Cameron Boozer. If you haven't heard the name yet, you will. He’s the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer and is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He finished that December game with 29 points. Watching Haugh and Boozer trade baskets was a reminder that this specific matchup is often a showcase for future pro talent.
The Stats That Actually Matter
If you’re looking at the box score from their most recent clash, some numbers jump off the page.
- Duke’s Blocks: They had 11. That is absurd. Isaiah Evans alone had five.
- Florida’s Glass Work: 20 offensive rebounds. They basically lived in the paint.
- The Comeback: Florida trailed by 15 in the first half. Most teams fold in Cameron when that happens. Florida didn't.
Historically, Duke leads the series 6-2, but that’s a bit misleading. Two of those Florida losses happened back in the 70s and 80s before Florida was even a "basketball school." Since Billy Donovan turned the program into a powerhouse in the late 90s, the games have been remarkably close. Who could forget the 2000 NCAA Tournament matchup? Florida took that one 87-78 on their way to the title game. It was a statement that the SEC could play ball with the ACC's best.
The Freshman Factor and 2026 Projections
Let's talk about the kids. The Florida vs Duke basketball dynamic is currently being shaped by some of the highest-rated recruits in the country. Duke’s roster is a "who's who" of five-star talent, including Patrick Ngongba and the Boozer twins. Florida has countered with a gritty, transfer-heavy strategy under Todd Golden that seems designed specifically to frustrate teams like Duke.
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Boogie Fland, the Gators' sophomore point guard, is the engine. He had a rough first half in Durham but exploded for 13 points in the second. His ability to get into the lane and create chaos is exactly what gave Duke fits. When you have a guard who isn't intimidated by a 7-foot shot blocker, the whole game changes.
It’s also worth noting the coaching transition. Jon Scheyer has the impossible task of following Coach K, while Todd Golden is trying to bring Florida back to the heights of the 2006-2007 repeat years. Both are young. Both are analytical. Both are recruiting at a level that ensures these programs will be crashing into each other in the Top 25 for years to come.
Common Misconceptions About the Matchup
People often say Florida can't win in Durham. They're technically right—they haven't won at Cameron Indoor yet—but they've come within a single possession twice in the last decade. Another myth is that Duke always has the better athletes. If you watched the 2025 game, you saw Florida’s Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh outworking the Blue Devils on the floor.
Duke has the "name," but Florida currently has the "grit."
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How to Approach the Next Matchup
If these two meet again in the 2026 NCAA Tournament—which is highly likely given their current trajectories—there are a few things you need to watch for. Don't just look at the seedings.
- Watch the Rebound Margin: Duke struggles when teams get physical. If Florida (or any team like them) can grab 15+ offensive rebounds, Duke is in trouble.
- The Evans Factor: Isaiah Evans is a "volume shooter." If he starts 0-5, he’s still going to take the 6th shot. You have to stay attached to him even when he’s cold.
- Point Guard Pressure: Duke’s Caleb Foster is steady, but he can be rattled by full-court pressure. Florida’s "identity" is built on that 94-foot annoyance.
The Florida vs Duke basketball story is still being written, and honestly, it’s becoming one of the best non-conference spectacles in the sport. It’s a clash of cultures: the polished, elite tradition of Duke versus the loud, aggressive, "everyone hates us" energy of Florida.
If you’re betting on the next one, keep an eye on the injury reports for Florida’s frontcourt. Their depth is their greatest weapon, but it’s fragile. Duke, conversely, will always have the star power, but their bench can be thin.
To really get ahead of the curve, start tracking the defensive efficiency ratings of both teams on KenPom. Currently, Duke is hovering in the top 10, but Florida’s second-half surge in December moved them into the top 20 for the first time in years. That gap is closing fast. Keep a close watch on the ACC/SEC Challenge announcements for next season; if we get a rematch in Gainesville, the atmosphere will be absolutely toxic in the best possible way.