Florida cements status as clear preseason No. 1 after Denzel Aberdeen is cleared to play for 2026-27 season

The Florida Gators have solidified their position as the clear preseason No. 1 team in college basketball for the 2026-27 season. This development follows the official clearance of player Denzel Aberdeen to compete in the upcoming campaign.

With Aberdeen eligible to play, the Gators are widely anticipated to claim the top spot in the official national polls when they are released next month. In the early rankings, Florida is positioned ahead of prominent programs Duke and Illinois.