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Florida Gators Volleyball head coach Ryan Theis talks to outside hitter Kira Hutson (12) and middle blocker Alec Rothe (25) during a volleyball match against the Norfolk State Spartans on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Can the Gators come back as a top contender this 2026-27 season?

By Sofia Alamo and Nicole Scura | Aug. 24

With a tough schedule ahead, the Gators must capitalize on their returning stars, challenge their ranked opponents and fill the gaps left by transfers to find success on the court again. The Gators’ 2025-26 season proved adjustment takes time. After 34 years under head coach Mary Wise, Florida experienced a shake-up when she announced her last full season would be 2024.

Luke Sechrest, a member of the local band Rustler, plays his guitar Friday, August 21, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

The Avenue

Guitar rock duo Rustler to release debut album in September

By Brandy Sumner | Aug. 24

Now, the duo is keeping it in the family with their alternative rock project Rustler, preparing to release their debut record Sept. 25.

Trude Spillane, a jeweler and painter at the Artisans’ Guild Gallery, tweaks the “Small Works” exhibit, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

The Avenue

Trude Spillane brings a lifelong love of art to the Artisans’ Guild’s Small Works

By Kendall O'Connor | Aug. 24

Nestled in one of Pleasant Street’s charming historic houses is a colorful, eclectic gallery collectively owned by artists themselves. On display this month are pint-sized pieces of many mediums making up the gallery’s first “Small Works” exhibition.

Opinion

OPINION: The Lindsay Clancy case isn’t your true-crime mystery

By Evan Dressel | Aug. 24

Lindsay Clancy’s case provided an opportunity for a high-profile discussion about postpartum psychosis and the mental healthcare system. Instead, much of the online discourse has devolved into wild theories claiming Lindsay is actually innocent. These theories typically implicate then-husband and father Patrick Clancy as either the murderer or the masterful orchestrator of Lindsay’s deteriorating mental condition.

A tip jar at Karma Cream, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Opinion

OPINION: Why am I paying your employees?

By Shirin Khizzar | Aug. 24

Tipping itself isn’t the problem. The real issue is that America has blurred the line between workers who depend on tips as part of their wages and workers who are simply presented alongside a tip screen. As tipping prompts spread from sit-down restaurants to coffee shops, smoothie counters and takeout orders, customers are being asked to subsidize wages without knowing when gratuity is actually necessary. That confusion contributes to tipping fatigue — risking the livelihood of workers who depend on tips.

Students raise their hands in Professor John Yelton's lecture at the New Physics Building, Friday, August 21, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

News

Do professor-rating websites actually work?

By Chloe Santiago | Aug. 24

Among welcome week activities, drop/add and the search for a parking spot, UF students — especially the almost 20,000 newly admitted freshmen — have one burning question on their minds: Which professor will make or break their semester? Many college students will say the answer lies on professor-rating websites like RateMyProfessor, a tool often used to choose classes and compare instructors who teach the same subject.

Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) guards an inbound pass during the second half of an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game against Florida, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Sports

How Florida basketball can get Denzel Aberdeen eligible for this season

By Jeffrey Serber | Aug. 23

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 in favor of halting the U.S. District Court of Colorado's ruling that granted thousands of college athletes who were freshmen during the 2022-23 season an extra year of eligibility, which included Denzel Aberdeen.

Opinion

Mayor Ward welcomes you back

By Harvey Ward | Aug. 23

Whether you’ve been here in Gainesville for a few days or a few decades, whether you’re already looking for the exits or trying to put down roots, whether you’re a casual bystander or hip deep in local culture, you are a part of Gainesville’s story, and Gainesville is a part of yours.

Primary Election Day voting at the Doyle Connor Building for Alachua County Precinct 39 on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

Enterprise

Alachua County, Gainesville primaries see big wins for newcomers

By Logan McBride | Aug. 23

Alachua County and Gainesville voters headed to the polls Aug. 18 for the 2026 midterm primary elections, which featured statewide and local races, including the election of Gainesville’s mayor and new city and county commissioners. Election day included nonpartisan races including the mayoral and commission races and the election of a new Alachua County judge.

Florida defensive player Avery Upton (6) runs with the ball during a soccer match against the University of North Florida on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at Donald R. Dizney Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida stuns No. 3 Florida State on home turf

By Zach Moore | Aug. 23

Florida (2-1) snapped its eight-game losing streak to Florida State (3-1) with a 3-1 win at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. The remarkable triumph was one of the biggest upsets in the country and gave Florida fans hope that the Nick Zimmerman era will provide excellence.

A sign showing the Gators past SEC Championships inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

The Alligator’s UF football beat reporters predict SEC football standings

By Ava DiCecca , Max Bernstein , Curan Ahern and Riley Orovitz | Aug. 23

The Alligator’s UF football beat reporters — Max Bernstein, Curan Ahern, Ava DiCecca and Riley Orovitz — ranked every team in the SEC from top to bottom, and the average ranking for each team determined our ultimate order.

People attend the Black Lake Preserve Ribbon Cutting, Friday, August 21, 2026, in Melrose, Fla.

Metro

Black Lake Preserve opens in Melrose

By Teia Williams | Aug. 23

At the entrance of Black Lake Preserve, Alachua County Commission chair Ken Cornell cut a luscious green vine stretched across the trail to signify the park’s opening Friday morning.

TIAA Bank Field, the home stadium of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, also serves as host for the annual Florida-Georgia game. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Sports

Early preseason takeaways: Rookies and backups lead the way through two preseason games

By Curan Ahern | Aug. 21

A combination of rookies and backups paved the way in a 24-20 road win over New Orleans, in which the Jaguars held the Saints scoreless in the second half, and Jacksonville’s depth pieces continued to shine against the Carolina Panthers.

Accent guest speaker Ken Jeong Speaks to University of Florida Students at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, in Gainesville, Fla., Thursday, Aug 20, 2026.

The Avenue

Paging Dr. Ken: Actor Ken Jeong brings comedy, career advice to UF

By Aaliyah Evertz | Aug. 21

Dressed in all black other than the blue flowers on his bomber jacket, Ken Jeong walked onto the stage Thursday night to a crowd of about 2,000 UF students ready to hear how a doctor became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedians.

University of Florida soccer player Lena Bailey (29) chases down the ball from University of Central Florida’s Taylor Jacobson (2) in Gainesville, Florida, on Aug. 24, 2024.

Sports

Kyra Taylor’s brace powers Florida to victory in home opener

By Zach Moore | Aug. 21

The first half of the match followed a familiar script from the loss against Central Florida on Aug. 13, with the Gators jumping out to a 2-0 lead before Coastal Carolina battled back. However, unlike in the opener, UF fought through adversity to regain the lead and secure its first win under Zimmerman.

Sports

The Alligator expands sports coverage to NFL with newly established Jacksonville Jaguars beat

By Max Bernstein and Curan Ahern | Aug. 20

The Independent Florida Alligator has an extensive history of covering the University of Florida and the greater Gainesville area. But beginning in 2026, the publication is expanding its sports coverage to include an NFL beat covering the Jacksonville Jaguars.

UF President Dr. Stuart Bell speaks during an interview in the Presidential Conference Room at Tigert Hall, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

News

‘Excellence is going to be our North Star’: Stuart Bell lays out his vision for UF

By Swasthi Maharaj | Aug. 20

Five weeks into his presidency, Stuart Bell has spent his time getting to know the university he now leads — touring colleges, meeting with faculty, visiting labs and mapping the best route from his house to Publix.

Florida Gators edge rusher Jayden Woods (15) during a football game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Gators on Sept. 20, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Sports

Florida football defense preview: Returning linebackers, revamped secondary shape defensive identity

By Max Bernstein and Curan Ahern | Aug. 20

While the Gators defense will be welcomed back with an ear-popping roar from fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium when it faces Florida Atlantic and quarterback Caden Veltkamp in the Sept. 5 season opener, this holistic review examines Florida’s defensive unit entering a much-anticipated 2026 season.

Florida Gators wide receiver Vernell Brown III (8) and offensive lineman Knijeah Harris (77) celebrate a play during a football game between the Long Island Sharks and the Florida Gators on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida football offense preview: Mix of returners and fresh faces contribute to new-look attack

By Ava DiCecca and Riley Orovitz | Aug. 20

For UF students, the Fall semester marks more than just the start of a new school year: It stamps the beginning of another football season in The Swamp. While the excitement is overwhelming, it can be hard for students to keep track of exactly who they will be cheering for on Saturdays and what kind of season they should expect the Gators to have.

Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen (1) goes to hug Florida guard Xaivian Lee (1) after losing an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

NCAA, U.S. District Court clash poses major implications for Florida men’s basketball

By Jeffrey Serber | Aug. 20

Now, as teams and athletes await the NCAA’s eligibility rules for the upcoming athletic season, many programs are forced to question what players they may be able to roster in 2026. For example, Florida is looking to transfer guard Denzel Aberdeen to get his waiver for a fifth year approved.