Sports

Florida infielder Brendan Lawson (11) throws the ball infield during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Florida baseball’s key returners set stage for 2027 Omaha push

By Colton Veres | 9:00am

With the transfer portal closed and the MLB Draft in the rearview, there is now a much clearer picture of what Florida baseball will look like in 2027. Many of the top players from the 2026 season are returning next year in what Florida hopes will be its first run to Omaha since 2024. With a talented mix of established stars, rising prospects and impact players ready for larger roles, the Gators enter the offseason with one of the strongest returning groups in the country.

Florida women's soccer player Nylah Norris is set to begin her freshman season under head coach Nick Zimmerman in 2026.

Florida soccer’s Nylah Norris embraces new era under Nick Zimmerman

By Colby Kistner | July 25

Florida Gators setter Taylor Parks (20) sets the ball during a NCAA Volleyball match on Friday, November 07, 2025.

Sizing up the Gators: A look into Florida volleyball’s 2026 roster

By Nicole Scura | July 25

A Spanish flag flies outside the Museo Reina Sofia, Friday, June 5, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.

The best stories from new champions, part 3

By Brayden Schultz | July 25

Logan Shore celebrates after throwing a complete-game shutout -- his school-record 13th consecutive win -- during Florida's 6-0 win against Georgia on April 22, 2016, at McKethan Stadium.

Florida announces Gators Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026

By Jeffrey Serber | July 21

Korbe Otis does the Gator chomp before Florida softball's matchup with Oklahoma State on Feb. 20. Photo by Ryan Friedenberg

Former Gators continue to shine across AUSL in second season

By Zach Moore | July 20

More Sports

Florida infielder Ethan Surowiec (10) hits during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Florida emerges largely intact after 2026 MLB Draft

By Colton Veres | July 20

While seven Gators were selected during the 2026 MLB Draft, the program avoided season-derailing roster losses. Current standouts returned to Gainesville, and nearly the entire recruiting class remains intact as Florida enters the 2027 season with one of the deepest rosters in the country.

Sports

OPINION: Donald Trump ruined the 2026 World Cup

By Timothy Dillehay | July 20

At the 2026 World Cup, the United States Men's National Team opened its home World Cup in glory. Having last hosted the tournament in 1994, expectations for this year’s cup were high. And the team didn’t disappoint.

Florida Gators libero/defensive specialist Lily Hayes (13) exclaims during a volleyball match against the Norfolk State Spartans on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Lily Hayes secures gold, remains defensive asset for Florida volleyball

By Nicole Scura | July 20

Following a standout first season with the Gators, rising sophomore libero Lily Hayes has made another memorable mark on the court. Representing Team USA in the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, Hayes helped the team bring home gold.

Florida Gators guard Will Richard (5) dunks the ball during a basketball game against UConn in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Raleigh, N.C.

Sports

Will Richard, Golden State Warriors win 2026 NBA Summer League title

By Jeffrey Serber | July 19

Will Richard kicked off his second season in the NBA by helping the Golden State Warriors to an NBA Summer League Final victory, recording 13 points in the championship game against Memphis on Sunday. Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies and later traded to the Warriors with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Richard was fresh off a national championship run with the Gators. He was a member of Florida’s three-headed monster of a backcourt that included Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin.

Gators men's basketball guard Zyon Pullin shoots a jump shot in the team's 102-98 win over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Sports

Zyon Pullin, Colin Castleton shine in NBA Summer League

By Jeffrey Serber | July 18

At the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Gators had eight former players participate across eight teams. While some of the bigger names, such as Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin and Will Richard, were the focus heading into the tournament, it was Zyon Pullin and Colin Castleton who took Las Vegas by storm, playing integral roles in their teams’ performances.

Florida guard Xaivian Lee (1) shoots a layup during the first half of an NCAA Tournament second round game against Iowa, Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Tampa, Fla.

Sports

Xaivian Lee makes Summer League appearances with Cleveland Cavaliers

By Jeffrey Serber | July 17

In the Summer League, Lee had a chance to showcase his skill to cement his spot with the Cavaliers organization. Across five games in Las Vegas, Lee averaged 6.4 points, 2.4 assists and two rebounds per game. He shot 40% from the field and 21% from beyond the arc.

Fans at Haile Village Bistro & Queens Arms Pub intensely watch the 2026 Semifinals match between England and Argentina Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

A slice of England: The Queen’s Arms Pub embraces World Cup frenzy

By Lily Perkins | July 16

As England advanced through the FIFA World Cup, crowds at The Queen’s Arms swelled to a size that left mere inches between patrons. Fans arrived hours before kickoff to claim tables, staff members were called in from out of town and every available television featured a bright green soccer pitch.

Florida right-handed pitcher Luke McNeillie (9) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

3 more Gators selected on Day 2 of MLB Draft

By Colton Veres | July 13

The 2026 MLB Draft once again showcased the depth of Florida baseball, with six Gators and one signee selected over the course of the two-day event. After three Florida players and a signee heard their names called on Day 1, three more Gators were selected on Day 2, upholding the program’s reputation for producing professional talent.

A refs chair sits at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex, Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

How Scarlett Nicholson stayed competitive in her ineligible season at Florida

By Sofia Alamo | July 13

Florida always came to mind for Nicholson when thinking of where she wanted to go. The former Georgia Tech player faced the Gators twice in her last season as a Yellow Jacket. Ranked the No. 16 player in the country, Nicholson took a surprising three-set loss to Xinyi Nong in the round of 32 at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Southeast Regionals last October.

A sign reads “This is… The Swamp” inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

New president, new era: How Stuart Bell could shape Florida athletics

By Lily Perkins | July 13

As Bell begins his tenure in Gainesville, attention turns to the role he could play in shaping the future of Florida athletics. Unlike many university presidents, Bell enters the role with extensive experience overseeing one of college athletics’ most notable programs. During his time at the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, the Crimson Tide won three national championships and six SEC championships under football coach Nick Saban, solidifying UA’s athletic department as one of the nation’s best.

Florida baseball freshman right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson shows emotion after escaping a jam in the fourth inning of the team's game against Columbia University on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Sports

Liam Peterson joins Florida’s first-round legacy under Kevin O’Sullivan

By Colton Veres | July 12

Since Kevin O’Sullivan took over as Florida baseball head coach in 2008, the Gators have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country for developing future MLB talent. Year after year, Florida has produced players capable of competing at the highest level of the sport, and the MLB Draft has become another stage showcasing the success of the program’s player development.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) pitches during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Headed to the show: Liam Peterson drafted by Cleveland Guardians

By Colton Veres | July 11

The Clearwater native posted a 4.59 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 84.1 innings during his third season with the Gators, finishing his Florida career with a 5.03 ERA. Despite his inconsistencies, Peterson’s raw tools and ace potential made him an attractive pick in the draft.

Florida right-handed pitcher Liam Peterson (12) tosses the ball during an NCAA college baseball game against Auburn at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla., Friday, April 17, 2026.

Sports

Scouting the draft: Which Gators are likely to go in the 2026 MLB Draft?

By Colton Veres | July 9

The draft will take place from July 11-12, with Rounds 1-4 being held Saturday and Rounds 5-20 taking place Sunday. The Gators have multiple current players and high school commits who could be selected throughout the 20 rounds. Among the group, junior starting pitcher Liam Peterson has the strongest draft pedigree. Ranked No. 20 in MLB.com’s Top 250 players, the junior has consistently been projected as a first-round selection.

Florida head coach Kevin O'Sullivan walk to the mound during a pitching change during an NCAA baseball game against Florida A&M University, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida hires Todd Butler as assistant baseball coach

By Colton Veres | July 6

The Florida Gators have added one of college baseball's most experienced and accomplished recruiters to Kevin O'Sullivan's coaching staff, hiring Todd Butler as an assistant coach after three seasons at Oklahoma.