Florida Gators bolster roster with Denzel Aberdeen's eligibility

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with high expectations following a national championship in the 2024-25 season. At SEC Media Days, head coach Todd Golden confirmed that guard Denzel Aberdeen is expected to be available after winning a temporary injunction that granted him a fifth season of eligibility.

Aberdeen previously played for Florida before transferring to Kentucky, where he averaged 13.5 points and 3.4 assists per game. His return adds depth to a roster that includes first-team All-SEC selection Thomas Haugh and SEC Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu.

Coach Golden noted that the team is working to better manage the pressure of high expectations, citing last season's early-season struggles and an NCAA tournament exit as learning experiences. The Gators were preseason favorites to win the conference.