No. 1 Florida opens season against No. 14 Miami

Florida opened the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season as the top-ranked team, scheduled to face No. 14 Miami in Tampa on November 2. The matchup was among the opening night’s featured games, but the season previews did not report a final score or result. The game brings together two ranked Florida programs in a neutral-site contest. Florida’s frontcourt and Miami’s returning players are among the factors highlighted ahead of tipoff. Miami returns Malik Reneau, Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen, while point guard Acaden Lewis joined the Hurricanes as a transfer from Villanova. Reneau was Miami’s leading scorer last season, according to a preview of the matchup. Florida’s ranking reflects preseason expectations, not a result from the new season. Field Level Media’s writers placed the Gators first in their poll entering 2026-27. They reported that Florida went 27-8 in 2025-26 and returned four of five starters. Alex Condon, Thomas Haugh and Rueben Chinyelu anchor a frontcourt that the poll’s team analysis described as a strength. Denzel Aberdeen, who spent last season at Kentucky, is expected to join the starting lineup after returning to Florida. Florida’s schedule also...