Over the last six weeks, Florida has flipped the script on its season - and done it in emphatic fashion. The Gators have knocked off three ranked opponents during this stretch, including a statement win on the road at No.
10 Vanderbilt. That game was a breakout performance for center Rueben Chinyelu, who led the team in points, rebounds, and assists.
It wasn’t just a good night - it was the kind of all-around dominance that reignites talk of a potential repeat run through March.
Chinyelu, who’s firmly in the conversation for SEC Defensive Player of the Year, is on pace to become the first Gator in 50 years to average double-digit rebounds. That’s no small feat in a conference known for its physicality, and it’s a big reason Florida is starting to look like a team no one wants to face in the tournament.
But this isn’t a perfect product - not yet. Todd Golden’s squad has shown flashes of brilliance, but it’s also revealed some vulnerabilities.
According to recent college basketball tiers, Florida finds itself in the “Second-Weekend Threats” group, alongside programs like Alabama, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt. That’s a nod to their upside, but also a reminder that there’s work to be done.
One area of concern? Lineup efficiency.
When Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee share the floor, their two-man lineup ranks just 126th in the SEC in overall efficiency, per EvanMiya’s advanced metrics. That’s a red flag - especially for a team with postseason aspirations.
Still, what Florida may lack in lineup cohesion at times, they more than make up for in effort and physicality - especially on the offensive glass. During their recent five-game win streak, the Gators have out-rebounded opponents 105-59.
That kind of rebounding margin doesn’t just win games - it wears teams down. It’s the sort of gritty, blue-collar identity that tends to show up in March when legs get heavy and possessions get shorter.
A big reason for that physical edge? Forward Alex Condon.
The sophomore has been a force during this stretch, averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals in the team’s last three wins over ranked opponents. His near triple-double against South Carolina - in what was Florida’s third straight SEC road win - was a showcase of versatility and poise.
After that performance, Golden had high praise for his forward:
“I thought he was fantastic tonight,” Golden said.
“We put a lot on him to be a playmaker in the middle of the floor and a decision-maker on the low block. He had eight assists, only two turnovers, almost a double-double - 10 points, nine rebounds.
And I thought he was great defensively on his switches. Condo gave us a great, great effort tonight.”
That kind of all-around impact is exactly what Florida needs if it wants to keep this momentum rolling. Condon’s emergence, paired with Chinyelu’s dominance on the boards, gives the Gators a frontcourt tandem that can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone in the country.
Florida now finds itself grouped with programs like Michigan State, Kansas, and Virginia - all teams that have the pedigree and potential to make noise in March. The Gators may not be the flashiest team in the field, but they’re starting to look like one of the most dangerous. They rebound with purpose, defend with energy, and have a growing sense of confidence that’s hard to ignore.
If this version of Florida sticks around, the “Second-Weekend Threats” label might end up underselling them. Because the way they’re playing right now? Tier III might just be the beginning.