Dick Vitale’s Shocking Top 3 Pick for 2025-26 College Basketball Will Leave Fans Speechless — Is Florida Gators the Dark Horse?

When you talk about college basketball, there’s always that buzz, that electricity in the air, especially when the defending champs are involved. Well, Dick Vitale—yes, the one and only Hall of Fame broadcaster—is not holding back his enthusiasm this year. He’s got the Florida Gators right near the top of his “Dazzling Dozen” for the 2025-26 season, slotting them at No. 3 behind only Purdue and Houston. Now, that kind of placement tells you just how seriously folks should be taking the Gators as they look to defend their crown. With key players like Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh returning and some headline-grabbing transfers coming in—think Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland—Florida’s roster is stacked and ready to rumble. Todd Golden’s got a blend of deep experience and fresh talent that makes this team a real contender. Trust me, the Orange and Blue are itching for more glory, and Vitale’s got the scoop on just what that means heading into next season. LEARN MOREIn his latest “Dazzling Dozen” preseason rankings for ESPN, Vitale placed the Florida Gators at No. 3 on his list of the top men’s basketball teams for the 2025-26 season.The Gators return two key frontcourt starters in Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, both of whom played major roles during Florida’s run to the 2025 national title.Head coach Todd Golden has reloaded with a deep roster, blending returning production with elite newcomers. Florida’s size, pace and veteran presence make them one of the most complete teams in the country heading into the new campaign.”The defending champs from Gainesville are chomping for more. Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are back, joined by transfer stars Xaivian Lee and Boogie Fland. Can they repeat? They have the talent, baby.”Joining them are high-profile transfer additions Xaivian Lee, a dynamic guard from Princeton expected to be one of the highest-paid players in college hoops through NIL, and Boogie Fland, a former Arkansas Razorbacks guard with big-game experience.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale is already fired up for college basketball season, and he’s high on the defending national champions from Gainesville.Here is everything Vitale wrote about the Orange and Blue heading into the next season.

What Vitale wrote about Florida basketball

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Vitale’s “Dazzling Dozen” heading into the 2025-26 season

1. Michigan Wolverines
2. Kentucky Wildcats
3. UCLA Bruins
4. Duke Blue Devils
5. Arkansas Razorbacks
6. BYU Cougars
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders
8. St. John’s Red Storm
9. UConn Huskies
10. Florida Gators
11. Houston Cougars
12. Purdue Boilermakers

Florida basketball trails only the Purdue Boilermakers and Houston Cougars in his rankings, further cementing the Gators’ status as one of the sport’s elite heading into the summer.