Miami and Florida finalizing agreement for neutral site game

Florida and Miami are reportedly finalizing an agreement to play a neutral-site basketball game in Jacksonville, Florida, during the upcoming 2025–26 season, according to multiple reports and Jon Rothstein. While the official announcement date and game details are still pending, sources suggest the matchup is targeted for mid-November, likely November 16.

This showdown marks the first on-court meeting between the two teams since 2019. That year, Florida claimed a 78–58 victory, improving its series lead to 46–23. Both programs enter this contest at contrasting stages. The reigning national champion Florida Gators return several key players, whereas the Miami Hurricanes are launching a fresh era under first-year head coach Jai Lucas. Miami's 2025-26 team will include an entirely different roster from the year prior. Florida’s returning contributors include Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Reuben Chinyelu, Micah Handlogten. Each player logged double-digit minutes during Florida’s national championship run.

Lucas's arrival has brought the addition of several key transfers: Tre Donaldson, a point guard from Michigan. Tru Washington, a guard from New Mexico, who averaged 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season.​ Malik Reneau, a forward from Indiana.​ Ernest Udeh Jr., a center from TCU, who is expected to anchor the defense. The Hurricanes have also secured commitments to round out the bench such as Dante Allen, Shelton Henderson, John Laboy II, Marcus Allen, Jordyn Kee, Salih Altuntas and Timotej Malovec.

Florida is experiencing some change as well. Key starters Walter Clayton Jr., Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and others entered the 2025 NBA Draft or moved on. Additions include Boogie Fland (Arkansas), Xaivian Lee (Princeton), and AJ Brown (Ohio). Fland is a five-star guard averaging 15.1 points and 5.7 assists and Lee and Brown could add an extra scoring punch off the bench as well as offer veteran experience in the guard rotation.