Welcome to BamaCentral’s “Just a Minute,” a video series featuring insights from BamaCentral’s Alabama beat writers. Several times a week, our writers come together to offer their perspectives on key topics surrounding the Crimson Tide and the broader college sports landscape.
In the video above, BamaCentral staff writer Hunter De Siver breaks down Alabama basketball’s upcoming road test at Florida.
On Wednesday, Alabama men’s basketball revealed its slate of SEC opponents for the upcoming season, though specific game dates remain unannounced as the non-conference schedule is still being finalized. The Crimson Tide will face Auburn, Mississippi State, and Tennessee both at home and on the road. The remaining conference foes will be either home or away matchups.
Among those single meetings, Alabama’s trip to Florida stands out — and may be the most compelling game on the Tide’s SEC calendar.
The SEC sent a record 14 teams to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and Florida emerged as the crown jewel — earning a No. 1 seed and going on to win the National Championship. Alabama, meanwhile, has proven its place among the nation’s elite with back-to-back Elite Eight appearances — the only program to do so — but the Gators have consistently had the Tide’s number.
Alabama has dropped four straight to Florida, allowing an eye-popping 105, 102, 99, and 104 points in those games. While Alabama’s defense has shown promise at times, it hasn’t found an answer for Florida or head coach Todd Golden.
So, why is this matchup particularly intriguing this year?
Both rosters are undergoing significant change. Florida lost its top three scorers, including Consensus First Team All-American and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Walter Clayton Jr., all due to exhausted eligibility or the NBA Draft. Alabama also saw four key players, including Consensus First Team All-American Mark Sears, move on.
The transfer portal added further shake-up. Florida brought in three new players while losing three; Alabama matched that with four in and four out. Both teams return four players from last year, with forward Alex Condon (Florida) and guard Labaron Philon (Alabama) among the most notable.
When the Tide visits Gainesville next season, it’ll be a very different matchup than fans have seen in recent years. But even with all the roster turnover, a road win over the defending national champions — and breaking a two-year losing streak — would be a major statement for Nate Oats and his program.
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