Get ready, Gators fans—Florida basketball is set to kick off the 2026-27 season with a bang, taking on in-state rival Miami in a highly anticipated showdown. The game is expected to tip off on November 2 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, as first reported by the Associated Press and confirmed to the Gainesville Sun by a source (though the matchup is not yet finalized).

This clash is part of a doubleheader that also features Florida State taking on Florida A&M—a rivalry that hasn't seen action since a heated brawl involving Sam Cassell back in 1991. For the Gators and Hurricanes, it's a chance to renew a series that has plenty of recent heat. Florida topped Miami 82-68 in Jacksonville last season, and head coach Todd Golden hinted during his postseason press conference that more meetings were likely.

"You have teams like Miami, where I think Jai (Lucas) is doing a great job," Golden said. "He's put together a really good roster, and it's a win-win situation for both programs. They want to play us, and we want to play them. We need to find the right teams that provide a good competitive game and help us prepare for SEC play."

Adding to the excitement, Florida also learned last week that they'll be part of the first week of the Players Era tournament, playing alongside a stacked field that includes Houston, Kansas, Auburn, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and UNLV. The Gators' tournament games are scheduled for the week of November 16.

With a season-opening rivalry game and a loaded tournament on the horizon, the Gators are shaping up for a thrilling 2026-27 campaign—one that fans won't want to miss. Whether you're cheering from the stands or repping the orange and blue at home, this is a season to mark on your calendar.