A key member of their 2025 NCAA Tournament winning roster, Thomas Haugh has today revealed that he will not be moving on from the Gators and will return with a point to prove ahead of his fourth collegiate campaign.
The Pennsylvania native was widely tipped to take the leap to the next level and has been consistently mocked by experts as a late lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Despite being the defending champions, the highly fancied Florida Gators exited March Madness with a whimper this year as a result of their 73-72 defeat to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
It seems the shocking loss has created a big reaction in the Florida camp. Six of their key players from last campaign have already announced their return for next year in an attempt to change the narrative of their legacy at the school.
Thomas Haugh #10 of the Florida Gators reacts after being defeated by the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Haugh explains his decision to stay at Florida
Speaking on his decision to return to the Gators, Haugh said:”I just had a bad taste in my mouth after the loss to Iowa, I think that a lot of guys are in my spot right now.
“A lot of fans and people too, are probably looking at me like, ‘what is he doing?’.. I just think I have so much to prove.”
Are Florida destined to be Pre-Season #1?
With the massive boost of Haugh’s return, Todd Golden’s squad will have at least five members of their Championship winning roster with the potential addition of another member of that fabled team.
The 22 year-old Florida native, Denzel Aberdeen has verbally committed to returning to the Gators following a lone season with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Having already spent four years at the collegiate level, Aberdeen has applied for a Redshirt Injury Waiver from his Freshman season to allow him a fifth season and a romantic return to Gainesville.
The NCAA Transfer Portal has only been open for just over a week and Florida have already constructed a roster to be feared in the SEC and beyond. Time will tell on Aberdeen’s future and if the Gators can add even more talent throughout the upcoming summer.