Florida Gators Clinch 2025 NCAA Title Amidst High-Stakes Transfers and Coaching Shakeups
- The Florida Gators are back on top. In a heart-pounding finale to the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Florida edged out the Houston Cougars 65–63 to claim their first national championship since 2007. The Gators’ gritty defense and late-game composure sealed their return to college basketball dominance, igniting celebrations across Gainesville.
But while the nets were still being cut, the rest of the college basketball world wasted no time kicking off a chaotic and headline-grabbing offseason.
One of the biggest moves came from former Colorado State guard Kyan Evans, who announced his transfer to the University of North Carolina. Evans, who averaged 10.6 points and shot 44.6% from three, reportedly turned down a chance to follow his coach to Minnesota after landing a staggering NIL deal worth over $2 million from UNC.
Meanwhile, St. John’s is on a mission. Led by veteran coach Rick Pitino, the Red Storm are aggressively targeting top transfers, including Oziyah Sellers and Dillon Mitchell. With momentum building from a strong finish last season, Pitino’s squad could become a serious threat in the Big East.
Virginia Tech is also making waves in the transfer market, pushing hard to land Oregon State standout Damarco Minor. Minor, who posted nearly 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game last season, is being heavily pursued by both Florida State and Pitt as well.
In major coaching news, UConn’s Dan Hurley has officially re-upped with the Huskies, signing a six-year, $50 million extension. The deal comes after Hurley reportedly declined a lucrative offer to coach the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, reaffirming his commitment to building a dynasty in Storrs.
As programs reload and reshape their rosters, the 2025–26 season is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and competitive campaigns in recent memory. Buckle up—college basketball is just get
ting started.
