Todd Golden and the Florida Gators landed in the highest tier of ESPN's men's March Madness preseason tiers.

Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf evaluated the championship potential of 75 programs ahead of the 2026-27 season, placing the Gators alongside Duke and Illinois as programs capable of hoisting a championship trophy next spring. With four returning starters and other key contributors from the 2025 national championship team.

Florida also holds the No. 1 spot in the preseason edition of both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and AP Top 25.

Led by national player of the year candidate Thomas Haugh, the Gators are evaluated as a championship favorite. Haugh headlines a front court that gave the Orange and Blue a major advantage over the competition last season, along with Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu — two of the nation's premier big men.

The star-studded roster could receive a boost from Kentucky transfer Denzel Aberdeen, as the 6-foot-5-inch, 190-pound guard is currently eligible under a temporary court injunction. However, the ultimate ruling on his qualification remains unclear.

"If he isn't cleared to play, Todd Golden still has the No. 1 team in the country," wrote Borzello and Medcalf.

"The key will be whether Boogie Fland can be one of the best point guards in the country; he has the ability, but there were some inconsistencies last season," the pair added. One of Florida's biggest questions is whether Fland can take the next step in his development and address poor tendencies that hindered the former McDonald's All-American last year.

Florida will enter this season as a frontrunner, although Duke and Illinois present formidable competition for the top spot. All three possess experienced returning players and impactful additions through the transfer portal, making for a compelling national championship race.