Expectations couldn’t be higher for the Florida Gators' 2026-27 campaign.

The Gators enter the season as one of the favorites to compete for a national championship once again, and Sports Illustrated's latest March Madness predictions reflect their confidence in Todd Golden’s program.

Florida would open its postseason run against the winner of a First Four matchup between No. 16 seeds Bethune-Cookman and Lehigh. The Gators are undefeated in six meetings against BCU and have never played Lehigh in the program's history.

The projected South Region would provide no shortage of potential challenges for the Orange and Blue.

Purdue and Baylor occupy the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds, respectively, putting the winner in position to potentially face Florida in the second round. A matchup with either program would give the Gators an early test on their path toward the Sweet 16.

Florida has already seen Baylor this season, albeit in an exhibition, but that result could mean little because of preseason rust.

The remainder of Florida's side of the region features No. 4 St. John's against No. 13 High Point and No. 5 Kansas facing the winner of a First Four matchup between Oklahoma and Florida State.

Florida could meet Kansas or St. John's in the Sweet 16 if the Gators advance through opening weekend.

The opposite half of the South Region is headlined by No. 2 Gonzaga and No. 3 Louisville. Gonzaga is projected to face No. 15 Wright State in the first round, while Louisville draws No. 14 Miami (Ohio).

No. 6 UCLA would face the winner of TCU and Ole Miss, while No. 7 Indiana and No. 10 Cincinnati round out the projected region.

Florida earning a No. 1 seed in an early bracket projection should come as little surprise given the talent coach Golden has returning.

The Gators bring back a loaded frontcourt led by Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu, while the backcourt features Boogie Fland and Denzel Aberdeen. Florida's combination of returning production and high-end talent has positioned the program among the nation's leading championship contenders entering the season.

Of course, plenty can change between early November and Selection Sunday. But SI's projection provides another indication of where expectations stand for Florida entering the 2026-27 campaign.

For now, their journey will begin Nov. 2 in Tampa, Florida, against the Miami Hurricanes.