The Florida Gators men’s basketball team brought home its first national title in 18 years on Monday in the most-watched National Championship game since 2019. The Florida-Houston matchup averaged 18.

But Florida would not be denied. The Gators looked cooked when Houston opened up a 42-30 second-half lead. But Florida persevered and rallied for a 65-63 win to secure the program's third national championship. The victory denied Houston and head coach Kelvin Sampson each their first.

The Florida Gators and the Houston Cougars will compete for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament national championship tonight.

Florida has won its first national championship since 2007 and its third overall after beating Houston 65-63 in the 2025 men’s NCAA title game. Houston was in front for the majority of the game, leading by as many as 12 points,

Florida basketball fans erupt after the Gators' thrilling 2025 NCAA Championship win over Houston. Here's a look at the reactions on social media.

Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators shoots a layup against Terrance Arceneaux #23 of the Houston Cougars during the second half in the National Championship of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07,

Last time Florida basketball was at the top of the sport, it won back-to-back titles. Do the Gators have the roster to do it again?

It was fitting that Florida arrived nearly two hours late to its on-campus celebration Tuesday. After all, it was exactly how the Gators played while winning the NCAA Tournament. Coaches and players returned to Gainesville roughly 16 hours after rallying to beat Houston 65-63 in San Antonio to secure the program’s third national title.

The Florida Gators are No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll of the 2024-25 season after winning the national championship.