The debate over whether the University of Florida is primarily a football school or a basketball school has become more complicated in recent years, with the recent success under Todd Golden and the more unremarkable seasons under Billy Napier.
The Athletic weighed in on whether Florida is a football or basketball school in its latest article, answering which schools are which.
While the Gators have historically been defined by their success on the football field, Florida basketball has built an impressive legacy of its own. Under Billy Donovan, the Gators became a national powerhouse, winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Since Donovan’s departure, Florida has continued to find success on the hardwood, making the big dance 64% of the time, further strengthening the argument for basketball.
Football, however, remains king and is deeply ingrained in the identity of the university and its fan base. Steve Spurrier helped establish the Gators as one of the nation’s premier programs during the 1990s, and Florida has remained one of college football’s most recognizable brands.
Not long after Spurrier came Urban Meyer, who then solidified Florida as a formidable brand in college football, especially with the talent he had on the roster.
With the two programs possessing championship histories, determining which sport truly defines the Gators is no simple task, with both having forgettable lows as well.
Still, The Athletic deemed the University of Florida a football school.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Is Florida a football school or a basketball school?
