NCAA Basketball: 25 best team rivalries heading into 2019-20 season

13. Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats

While the tides have changed in recent years, for most of these last few years, Florida and Kentucky have been the top teams in the SEC. They play at least twice a year and usually have exciting, competitive games. Kentucky is one of college basketball’s greatest programs, while the Gators have certainly come a long way since the turn of the century.

Unfortunately, Kentucky’s lead in the rivalry is an astounding 102 to 40, but it’s been much more competitive in the last few decades. The Wildcats are just 18-16 against the Gators since March 2015 and have a 3-2 record in SEC title games.

These two programs are so impressive that there was a five-game stretch from 2014 to 2015 where one of these teams was ranked No. 1 in all five matchups.

The arrival of Billy Donovan at Florida greatly strengthened the Gators program and this rivalry as well. Many times these teams have played while highly ranked, such as No. 2 Kentucky’s 69-67 win at No. 3 Florida back in 2003.

There was 2005 when Florida beat a top-five Kentucky team twice in one week. Last season, Florida blew an 11-point second-half lead in a home loss to No. 7 Kentucky but could bounce back in a major way this upcoming season.

John Calipari and Mike White have both built some impressive teams for next season, with both freshmen and transfers set to play a major role. These teams haven’t met in the SEC title game since 2014, but don’t be shocked if that trend breaks this season.

Even though Kentucky has historically dominated this rivalry, things have tightened up in recent years. Big things are expected out of Florida next year and we could be in store for two (or three) classics.