The final weeks before the postseason in college basketball will teach us a lot about the SEC and this title race, though Saturday presents action between perhaps the two best teams in the conference. Arkansas and Florida will finally face off, with both teams looking to really make their mark in this final stretch of regular season action.
Sometimes they’ve looked like a real contender, but Arkansas (21-7) has had a number of tough performances just the same. They’re playing markedly better down the stretch, having won eight of their last ten games, with their most recent loss coming double overtime at Alabama. John Calipari’s team is dealing with a few injuries and is playing a thin rotation but still finding a way to stand out, fresh off a 15-point win over Texas A&M.
On the other hand, Florida (22-6) has definitely asserted that they are a real contender. Winners of eight straight games, the Gators are comfortably leading the SEC with their 13-2 mark and can clinch at least a share of that title with one more win. They’ve on a number of road games during conference play, upending Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, and most recently Texas, while showcasing that they can’t just be counted out.
Arkansas vs. Florida: When and Where
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:30 pm ET
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida
Arkansas vs. Florida: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch: ESPN
Arkansas vs. Florida: Betting Odds
Spread: Florida Gators -9.5, Arkansas Razorbacks +9.5
Moneyline: Florida Gators -395, Arkansas Razorbacks +360
Total: 166.5
Arkansas vs. Florida: Series History
All-time series: Florida leads 28-15
Last meeting: Florida 71, Arkansas 63 (January 11, 2025)
Projected Starting Lineups
Arkansas Razorbacks
Darius Acuff Jr. (22.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 6.2 apg)
Meleek Thomas (15.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg)
Trevon Brazile (12.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg)
Billy Richmond III (10.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
Nick Pringle (4.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
Florida Gators
Thomas Haugh (16.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
Alex Condon (14.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.6 apg)
Boogie Fland (11.5 ppg, 3.4 apg)
Xaivian Lee (11.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.9 apg)
Rueben Chinyelu (11.3 ppg, 11.5 rpg)
The defending champions have looked marvelous during this stretch run and it won’t be an easy task for the Razorbacks with their thin rotation to head to Gainesville and stop that streak. Florida boasts perhaps the nation’s best frontcourt, and any chance for Arkansas involves Brazile and company finding a way to contain Haugh and Condon offensively. The struggles for Florida have largely come from outside the arc, meaning the Razorbacks need to find a way to force them into that type of game. Fresh off that legendary effort at Alabama, Acuff is hoping to make his mark on the national stage yet again.
Does Arkansas have what it takes to grab a monumental road win and throw themselves right back into those national conversations? Do the Gators just keep rolling at home and continue this impressive winning streak?