Florida center Rueben Chinyelu will return for his senior season after withdrawing from the NBA draft. The 6-foot-10, 265-pound Nigerian averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds last season, becoming the first Gators player in 50 years to record a double-double average. Chinyelu will rejoin a formidable frontcourt alongside Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh.

Chinyelu's decision followed an impressive predraft workout period, though he sought first-round guarantee in a loaded draft class. His defensive excellence earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors plus recognition from the Naismith Awards and NABC. Florida's $25 million roster for 2026-27 now retains over 80% of last season's scoring with eleven players returning.

Coach Todd Golden's squad fell to Iowa in the NCAA tournament's second round, a disappointing end that influenced several players' decisions to run it back. Chinyelu managed just one rebound in 19 scoreless minutes against the Hawkeyes, leaving him hungry for redemption. The Gators' stacked roster positions them as early favorites for another deep March run.

Florida also secured former Kentucky guard Denzel Aberdeen, who plans to re-enroll and petition the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility. This veteran-laden team has unfinished business after the sour tournament ending.