Tracing its origins back to 1853, the University of Florida is the state’s oldest university and one of the largest. With a student population of around 60,500, the campus covers 2,000 acres filled with historical buildings, modern facilities and green spaces. Formerly known as East Florida Seminary, the Buckman Act of 1905 combined the school with three other institutions. The new institution was named the University of the State of Florida, and Gainesville was chosen as its location. Three years later, it was renamed to the University of Florida. 

The fans and athletic program are collectively known as Gator Nation. Albert and Alberta, two alligators, are the official mascots of the school. The mascot traces its origins to 1908 when local merchants with no official sanction from the university chose the alligator as an emblem to represent the university on pennants for sale. The gator became a popular choice among students, as Florida is home to millions of alligators. The Florida football team began to refer to itself as the Gators during the 1911 season. 

The University of Florida Fightin’ Gator Marching Band, or “The Pride of the Sunshine,” is the marching band for the school. The band is the state’s oldest, and is known for its large bass drum, the “Biggest Boom in Dixie,”  which is wheeled around the field during the band’s pregame performance. The Pride of Sunshine is best known for playing “Jaws,” a theme based on the movie, while fans do the Gator Chomp.

Rich in success, history and tradition, Florida boasts one of the top athletic programs in the nation. The University of Florida athletic teams have won 48 national championships. Florida is one of six Division I schools nationally to have won a national championship in football, men’s basketball and baseball. 

The Gators have a strong presence in almost every sport. Every year since the inception of the award, Florida has ranked in the top 10 of the Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. The most recent ranking placed the program at No. 4. Florida also holds the crown as the only school in NCAA Division I history to hold a men’s basketball and football championship during the same school year. 

The football program has won three national championships; in 1996, 2006 and 2008. The 1996 championship was won under head coach Steve Spurrier, who transformed Southeastern Conference football with his pass-oriented, aggressive offensive scheme, a change from the run-heavy offenses common in the conference. The Urban Meyer era is regarded as the most successful period in the history of Gator football. Meyer led the Gators to their most recent two national championships during his tenure. Tim Tebow, one of the most iconic players in college football history, was integral in both national championship runs. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2007, becoming the first sophomore in NCAA history to do so. 

The track and field program is one of the most successful in the nation. The men’s and women’s teams have a combined 15 national titles, while the men’s team achieved a three-peat from 2022-2024. The program sent 16 current and former athletes to the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Now over a century old, Florida’s legacy is being defined by its reputation for being a powerhouse in both academics and athletics.