In a thrilling conclusion to the NCAA men's basketball season, the Florida Gators secured their third national championship by overcoming the Houston Cougars 65-63 on April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. This victory marks Florida's first national title since 2007 and highlights the rapid ascent of Head Coach Todd Golden, who, at 39, became the youngest coach to win a national championship since 1983.

The championship game was a testament to resilience and strategic execution. Trailing by 12 points in the second half, the Gators mounted a significant comeback. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who was scoreless in the first half, emerged as a pivotal figure, contributing 11 points after the break. His defensive prowess was on full display in the final moments when he forced Houston's Emanuel Sharp into a critical turnover, preventing a potential game-winning shot. Clayton's overall performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, including four three-pointers in the first half that kept Florida competitive during Houston's strong defensive stretches. Australian forward Alex Condon played a crucial role in the game's final seconds by securing the loose ball after Clayton's defensive stop, effectively sealing the victory for Florida.

Coach Golden's journey to this milestone has been marked by a series of strategic decisions and leadership roles. After playing as a guard for Saint Mary's College from 2004 to 2008, Golden transitioned into coaching, with stints at Columbia University and Auburn University. He then served as the associate head coach and later head coach at the University of San Francisco, leading the Dons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998. In March 2022, Golden was appointed head coach of the Florida Gators, where he has since revitalized the program.

Florida's path to the championship was marked by significant achievements. The Gators concluded the regular season with a 27–4 record, their best in 11 years, and secured the Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament title by defeating Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee. As the No. 1 seed in the West Regional, Florida's NCAA Tournament journey included victories over Norfolk State, UConn, Maryland, Texas Tech, and Auburn in the Final Four.

The championship game was a closely contested battle. Houston, entering the game with a 35–4 record and having secured both the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles, established an early lead. However, Florida's resilience and strategic adjustments allowed them to close the gap and ultimately secure the win.

This victory adds to Florida's national titles won consecutively in 2006 and 2007, ending an 18-year title drought for the program. It also marks the first men's national title for the SEC since Kentucky's victory in 2012, highlighting the conference's return to prominence in men's basketball.

Houston's appearance in the national championship game was their first since 1984, reflecting the program's resurgence under Head Coach Kelvin Sampson. Despite the narrow loss, the Cougars' impressive season and return to the national stage signal a bright future for the program.

Florida's championship victory under a young head coach like Todd Golden signifies a new era for the program, potentially influencing recruitment and the team's national standing. The win underscores the SEC's competitiveness in men's basketball, potentially impacting future conference dynamics and national perceptions.

As the Gators celebrate this monumental achievement, the focus now shifts to building upon this success and maintaining their position at the pinnacle of college basketball.