So, you're looking for that Orange and Blue fix. I get it. Being a Gators fan isn't just a weekend hobby—it’s basically a full-time job with high emotional stakes and a lot of "Tom Petty" singing. If you’re asking do Florida gators play today, you’ve probably got that itch for some SEC action.
The short answer for today, Friday, January 16, 2026, is a resounding yes. But it's not the football field where the magic is happening right now. We are deep in the heart of the "Chomp" winter season.
What’s happening on the Gators schedule right now?
Today is actually a massive day for Florida athletics, specifically if you’re into the sports that require incredible precision or, well, being underwater.
First up, the No. 19 ranked Florida Gymnastics team is hosting a huge home meet. They are going head-to-head against No. 4 Alabama. This isn't just any regular meet; it's a Top 20 clash at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. If you’re in Gainesville, the doors are basically open, and the energy is going to be electric. The meet is scheduled to start at 6:45 PM EST.
If you aren't at the O'Dome, you're likely going to find this on the SEC Network. Jenny Rowland has this team looking sharp, and facing the Tide this early in the season is a major litmus test for the young roster.
But wait, there's more. The Swim and Dive teams are also in action. Both the men’s and women’s squads are traveling to Auburn for a dual meet. Those races are set to kick off around 12:00 PM EST. It’s the final SEC dual of the season for them, so the intensity is way up.
Lastly, the Track and Field crew is competing in the Jimmy Carnes Invitational. This is a local Gainesville event, so if you're a track junkie, the Alachua County Sports & Events Center is the place to be all day today.
Looking ahead: When does the basketball team play?
If you were specifically looking for Todd Golden’s squad, you’ll have to wait about 24 hours. The Florida Men’s Basketball team does not play today. They are currently prepping for a road trip to Nashville.
They take on Vanderbilt tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, 2026. That game is a matinee special, tipping off at 2:00 PM EST at Memorial Gymnasium. Vanderbilt’s gym is always a weird place to play with the benches on the baselines, so it’s usually a stressful watch for Gators fans.
The men are coming off some solid momentum after a big win against Georgia and a dominant showing against Tennessee earlier this month. They're currently sitting in a good spot in the SEC standings, but road wins in this league are never guaranteed.
The Women’s Basketball team is also in a "prep" phase today. They just played a tough game against Kentucky yesterday and won't be back on the court until Sunday, January 18, when they host Missouri at 2:00 PM.
What about Florida football and baseball?
I know, I know. For a lot of people, "Gators play today" refers strictly to the gridiron. Unfortunately, we are in the dead of the football offseason. The 2025 season is in the books, and we are currently waiting for the 2026 spring game details to be finalized.
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However, if you're looking for something to look forward to, the 2026 Florida Baseball season is right around the corner. Kevin O’Sullivan’s team starts their campaign on February 13, 2026, with a home series against UAB. The Gators are starting the preseason ranked No. 13 in the D1Baseball polls, so expectations are—as always—Omaha or bust.
Quick Summary for Friday, Jan 16, 2026:
- Gymnastics: vs. #4 Alabama | 6:45 PM | Gainesville, FL (Exactech Arena)
- Swim & Dive: at Auburn | 12:00 PM | Auburn, AL
- Track & Field: Jimmy Carnes Invitational | All Day | Gainesville, FL
If you're looking to watch the gymnastics meet, make sure your SEC Network subscription is active or check the ESPN app. For the swim meet, results are usually posted live on the MeetMobile app or the official Florida Gators social media accounts.
To get the most out of being a fan today, grab some gear, head to the O'Dome if you can, and make sure you're ready for the "Gator Chomp" during the floor routines. It’s a busy Friday in Gator Nation.
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To stay updated on live score changes or potential weather delays for the track events, your best bet is to follow the @GatorsGym or @GatorsTF accounts on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time play-by-play.