Gainesville Regional info: Start times, pitching matchups, betting odds
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The Gainesville Regional gets underway on Friday afternoon with a pair of opening-round matchups.
Florida will be the heavy favorite to emerge from the Gainesville Regional. The Gators had a strong season in 2026, earning the right to host a regional to open the NCAA Tournament.
If UF wants to advance beyond the regional round, it will have to contend with Miami, Troy and Rider this weekend.
Gainesville Regional Schedule
Here’s the schedule for Day 1 in Gainesville:
- Game 1: No. 1 Florida vs. Rider | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
- Game 2: No. 2 Miami (Fla.) vs. No. 3 Troy | 6 p.m. | ACCN
If Florida can get past Rider, it would take on the winner of Miami vs. Troy at 6 p.m. on Saturday. A TV network for that game is still to be determined as of this writing.
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Who is Florida’s starting pitcher vs. Rider?
Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan previously announced that Russell Sandefer will start on the mound for the Gators against Rider. Sandefer has a 4.38 ERA in 51.1 innings so far this season. He has a 3-2 record across 11 starts and 6 relief appearances.
Rider will start ace PJ Craig, who registered a 3.39 ERA while pitching in the MAAC this season.
Gainesville Regional odds
Kalshi has posted updated odds for each team in the Gainesville Regional. Unsurprisingly, Florida is the clear favorite to win. However, Miami also has a 24% chance to win as a strong No. 2 seed, per Kalshi.
Here’s a look at the latest odds:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
