Florida center Rueben Chinyelu has decided to return to Florida for the 2026-27 season.
Chinyelu tested the NBA Draft waters this month and performed well at the NBA Scouting Combine in Chicago. However, after evaluating his options, Chinyelu is opting to return to Gainesville for another season under Todd Golden.
Chinyelu re-joins a loaded Florida front court that also includes Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon.
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Chinyelu has established himself as one of the best rebounders in all of college basketball. He’s started 75 games for the Gators over the past 2 season and averaged an SEC-best 11 boards per game in 2025-26.
Chinyelu had 3 different games with 20+ rebounds this season, including once in a rivalry-game victory over Georgia.
With Chinyelu’s return, Florida likely solidifies itself as the preseason No. 1 team in the country for the 2026-27 season. The Gators return their entire front court from last year and have added guard Denzel Aberdeen via the transfer portal. Guard Boogie Fland is also expected to return for next season.
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Florida won the National Championship in 2025 and has been a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament in each of the past 2 seasons.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
