It looks like Denzel Aberdeen will be cleared to play for the Florida Gators this season after he had his temporary injunction granted by Alachua County Eighth Circuit Court Judge George Wright.
Aberdeen will be a fifth-year senior and another member of the Class of 2022 that will be taking advantage of the NCAA's recently added five-for-five legislation. Several student-athletes from that class have brought their grievances to court, and most have been granted similar injunctions.
Some of those decisions have been controversial, but that shouldn't be the case with Aberdeen, who hasn't flirted with the pro leagues or signed a pro contract. Instead, he'll be working in the Florida backcourt and trying to help the Gators win their second national title in three years under Todd Golden.
BREAKING: Denzel Aberdeen’s motion for temporary injunction has been granted, clearing the way for him to compete during the 2026-27 season.
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) September 29, 2026
“We’re pleased with today’s ruling, and we’re especially happy for Denzel,” Todd Golden said in a statement released by the athletic department.
Denzel Aberdeen will be suiting up for Florida this season
Aberdeen started his career in Gainesville and played his first three years for the Gators, working his way into a primary reserve role as a third-year player, averaging 7.7 points per game and shooting 35% on 3-pointers while playing about 20 minutes a game. He transferred to Kentucky for his fourth season and did well for the Wildcats as a full-time starter, averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 assists per game, shooting over 36% on 3-pointers (43.3% from the field).
The issue with Aberdeen's eligibility revolved around his freshman season, when he played sparingly over 12 games. Even before the five-for-five rule was put in place, there were legitimate questions about that season counting toward Aberdeen's clock. However, this ruling should settle all issues in that matter.
Denzel Aberdeen and Todd Golden thank the lawyers after Aberdeen wins his injunction hearing. pic.twitter.com/P1X8NXPEji
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) September 29, 2026
Adding Aberdeen's experience gives the Gators already-loaded roster another boost. There's no question that Florida will start the season ranked No. 1, with the frontcourt trio of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Rueben Chinyelu returning for another season. Aberdeen should help with some of the outside shooting issues that plagued the Gators last season.
With the Big Three doing work in and around the paint, it should leave plenty of opportunities for Aberdeen to improve his three-point shot and give the Gators the final boost they need to return to championship form and avenge last season's disappointing early exit in the NCAA tournament.
"Last year, kind of carrying the torch of the national championship into the season, was a lot. And we had a new team. And I feel like, for myself, some of the guys on the team, it took us a little bit to get comfortable in that role," Golden said in his media availability last week.
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