Head Coach Dennis Gates and the Missouri Tigers will begin conference play this season against the defending national champion Florida Gators.
Mizzou Men's Basketball to Open SEC Play Against Defending National Champion Florida originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Highlighted by a full slate of opening weekend games, the Southeastern Conference revealed its full 144-game men's basketball schedule for the 2025-'26 season on Wednesday.
Head Coach Dennis Gates and the Missouri Tigers will begin conference play against the defending national champion Florida Gators.
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After going 0-18 in SEC play during the 2023-'24 season, the Tigers turned it around last season, finishing 22-12 overall and 10-8 in league play, a 14-win improvement year-over-year. Among their wins was an impressive 83-82 victory over then No. 5 Florida, the Gators only loss at home last season.
On Saturday, January 3, the Tigers will welcome the Gators to Columbia. Missouri is 5-12 all-time against Florida, including 3-4 in home contests.
Despite losing Caleb Grill, Tamar Bates, and Tony Perkins, Missouri returns a number of regular contributors from last year's squad, including leading-scorer Mark Mitchell, guard Anthony Robinson II, and guard-forward Trent Pierce. Gates is also bringing in five transfer players, led by former UCLA shooting guard Sebastian Mack.
Mizzou will play each SEC opponent at least once during league play, with three teams played a second time during the schedule β two which are permanent opponents and one that will change each year. Missouri's permanent opponents are Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Tigers will also face Mississippi State twice this season.
Gates and company conclude conference play at home against John Calipari and Arkansas on March 7, part of "Rivalry Saturday."
Related: Mizzou Guard Anthony Robinson II Earns Invite to Exclusive Chris Paul Camp
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
