NCAA
2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion: Florida Gators
Florida captures third national title with comeback win over Houston
NCAA Men’s Championship Game Recap
Date: April 7, 2025
Location: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Final Score: Florida Gators 65 – 63 Houston Cougars
Champion: Florida Gators
Runner-Up: Houston Cougars
Game Highlights
In a thrilling NCAA championship matchup, the Florida Gators overcame a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat the Houston Cougars 65-63. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr., who was scoreless in the first half, scored all 11 of his points in the second half and delivered a crucial defensive stop in the final seconds to secure the victory. Will Richard led the Gators with 18 points, while Houston’s L.J. Cryer topped all scorers with 19 point.
Title History
- Florida’s National Titles: This marks the Florida Gators’ third national championship in men’s basketball, their first since 2007.
- Coach: Todd Golden, at 39, became the youngest head coach to win a national title since 1983.
- Most Outstanding Player: Walter Clayton Jr. was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player for his pivotal role in the Gators’ championship run.
Past NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Champions
| Year | Champion | Score | Runner-up | Location |
| 2025 | Florida | 65–63 | Houston | San Antonio, Texas |
| 2024 | UConn | 75–60 | Purdue | Glendale, Arizona |
| 2023 | UConn | 76–69 | San Diego State | Houston, Texas |
| 2022 | Kansas | 72–69 | North Carolina | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 2021 | Baylor | 86–70 | Gonzaga | Indianapolis, Indiana |
View the full list of NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Champions.