The Florida Gators will face a significant challenge in their final home game of the 2025-26 season as they prepare to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs without their leading scorer, Thomas Haugh. Listed as out on Tuesday’s availability report, this marks the first game of Haugh’s college career that he will miss. His absence is particularly notable as it coincides with what is likely to be his final home game at the University of Florida.
Up until now, Haugh has been a pivotal player for the Gators, having started all 29 games this season. He has been a standout performer, averaging 33.3 minutes and 17.1 points per game. As the season progresses, speculation is growing that Haugh may be considering a jump to the NBA after the conclusion of the season.
In their last matchup, Haugh contributed significantly to Florida’s 22-point victory over Arkansas, helping secure at least a share of the SEC regular-season championship. This is a major achievement for the Gators, marking their first conference title since 2014. The stakes are high as Florida looks to clinch the title outright with a win against Mississippi State, aiming to improve their conference record to 15-2 before heading to Kentucky to finish the regular season and subsequently the SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
Despite the absence of their leading scorer, the Gators remain favored to win against a struggling Mississippi State team. Prediction markets estimate Florida’s chance of winning at 97%, underscoring their strong position in the matchup.
This game is an essential step as Florida looks to build momentum heading into the postseason, and even without Haugh, the team’s prospects for success remain bright.