Judge grants injunction for Denzel Aberdeen to play for Florida

Guard Denzel Aberdeen, who is projected to start for preseason No. 1 Florida, was granted a temporary injunction to play for the Gators this season.

Aberdeen filed a lawsuit against the NCAA earlier this month seeking a fifth year of eligibility.

"We're pleased with today's ruling, and we're especially happy for Denzel," coach Todd Golden said.

Aberdeen is among the hundreds of players -- nearly all of them 2022 high school graduates that just completed their four years of college eligibility -- pursuing a fifth year of eligibility, arguing that the NCAA's new five-for-five age-based eligibility rule should apply to them.

The 6-foot-5 Aberdeen was a key piece on Florida's national championship team in 2024-25, starting five games and averaging 7.7 points. He then transferred to Kentucky, where he broke out as a senior in 2025-26, averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 assists while shooting a career-high 36.3% from 3-point range.

He performed well against his former team, averaging 17.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in three games against Florida.

Now back in Gainesville, Aberdeen is expected to start next to Boogie Fland in the Gators' backcourt. Florida is likely to enter the campaign ranked as the preseason No. 1 team, with Aberdeen joining a group that returns four starters -- including potential Wooden Award favorite Thomas Haugh -- and sixth man Urban Klavzar.

The Gators open the season against in-state rival Miami on Nov. 2.