Thomas Haugh Earns AP Preseason All-America Honors
The senior forward leads the Florida basketball team after bypassing the NBA Draft to return for his final collegiate season.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Florida senior forward Thomas Haugh has been named an AP preseason All-American. The selection follows his decision to return to the Gators for his senior year instead of entering the professional draft.
Why it matters
Haugh returned to Florida specifically to compete for a championship. His presence as a preseason All-American and the SEC Preseason Player of the Year significantly elevates expectations for the team this season.
Haugh averaged 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season. In a recent exhibition against Baylor, he recorded 19 points and 5 rebounds while playing 39 minutes.
The players
Thomas Haugh
He is a senior forward for the Florida basketball team and the reigning SEC Preseason Player of the Year.
Florida Basketball Team
The Gators represent the University of Florida in the Southeastern Conference and hold the top AP preseason ranking.
The details
Haugh, who previously earned All-SEC first team honors, decided to forgo the NBA Draft on April 21 to finish his career in Gainesville. He was recently named the Southeastern Conference Preseason Player of the Year and is set to anchor a roster that currently holds the top preseason ranking.
Timeline
April 21, 2026: Thomas Haugh decided to return to Florida.
October 13, 2026: Haugh was named SEC Preseason Player of the Year.
October 21, 2026: The AP named Haugh a preseason All-American.
November 2, 2026: Florida opens the season against Miami in Tampa.
Season Trajectory
The Gators are currently positioned as the team to beat, reflecting the high expectations seen during the 2006-07 season when Joakim Noah received similar honors. This status places immense pressure on Haugh to deliver on championship aspirations.
Haugh's heavy usage, evidenced by his 39 minutes played in a recent exhibition, suggests he will remain the central focus of the team's offense. His high production volume makes him a critical player for fantasy outlooks and betting lines this season.
The takeaway
Haugh's return highlights the trend of top college athletes choosing to pursue championships over early professional entry. His individual success remains a key barometer for Florida's broader goals throughout the season.
What happens next
Florida will play an exhibition game against Stetson this Tuesday, followed by the official season opener against Miami on November 2 in Tampa.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, visit the Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you believe returning for a senior college season is the best path for basketball players?
