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VOLUME 121 - ISSUE 11 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

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Byron Donalds’ financial advantage looms over Florida governor race DESPITE POLLS SHOWING A TIGHT RACE, DONALDS HAS RAISED NEARLY SEVEN TIMES MORE IN CAMPAIGN FUNDS

By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer

As the midterm election nears, the Florida governor's race seems tighter every day. But Republican candidate Byron Donalds has far outpaced his opponent in one category: money. Donalds has raised more than $148 million, while David Jolly trails behind at $22 million, a difference that could determine the Nov. 3 election. Suzanne Robbins, a UF political science professor, said the biggest benefit to having more funding is the ability to use multiple campaign strategies. “He is in a position where he can run both a media campaign that can be geared toward turnout and persuasion, as well as a GOTV [get out the vote] campaign at the same time,” Robbins said. That multi-strategy approach is especially important in a place like Florida, Robbins said. The

state has one of the largest media markets in the country and one of the most diverse and fragmented. A candidate with financial backing like Donalds’ can create a “scare-off” effect, she said, making quality Democratic candidates less likely to run — but that hasn’t been the case in this race. Jolly’s candidacy is an exception, Robbins said, because he’s an experienced politician who wasn’t made hesitant by the financial discrepancy. Even though Jolly has more than $100 million less than his opponent, Robbins said he is still poised to run a strong GOTV campaign, which is typically less expensive than a diversified campaign strategy. Democratic voters appear more motivated this year, Robbins added, making a GOTV campaign more effective. Robbins added Jolly is aided by the national political atmosphere, where Democrats have been more successful. Robbins said this typically wouldn’t play out in Florida, but congressional races have shown evidence of impact. These factors, combined with the typical midterm slump for

SEE DONALDS, PAGE 4

Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

Representative and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds speaks during a town hall, a part of his Defending the Florida Dream Tour, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

UF students call for changes in Title IX, sexual assault resources WITH RECENT CASES IN THE LIMELIGHT, STUDENTS EVALUATE CURRENT CAMPUS SYSTEMS

By Lilyanna Collado Alligator Staff Writer

Editor’s note: This story contains mentions of sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, contact UFPD to file a report or email assault advocate Rachel Newman at newmanrachel0216@gmail. com. Madison Kowalski can’t walk on UF’s campus without being stopped. The 20-year-old media production, management, and technology senior said other students either harass her or voice their support regarding the sex crime she endured on campus last November. This September, a Cornell case — in which an unnamed victim sued the university and other involved parties after being sexually assaulted by seven male students at the

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university in October 2024 — brought renewed attention to campus sex crimes. Following the rise in national attention, Kowalski said she’s seen an increase in sexual assault awareness at universities like UF. As an advocate for sexual assault victims, she said she often receives messages with stories similar to hers. “Seeing how surprised and shocked and outraged — rightfully so — people are about the Cornell case, it made me think,” she said. “Do people not realize this is happening on our own campus?” On our own campus At UF, the lack of discourse around sexual assault and safety has historically led to decreased awareness, Kowalski said. When Kowalski first went through addressing her case, she had no idea where to go and what options were available to her and survivors of sex crimes. Through organizations like UF’s Gender and Sexuality Protection Agency, students work to promote an inclusive campus by addressing discrimination based on gender and sexuality. Flipping the System is another

nonprofit student organization aimed at raising awareness for sexual violence and prevention on campus. Although both organizations educate students about sexual violence and available resources, Kowalski said she hasn’t seen either address the Cornell case. While Kowalski said she has not seen these organizations taking charge, she has heard from students who share similar experiences to her case. Women have approached Kowalski on campus and through direct messages, giving her insight into how prevalent issues of sex crimes are. Kowalski said much of the student awareness she sees online is performative. People may educate themselves or repost the issues, but don’t push for accountability or change, she said. UF had a total of 87 reported on-campus rapes last year, 79 residential-area rapes and two off-campus rapes. Of the 87 reported rapes, 70 came from one domestic relationship over multiple years. In 2024, UF documented six reported on-campus rapes, one residentialarea rape, two off-campus rapes and one public rape.

Opinions: Sex

UF Greek Life, which Kowalski was involved with before the November incident, requires members to take courses on sexual assault and harassment prevention. Kowalski feels the support does not effectively prevent anything. Nearly three-quarters of new Greek life members are required to take a risk management course, which includes education about sexual assault prevention, alcohol and drugs. The Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life at UF did not respond to requests for comment on available resources in time for the publication of this article. UF students are encouraged to report cases of sexual assault and harassment to the university’s Title IX office. Students can reach out to the UF Police Department and the Office of Victim Services for support and resources in the case of sexual assault, wrote Kailey Tedjeske, UFPD’s public information officer, in an email to The Alligator. “UFPD takes reports of sexual battery very

SEE ASSAULT, PAGE 4

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UF students react to state attempts to designate largest Muslim nonprofit a terrorist organization THE DESIGNATION WOULD EXPEL UF STUDENTS WHO SUPPORT CAIR ON CAMPUS

By Logan McBride Alligator Staff Writer

When Omar Soboh began his Summer internship, he was hoping to make a difference while working closely with people in his community. But when Florida lawmakers threatened to designate his organization a terrorist group, he watched his coworkers leave the organization in fear. Soboh interned with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the United States — and an organization Gov. Ron DeSantis set his sights on. For months, Soboh believed the government was just trying to intimidate Muslims and outspoken organizations. When DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet voted Sept. 29 to categorize it and more than 90 other groups as domestic terrorist organizations, the 21-year-old UF political science junior was disheartened. Soboh worked throughout the Summer to educate others about misrepresentations and stereotypes surrounding Muslims in the media and public eye. When he heard about the proposed designation, Soboh was confused; he’d only had positive experiences with the organization, he said. While he’s no longer affiliated with it, he said, he never felt threatened by its members. Soboh primarily worked with mothers and other individuals he thought were kind and passionate about civil rights. When the designation came, Soboh said, it felt like the state had an agenda. “It's a witch hunt against nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to promoting Muslim rights,” Soboh said. He added that some of the state’s claims about CAIR’s designation as a terrorist organization aren’t fully substantiated and haven’t been verified in court. Soboh, who is the vice president of UF’s Arab Student Association, said targeting civil rights groups doesn’t just impact Muslim Americans. “Any attack on Muslims, or any

people, any group, is an attack on everyone’s rights in the long run,” Soboh said. “It’s important to remember that we’re all in this together.” Based in Washington, D.C., CAIR has 35 regional offices, including one in Tampa. Antifa and the Muslim Brotherhood were also named terrorist organizations during the Sept. 29 Cabinet meeting, although they’re both already designated as such nationally. The designations were made according to House Bill 1471, which became a law July 1, empowering state leadership to designate domestic and foreign terrorist organizations. In a statement posted to X, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said other states may let these organizations off the hook, but Florida won’t. “Supporting these groups is a felony; your tax dollars will not fund them," Uthmeier said. “No contracts, no foothold on our campuses. Students who promote them are expelled.” Uthmeier said CAIR’s current leader met with Hamas in 1993 to discuss deception, camouflage and a front organization in the video, warranting the designation. The decision mirrors a Texas law, in which the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR received the same designation. Similar pushes are taking place nationally. Hamzah Mohammad, a 19-yearold UF electrical engineering sophomore and a member of the Arab Student Association, said the state government has recently set dangerous precedents. “The government is clearly biased in terms of whose freedom of speech they limit and whose freedom of speech they don’t mind allowing,” Mohammad said. “That’s a slippery slope.” Mohammad said the constant pushback on student groups and politically involved students is only going to increase young people’s dissatisfaction with the government. “Being at UF has really opened my eyes to how the student body thinks,” Mohammad said. “It’s mostly because they’re scared. They feel like they can’t express themselves, and it makes them feel

frustrated with the current system.” UF has been involved in several controversies regarding student speech. In August 2025, a UF law student was trespassed from campus for an antisemitic post, leading to lengthy legal battles. In 2024, six UF students were arrested and suspended by the university for roles in pro-Palestinian protests on Plaza of the Americas. Now, students and student organizations affiliated with or in support of CAIR could face expulsion. Max Schwarz, a 22-year-old UF computer science senior, said the decision walks a fine line, but the presence of terrorist groups is concerning. “I just feel like anyone who’s rubbed shoulders with Hamas or any of these other terrorist organizations, they gotta go,” Schwarz said. “If they’re rubbing shoulders with people doing that type of stuff in the Middle East, they are terrorist organizations.” Schwarz said he is a staunch believer in the First Amendment, and he wants more evidence into CAIR’s ties with Hamas before supporters are punished. If CAIR’s operations are truly aiding Hamas, he said, then punishments, including expulsion, could be warranted. But if members are punished solely because of their viewpoints, he added, it will become concerning for Americans’ rights. Schwarz said the fears Jewish students face have continued to grow in recent years since Oct. 7, and he’s felt fearful at events held by Jewish organizations. He added if CAIR has aided Hamas, students and individuals encouraging others to join and support the organization adds another level of discomfort. “No one wants a terrorist group to be represented on campus,” Schwarz said. Tim Marden, the chair of the Alachua GOP and mayor of Newberry, said he fully supports DeSantis’ efforts to designate CAIR a terrorist group.

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Riding through the risks: Avoiding deadly motorcycle safety mistakes

The Gainesville community weighs in on common student motorcycle mistakes By Alana Nguyen Alligator Staff Writer

Matthew Benavidez hit an SUV while driving his motorcycle Nov. 7, 2020. He was pronounced dead on site. Benavidez doesn’t remember any of it. Now, nearly six years later, the 30-year-old UF Health patient care technician strives to “embrace the fight.” The day of the crash will forever be the best day of his life, he said, because it changed his perspective. “I found out what I could go through,” Benavidez said. “I found I haven’t found my limit yet.” More than 6,000 motorcycle crashes have been reported so far this year in Florida. Those incidents aren’t uncommon at UF. Since 2025, the UF Police Department has reported 29 scooter and motorcycle accidents on and around campus. Most recently, the Florida Highway Patrol reported the death of a 31-year-old Gainesville man Oct. 20. Benavidez’s mom and stepdad gifted him his first motorcycle at 21. Riding it was freeing, he said, like “wind therapy.” “You can’t really explain it, but you get to just be by yourself with the wind [and] your thoughts,” he said. “It’s very magical.” But Benavidez said it’s important for motorcyclists to be aware of their surroundings because car drivers tend to overlook them.

Benavidez advises drivers to “dress for the slide, not the ride,” wearing close-toed shoes, jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. On campus, Benavidez said drivers can be impatient, and it’s vital to pay attention and change lanes safely. “Be the smartest person on the road at all times,’’ he said. Vee Brown, the co-owner and operations manager of Gainesville Motorcycle Safety Training School, said too many students ride with improper gear and double up on scooters only meant to carry one rider, causing grave safety concerns. “A motorcycle is not a toy,” she said. “That’s a lot of power that’s in your hands.” Brown runs the business with her husband, Kenneth. Started by Lasso County Sheriff Department deputies, the school specializes in two-wheel, three-wheel and scooter endorsements, a requirement needed to legally ride most motorcycles in Florida. The school’s goal is to provide a top motorcycle training experience while helping students obtain state certification. Many of the training school’s coaches are active deputies who have worked on the motorcycle unit for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office or the Gainesville Police Department, she said. “We want everyone to ride safe and to make it home,” she said. Starting in 2027, Gainesville Motorcycle Safety Training School will partner with UF and

Santa Fe College to teach students how to properly ride scooters and offer discounted motorcycle certifications. Educational programs UF and the Florida Department of Transportation held a pedestrian, scooter and bicycle safety event Aug. 31, with attendees like UF President Stuart Bell and UFPD Chief of Police Bart Knowles helping educate students on road safety while on campus. According to UFPD traffic safety officer Frank Zyskowski, riding a motorcycle has certain safety precautions that differ from being in a car including balance, coordination and surrounding awareness. At UF, he said there are more crashes during peak weekday hours when there is more traffic on campus. Typically, UFPD encounters more crashes with 50cc scooters than motorcycles because they are more commonly used. These scooters can be driven with a regular Class E driver’s license, Zyskowski said. Roadway conditions like potholes, uneven pavement, sand and oil make riding more hazardous, Zyskowski said, making safety precautions even more important. Riders should examine their motorcycle’s tire condition, air pressure, brakes, chains, lighting, fluid and fuel before getting on their bike, Zyskowski said.

To operate a motorcycle properly, it must be maintained, he said. A larger issue Last year, there were 4,879 crashes of all types in Alachua County alone, contributing to the 367,723 overall crashes in Florida. FDOT prioritizes roadway safety through public education and outreach programs like Target Zero, a campaign dedicated to creating zero fatalities. Jacob Pickering, an FDOT spokesperson, said motorcycles are harder to see on the road than passenger vehicles like cars, so drivers need to pay extra attention to motorcycles before changing lanes and making turns. Because riders have less metal between them and the road, Pickering stressed the importance of wearing helmets. It’s both vital for safety and required under Florida law for everyone under 21. Wearing leather is also important because it serves as a second skin, easing friction, chemical and thermal burns riders may encounter on their bike. Cordura-based outerwear offers a vegan alternative. “If you’re on that motorcycle, you have to know that that has to be 110% of your focus, making sure you get to your destination safely,” he said. @Alana_Nguyen12 anguyen@alligator.org

Former Jehovah’s Witnesses reflect on changes to blood transfusion bans AFTER DECADES OF STRICT RESTRICTIONS AROUND BLOOD TRANSFUSION, AN UPDATED POLICY ALLOWS WITNESSES TO RECEIVE PARTS OF BLOOD

By Chloe Santiago Alligator Staff Writer

Lee Elder will never forget when a friend asked him to be one of her pallbearers. At 16 years old, he carried her casket. Elder and his friends were members of the Tucson Mountain Congregation in Arizona. After Elder’s friend was diagnosed with leukemia, chemotherapy and radiation made her anemic; as a Witness, she refused the standard treatment of a blood transfusion. Combined with her cancer, she only got sicker until she died in 1976 as a teenager. Elder, the executive director and founder of the Alliance for Jehovah’s Witness Research and Bioethics, stopped being an active Witness in the late 1990s after four decades when the death toll of the transfusion policy became too much to bear. The blood transfusion ban has affected his loved ones since childhood, he said. He’s lost family members, friends and neighbors who denied blood because of it. In what former Witnesses have called an “erosion” of long-standing policy, Jehovah’s Witnesses are now able to accept component blood transfusions, or isolated forms of plasma, platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, which are separated from whole blood through a process called apheresis. Bans on whole blood transfusions remain. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, which dic-

tates policy for Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world, announced the change Sept. 18. This update and earlier changes have reversed decadesold policy regarding one of the religion’s most controversial tenets. Florida is home to over 300,000 Witnesses, the second most in the U.S. in raw numbers and adjusted population rates according to the most recent U.S. Religion Census. The religion has long-standing ties in Gainesville, where the Stephen C. O’Connell Center was previously home to its Florida district conventions in the early 2010s. The conventions changed locations after 2012 due to rising costs, according to the Gainesville Sun. Today, members of the religion can be found across campus in hightraffic areas like The Hub and Turlington Plaza. Tabling Witnesses declined to offer comment for this story. Overnight changes to transfusion bans have been hard pills to swallow for current and ex-Witnesses, who frequently write in to the Alliance’s website to recount stories of lost or affected loved ones. Rules that may have contributed to deaths in the eight decades leading up to the overhaul are gone, but those mourning the deceased remain. “We are talking tens of thousands of lives, and that’s being conservative,” Elder said. “It’s a human catastrophe.” The policy change was a relief, he said, and will give Witnesses more authority in their healthcare moving forward. He remains hopeful that the remaining bans on whole blood transfusion will be lifted in the future. However, the changes will disproportionately affect low-resource countries, where apheresis, advanced blood processing facilities and blood component transfusion are not read-

ily available, he said. In low-income countries, just over half of blood collected is separated into components, while nearly all is separated in highincome countries, according to the World Health Organization. “The burden of this is going to fall on some of the poorest Jehovah’s Witnesses in the world,” Elder said. The Watchtower’s transfusion bans trace back to Bible verses mentioning blood, like Acts 15:29, which command Gentile Christians to abstain from eating blood. Although not explicitly mentioned, the Watchtower has historically extended the interpretation of this verse to include receiving or donating blood through transfusions, according to its website. Blood transfusion bans, which began in 1945, have become less strict over time. Blood fractions — products further derived from major components, like albumin — were permitted in 1982 after decades of policy flip-flopping. In 2000, sweeping reforms allowed the use of all blood fractions. In March, a ban on a medical process known as preoperative autologous blood donation — the preventative collection, storage and transfusion of one’s own blood — was lifted. In September, the Watchtower lifted bans on major blood components entirely. Geoffrey W. Jackson, the Watchtower governing body member who announced the Sept. 18 update, cited a lack of scriptural justification for previous policy. Because the specific components of blood are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, he said, the Watchtower lacks the authority to make policies about them. Lingering caution With the exception of whole blood, the decision to pursue a blood

transfusion or donate blood is now up to the individual. Some Witnesses may continue refusing component transfusions out of tradition or personal concerns related to the practice. But others may do so out of fear, said Lee Marsh, a former Jehovah’s Witness who directs patient and family support at the Alliance. The Watchtower has rolled back changes in the past, she said, making it hard to tell which ones will stick. “Right now, Witnesses are in this no-man’s-land,” Marsh said. “Are they going to change it again and make it more strict tomorrow? They don’t know. So, to be careful, most of them will refuse.” Going against the Watchtower policies and prohibitions comes with heavy consequences, most notably shunning by other church members, including friends and family. Removal of a Witness — formerly known as “disfellowshipping” — is the loss of a Witness’ community, identity and way of life, Marsh said. “They’ll say, ‘Sorry, I can’t talk to you,’” she said, recalling her own experience running into a church member at a bank after leaving the religion. The man she saw, the husband of Marsh’s former best friend, left the building as soon as he saw her. “They’re afraid that if they are caught talking to me, then they’re going to be thrown out,” she said. Bloodless medicine Modern advancements in medicine have made bloodless medicine more viable. “To me, whether they’re whole blood or component products, they’re still blood,” said Bruce Spiess, a UF professor emeritus in the Department of Anesthesiology. When he was still practicing

medicine at UF Health, Spiess said, Witnesses would travel to Florida specifically to see him, an expert in bloodless medicine. One technology he used — and argues is still underutilized — is cell salvage. Cell salvage is used during surgery to filter lost blood and reintroduce it to a patient, avoiding the need for a transfusion. Because it uses a patient’s own blood, a majority of Witnesses approve of the practice. When working with Witnesses, he used patient blood management strategies, which focus on treating conditions like anemia before operations, minimizing blood loss and reducing the demand for blood, which is constantly in short supply. “[Jehovah’s Witnesses] have a lower mortality rate than do patients who we transfuse,” Spiess said, pointing to the added time physicians take when patient blood management strategies are used. Patient blood management occurs before, during and after operations, he said, putting a patient’s health at the center. “Frankly, those are the kinds of discussions somebody should have with every patient,” he said. Updated blood policies extend the discussion around patient treatment options and informed consent for Witnesses. It remains to be seen whether new transfusion policies become the new normal, get repealed or expand to allow whole blood. Elder and other members of the Alliance continue to document the transfusion policy, as an updated official health directive for Witnesses has not yet been released. @csant860 csantiago@alligator.org

4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026

Analyzing campus resources after recent cases garnered national attention ASSAULT, from pg. 1

seriously,” she wrote. The department has victim advocates to help students understand their rights, report an incident and connect with support services, she added. When UFPD receives a report, officers assess the case to determine the appropriate investigative response. UF understands it can be difficult for victims to come forward and report an incident, Tedjeske wrote, but the university's priority is to make them feel supported and respected throughout the process. Kate McNamara, a 21-year-old information systems senior and the agency head of the Gender and Sexual Protection Agency, wrote in an email to The Alligator that the group is dedicated to making students feel informed about, connected to and supported by campus resources. Educational presentations for campus organizations and campuswide initiatives such as Take Back the Night, an annual event hosted by GatorWell to raise awareness about sexual battery, are part of GASP’s initiative to keep students informed of how to prevent sexual battery on campus. “By connecting these topics to students’ everyday experiences, we hope to make conversations about consent and prevention more approachable and relevant,” she wrote. Students weigh in Natasha Rattray, a 21-year-old

business administration senior, took to social media to speak out against UF’s Theta Chi fraternity chapter in defense of Kowalski, calling the two members accused of sharing the explicit material “despicable” in the fraternity’s comment section. Rattray said Theta Chi then blocked her account. “In no way am I gonna let Theta Chi silence me or even affect me in one way,” she said. “It makes me even more upset at the way that it's

handled all like a joke, almost.” Rattray said there is a reason women have been raising awareness about sexual assault for decades, adding she believes the Title IX systems at schools are built to protect the perpetrator. Cases like Kowalski’s and Cornell’s Jane Doe’s have made students more conscious of how sexual crimes have become normalized, Rattray said, but the problem persists when students

choose not to care about sexual violence just because they have not directly experienced it. “If it's not impacting them directly, they're not changing much about their day-to-day life in regards to this,” she said. Rattray said she would not trust UF as her first point of contact for support because she does not trust them to handle cases in the victim’s best interest. Rachel Newman, a 22-year-old

Dylan Speicher // Alligator Staff

psychology junior, works for an organization called Know Your IX, a group run by survivors of sexual assault like herself. It advocates against gender- and sexual-based violence in schools. Newman said she believes UF’s Title IX materials are aimed at compliance, not support, because the materials supplied are unengaging and lack depth. Newman is one of 10 representatives for Know Your IX across the nation, and the only one in Florida, she said, making her a resource for students needing support outside of UF. Resources should be easier for victims to access, according to Newman, who had a discussion with the UF Title IX coordinator about listing reputable sources for victims on the Title IX webpage. Newman was told no because of due process concerns, and she found the flat-out refusal to be strange. She believes on-campus awareness should go beyond the Title IX Canvas module required for class registration. Student needs might be addressed directly through programs like a student coalition to combat violence and work toward its prevention, Newman said. “When are we going to start demanding care out of these administrators and Title IX officials rather than routine, everyday compliance?” she said. @lilyannacollado lcollado@alligator.org

On college campuses, there is a vast history of sexual assault cases.

Campaign fund differences between gubernatorial candidates DONALDS, from pg. 1 the political party holding the presidency, make the environment beneficial for Jolly despite lower registration numbers and funding for Democrats. The next few weeks, Robbins said, are when campaigns should be transitioning from persuasion advertising to GOTV campaigns, especially considering early voting began Oct. 19. Facing a registration disadvantage, the GOTV campaign is more crucial for the Democrats because there are less votes to lose, she added. Alachua County Democrats Chair Tyler Foerst said the funding difference is part of a growing trend in Florida politics. “The best kept secret in Tallahassee is that Associated Industries run this state,” Foerst said. “It’s not the Senate, it’s not the House and it’s not the governor; it’s Associated Industries because they’re the headquarters for corporate giving in Florida.” Associated Industries is a nonprofit business association that advocates for corporate interests to the state government. Foerst added that Democrats across the state need to make up the difference on the ground. “The only way we can even begin to make up for that is through grassroots efforts,” Foerst said. “We’re fortunate to have a very strong grassroots doorknocking army. It remains to be seen how much that can overcome money.”

Alachua County Democrats are focused on meeting voters at their doorsteps to inform them about the election and Jolly’s candidacy, Foerst said. They also disperse cards that list all Democratic state candidates. Campaigners have also emphasized more traditional strategies, like mail, texting and phone banking. Florida has 67 counties, and Alachua County was one of just six that voted blue in the 2024 election. Foerst said Jolly often campaigns separately from his running mate, Gwen Graham, which Foerst believes reflects the campaign's efforts to make up for its financial disadvantage by maximizing manpower. Foerst believes Jolly is focusing on “earned media,” he added, which is publicity created by third parties like objective news articles, interviews and magazine features. Jackie Mitchell, a researcher with OpenSecrets, an organization focused on researching money in politics, said Donalds’ campaign has been bolstered by wealthy donors and committees. Nearly 20 billionaires have donated to Donalds’ campaign, she said, and contributions of more than $1 million account for one-third of Donalds’ fundraising. Meanwhile, Jolly has only five billionaire donors and two donations exceeding $1 million. Mitchell said Donalds has raised around $150 million, with his PAC pulling in

$131 million and a separate candidate committee raising $18 million. Donalds also holds a $33 million cash advantage, meaning he has $33 million more in liquid, usable funds. Donalds has also received millions from the gambling, artificial intelligence and prison industries. Notably, Donalds has received donations of $5.5 million from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and $3.5 million from the GEO Group, a private Floridabased prison corporation that designs and operates jails. Data center donors have directly contributed more than $6 million to Donalds’ campaign. Donalds has said he would force data centers to find private power and water sources instead of burdening taxpayers, although he previously supported their construction. At a University of Central Florida Turning Point USA event in September, Donalds said data center dollars won’t impact his governance. Donald added that the tens of thousands of diverse campaign donations allow him to not focus on what specific interest groups want. If elected, Jolly has promised to enact an immediate one-year moratorium on the construction of new data centers. Mitchell noted that Donalds has received funding for both his campaign and an affiliated PAC from the Realtors PAC. Associated with Florida Realtors, it donated $18 million to support the passage of Amendment 3, which would increase

the homestead exemption for property taxes in Florida. The Vote Yes on 3 political committee also donated $4 million to ORRA SGS Inc., a political consulting firm chaired by Pat Bainter. Bainter founded Gainesville-based political consulting firm Data Targeting in 1995. Nic Niemi, a 19-year-old UF computer engineering sophomore, said he didn’t see many advertisements from either candidate during the primaries but has seen an increase recently from both candidates, especially on major news networks like Fox News and CNN and during sporting events. Niemi has seen ads from both Republican and Democratic candidates, he said, but he doesn’t think TV advertisements are the best way to reach voters. “The best form of outreach would be in person,” Niemi said. “I don’t personally like the attack ads that have become more common.” Niemi said he’s seen a slew of advertisements that focus more on attacking opponents than outlining policy, a trend he hopes slows down as election day approaches. Early voting in Florida ends Oct. 31, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3. @logandmcbride lmcbride@alligator.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Column

Sex in the Swamp: Fact vs. fan fiction

efore I get canceled by every fandom: I love fan fiction. I’ve had an Archive of Our Own account far before I was supposed to. I’ve read everything from 300,000 words of slow burn to all sorts of dead doves, and I’ve written my own. Tonight, I will probably be doing just that. But for a lot of fanfic consumers, the first sexual education they received other than an awkward middle school biology class came from strangers’ explicit-tagged online literature. Unfortunately, most of those lessons have combined into a conglomeration of consistent misconceptions about sex. So, here’s a fact check delivered with love and personal experience. Is “squirting” real? “Squirt” has been a point of contention far before fan fiction, but online literature surely hasn’t helped. Sheets are drenched, partners in awe; it’s proof someone has been pleasured on a level previously undetermined by science. What science actually knows: The fluid comes from the bladder. Researchers discovered that the bladder quickly fills with diluted urine, which it then empties — a reaction some gynecologists posit is sped up by arousal. But there’s a plot twist: Vaginal ejaculate

is a thing, too. During or before an orgasm, a small amount of fluid is excreted from the Skene’s gland near the urethra. Chemically, it has more in common with prostate fluid — what semen is mostly made of — than urine. Not “squirting” from either source doesn’t mean anyone failed. As long as the fluids are celebrated and not shamed, having a good time is what matters. Where is the prostate? Fics have crazily skewed the prostate’s location. Things are “buried to the hilt” before someone hits “The Spot” right below the ribcage, at which point the bottom, the individual being penetrated, has a come-to-Jesus moment. In reality, the prostate is about 2 inches in. It sits on the front wall of the rectum, closer to the belly button than the spine. A curled finger often finds it more reliably than anything else. Angle beats depth almost every time. What is anal actually like? Speaking of anal sex, most bottoms aren’t hard during it. In fan fiction, we’re used to both partners aching, straining and throbbing during sex, but it’s completely normal not to be. Receiving means relaxing muscles that don’t love resistance, and the body gets

busy managing that. Erections come and go. What does hold true is that people can orgasm from prostate stimulation alone — without being fully hard. A soft penis isn’t a performance review. Real anal needs lube — far more than you think — and a very long warm-up with fingers or toys. Things coming in and out of the anus feel weird, so even slipping out needs to be slow. The sphincters relax with a lot of work and a lot of patience. Sex starts slowly A real boner killer is when characters go from “I’ve never done this before” to getting pounded in one sentence, maybe with a little spit for seasoning. Can it get enthusiastic eventually? For some people, sure. It starts slow, and it usually ends slow, but that isn’t always a bad thing. Often, it’s the whole point. In summary So, should we all log off and repent? Hell no. Fiction isn’t a manual for anything, and it rarely claims to be. Nobody opens an Omegaverse fic for anatomical accuracy. Fan fictions exaggerate the same reason action movies exaggerate explosions: the thrill. Fics still get a lot right. Fan fiction normalized aftercare long before most of us had

heard of the word. It made queer sex visible, tender and central when mainstream media barely let it exist on- or off-screen. Its tagging culture, where writers laReina Kates bel every work opinions@alligator.org with precise content warnings, is a consent-forward practice: Here’s exactly what’s inside, so opt-in or scroll past. Plenty of us have learned what we want — and what we don’t — from those tags before we ever experienced it ourselves. The trouble only starts when we bring the fiction to bed and feel broken because our bodies don’t match. If you didn’t squirt or orgasm, if you went soft, if it took two hours and an entire bottle of lube — congratulations. You had real sex with a real person. Keep reading, and keep writing. Just keep the lube and condoms on the nightstand where your favorite characters never seem to find them. Reina Kates is a 2026 UF wildlife ecology, law and English alumnus. Contact them at reinakc@gmail.com.

Column

It’s just a joke!

tand-up comedy has always pushed boundaries, forcing the audience to consider uncomfortable concepts through a humorous lens. Comedians use clever juxtaposition to mock societal norms and critique political controversies, encouraging audiences to view familiar issues with a fresh perspective. An ever popular topic to joke about amongst comedians is women, specifically their bodies and sexuality. While some may argue these jokes simply challenge gender norms, there comes a point where they are degrading. Calling it comedy does not erase the double standard and certainly does not excuse reinforcing the stereotypes women have spent decades fighting. On Oct. 10, comedian Shane Gillis performed a monologue on “Saturday Night Live.” During this stand-up, Gillis said, “I haven’t been to the gym in so long, I didn’t know

women just dressed like whores now.” The distasteful joke reinforces the stereotype of sexualizing women who are athletic or work out. Whether the joke came from a man or woman, it was misogynistic. It is important to recognize there are comedians who criticize sexism, and there are those who perpetuate it. Gillis is among the latter. The face of the joke doesn’t necessarily matter; it’s the reason why we are supposed to be laughing. The issue is not whether comedy can offend people; it’s what the joke asks the audience to accept as funny. The joke aimed to poke fun at women’s tight-fitting athletic clothing and suggests men, including Gillis, find it tempting. Not only does this joke make women feel uncomfortable, but it implies women choose to dress like “whores” and want to be sexualized at the gym. Women have fought to end the status quo of objectifying themselves on the basis of their clothes, making it somehow their own fault. Instead of condemning this concept, Gillis reinforces it. It is crucial to distinguish when a comedian’s joke challenges the double standards women face, or reinforces them. In 2015, comedian and actress Amy Schumer created a sketch criticizing Hollywood’s ageism against women. Schumer

used comedy to express women’s unattainable expectations to appear ageless. Rather than making older women the punchline, she directs the joke at the entertainment industry for measuring women’s worth by their attractiveness. Stand-up comedy is a way for us Ella Finkelstein to laugh at society — including ouropinions@alligator.org selves. But it should also be used to present concepts that should be questioned. A stand-up comedian has a certain power over the audience. In simple terms, the audience is trapped in a room and forced to hear a comedian’s opinion, through the delivery of jokes. Why not use this position as a chance to have the audience consider societal norms that should be challenged? Shane Gillis did not use his comedic position for the greater good and instead chose to degrade women. Hilarious. @Ellamfink efinkelstein@alligator.org

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator. The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

El Caimán

LUNES, 26 DE OCTUBRE DE 2026 www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman

Descontento hispano con el gobierno de Trump genera incertidumbre de cara a las elecciones VOTANTES DE LA FLORIDA EXPRESAN SUS OPINIONES ANTE LAS PRÓXIMAS ELECCIONES

Por Emily Medina-Finsen Escritora de El Caimán

Traducido por Vera Lucia Pappaterra Escritora de El Caimán

De cara a las elecciones de mitad de mandato del 3 de noviembre de 2026, los votantes hispanos de Florida evalúan la gestión del presidente Donald Trump frente a los asuntos que más les preocupan. Los votantes hispanos han desempeñado durante décadas un papel importante en la configuración del panorama político de Florida, donde representan aproximadamente el 29% de la población. Aunque encuestas recientes han generado dudas sobre su satisfacción con el gobierno actual, ese descontento no necesariamente se traducirá en un cambio de lealtad partidista. Una encuesta del New York Times indicó que los votantes latinos están comenzando a inclinarse más hacia las políticas y los candidatos del Partido Demócrata de cara a las elecciones de mitad de mandato. Sin embargo, los votantes hispanos de Florida no constituyen un bloque político homogéneo: sus preferencias varían según la región, los temas que consideran prioritarios y su afiliación partidista. Aun así, las elecciones presidenciales de 2024 registraron un importante respaldo latino al Partido Republicano. Según las proyecciones del Associated Press, Trump obtuvo el mayor porcentaje de votos latinos registrado por un candidato republicano en su victoria de 2024, con el 42% de ese electorado. Aubrey Jewett, profesor asociado y subdirector de la Escuela de Política, Seguridad y Asuntos Internacionales de la Universidad de Florida Central, señaló tres razones principales por las que considera que los votantes hispanos están reconsiderando su apoyo político: las difi-

cultades económicas, la inmigración y la falta de atención a los problemas más importantes. Trump hizo varias promesas de mejorar la economía, particularmente para reducir la inflación, que no se han cumplido, según Jewett. Los precios son más altos que cuando Trump asumió la presidencia. Añadió que muchos votantes pueden atribuir esta situación a los aranceles impuestos por el mandatario, que encarecen los productos para los consumidores estadounidenses. Jewett también señaló que los votantes hispanos están reconsiderando a quien respaldan debido al endurecimiento de las medidas del gobierno de Trump contra los inmigrantes indocumentados. Algunos votantes hispanos estaban dispuestos a apoyar una aplicación más estricta de las leyes migratorias porque consideraban que todas las personas debían cumplir las mismas normas, explicó Jewett. Sin embargo, añadió que las medidas migratorias del gobierno han ido más allá de las personas con antecedentes penales. Trump afirmó que quería deportar a “lo peor de lo peor”, en referencia a los inmigrantes indocumentados, pero, según la Associated Press, los datos muestran que sus operativos han tenido un alcance mucho mayor. En el condado de Alachua, 27 personas han sido detenidas por agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) desde el 27 de agosto. “La ofensiva ha sido tan amplia, tan dura y ha abarcado a tantas personas que ha ido mucho más allá de quienes habían cometido delitos”, afirmó. “Están deteniendo a muchas personas que llevan años aquí, trabajando y tratando de mantener a sus familias”. Además, Trump parece no prestar atención a los asuntos que preocupan a la mayoría de los ciudadanos, como la situación económica, dijo Jewett. En cambio, parece estar concentrado en renovar un salón de baile, construir un arco en Washington D. C. y terminar una piscina cerca del National Mall, proyectos que, según Jewett, no son tan importantes como reducir la inflación, gestionar las relaciones internacionales y bajar los precios de la gasolina. Mientras aumentan las dudas sobre si los hispanos que apoyaron a Trump en 2024 re-

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El voto hispano se inclina hacia los demócratas ante el descontento con las políticas migratorias de Trump, lo que podría cambiar el panorama electoral. considerarán su postura política, los organizadores políticos locales observan cómo estas preocupaciones podrían influir en las actitudes del electorado. David Flores, presidente de la sección del condado de Alachua del Caucus Hispano Demócrata de Florida, afirmó que ha observado una creciente frustración entre los votantes hispanos de la comunidad. Flores aseguró que tiene amigos cubanos de tendencia republicana que han expresado su descontento con el partido. Algunos incluso han manifestado que apoyarán a los demócratas en las próximas elecciones, agregó. “Cuando hablo con alguien de la comunidad, me habla de inmigración, del precio de la gasolina y del costo de los seguros. La inmigración es lo que más les impacta”, dijo Flores. En Florida, particularmente, el costo de vida está fuera de control, dijo Flores, y es otra de las preocupaciones principales del electorado. Según explicó, la insatisfacción con las políticas del Partido Republicano podría llevar a algunos votantes hispanos a acercarse a los demócratas, aunque no necesariamente estén de acuerdo con todas sus propuestas. Sin embargo, Flores reconoció que el descontento que ha escuchado no significa necesariamente que esos votantes abandonarán el Partido Republicano, ni permite anticipar los resultados de las elecciones de mitad de mandato.

Barbara Casanova, secretaria de la Asamblea Nacional Republicana Hispana y fundadora de HispanicsVote.org, afirmó que, aunque también ha encontrado frustración entre votantes republicanos, considera que la mayoría mantendrá su respaldo al partido. Nacida en Miami de padres inmigrantes cubanos, Casanova se crió rodeada de política y mantuvo un vínculo cercano con la experiencia migratoria en Washington D. C. Casanova dijo que ambos extremos del espectro político están polarizados en las redes sociales, donde se difunden las posturas más radicales de cada sector. Según Casanova, algunos republicanos de toda la vida han expresado su descontento con el movimiento Make America Great Again, o “Hacer a Estados Unidos grande otra vez”. “Creo que cuando existe ese tipo de ideología extrema, esa repetición constante de discursos, puede resultar contraproducente porque no necesariamente fomenta la unidad, y me gustaría ver un poco más de unión”, dijo Casanova. Añadió que, aunque la retórica política puede dividir a los votantes, las preocupaciones económicas cotidianas siguen siendo su prioridad. Los problemas que afectan a los hispanos son los mismos que preocupan al resto del electorado, explicó Casanova: el precio de la gasolina, los alimentos y el acceso a viviendas asequibles. Considera que el gobierno esperaba que la situación mejorará más rápidamente. No obstante, Casanova aseguró que no ha observado un cambio de afiliación partidista entre los votantes hispanos. John Morante, nacido en Nueva York de padres inmigrantes colombianos, se mudó a Florida desde California en 2022. Creció mientras varios miembros de su familia obtenían la ciudadanía estadounidense. Lee el resto en línea en alligator.org/section/elcaiman. @EmilyMedFinZ27 emedina-finsen@alligator.org

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue

FOOD & DRINK

5 fall favorites at Trader Joe’s THESE SEASONAL FINDS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO CRAVE By Katharine Litman Avenue Staff Writer

As the temperature begins to drop in Gainesville, Trader Joe’s fall lineup offers the tastes of the season. Shoppers can enjoy everything from limited-edition pumpkin Belgian waffles to a sweet and salty snack mix. Here are five seasonal tastes worth trying before they’re off the shelves.

1. Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs

For Pirate’s Booty lovers, this snack offers the perfect twist to the familiar corn and rice puffs. The maple flavor has the perfect hint of sweetness but isn’t overpowering. That sweetness reminded me of a cinnamon roll, and its faint taste made it easy to eat an entire bag in one sitting. If you’re looking for a not-so-sweet sweet treat, this is the perfect mess-free, vegan and gluten-free snack to enjoy this fall. 2. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This frozen pasta dish is sweet,

savory, a little bit cinnamony and has a perfect amount of cheese. Mezzi rigatoni pasta is drenched in a creamy béchamel and butternut squash purée. The sauce is blended with Gouda, cheddar and parmesan cheeses and seasoned with sage, nutmeg and thyme. This dish took me almost 30 minutes to cook, but I wasted no time enjoying it. Its rich and creamy texture felt light on the stomach but perfectly filling. If you’re looking for a savory fall dish, this is it. Whether you’re making it in the microwave or on a stovetop, it’s indulgent either way.

3. Pumpkin Brioche Twist

Although I am not the biggest fan of pumpkin, the Trader Joe’s pumpkin brioche twist has the perfect tang and pinch of pumpkin. The pre-sliced loaf makes it easy to enjoy the snack in moderation, or use it for toast and sandwiches. The pumpkin flavor is not too strong, and it complements the cinnamon to make a perfect fall breakfast. If you’re looking for a stronger pumpkin flavor, I’d recommend combining the brioche with Trader Joe’s pumpkin and spice caramel sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor. This cold foam combines salted caramel and cinnamon, making it the perfect latte delicacy. While

it’s definitely on the sweeter side, it could pair perfectly with espresso or cold brew and a splash of milk. The balance of sweet maple with a hint of salt gives the coffee a cozy, fall-inspired flavor without the need for extra syrups. It comes in a whipped-creamstyle bottle, making it super easy to add on top of your coffee. The foam adds a creamy texture and makes your everyday coffee order feel more like a seasonal coffee shop drink. Read the rest online at alligator. org/section/the_avenue. @katealligator klitman@alligator.org

LOCAL BUSINESS

The Bull turns to local support to stay open through financial struggle THE MUSIC VENUE AND COMMUNITY SPACE LOST REVENUE DURING THE STREATERY CONSTRUCTION By Brandy Sumner Avenue Staff Writer

Inside The Bull, patrons will find an intimate space filled with everything from nautical-themed decorations to a revolving display of local art. Almost every night, the bar is occupied with some event or show, ranging from trivia to indie and punk musicians. The Bull opened in January 2011, making it one of the oldest living music venues in Gainesville. After 15 years, the bar now faces economic hardship from a steep decline in

Men’s basketball

customers due to the recent opening of The Streatery. Work on The Streatery began in April, and The Bull, located on Southwest First Avenue, spent months in the center of that construction. Its monthly revenue fell by an average of 32%. The Bull relies on customers who stumble upon it, said Jacob Larson, the bar’s 50-yearold owner. Construction made it difficult for people to find the building, he added. The Streatery construction was scheduled for the slower Summer season to reduce the impact on local businesses, wrote Rick Smith, the director of the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, in an email to The Alligator. A city analysis showed pedestrian activity in the area dropped nearly 20% between March and August, Smith wrote. The City Manager’s Office, Public Works,

The Gators rank at the top of the Associated Press’ preseason poll. Read more on page 11.

Wild Spaces and Public Places and Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area have been meeting with affected businesses since early 2026, he added. The city offered The Streatery Improvement Grant as an option for nearby businesses impacted by its construction. The grant would give nearby businesses up to $50,000 to address exterior improvements like landscaping or improvements to signs and windows, but it doesn’t directly address the financial burden caused by business loss. On Oct. 2, The Bull posted a fundraiser link to its Instagram page asking community members to help the venue get back on its feet. “We’re still at a spot where it was just not going to be possible without putting out the bat signal,” Larson said. As of Oct. 25, the bar has raised about

$34,000 of its $40,000 goal. Larson believes The Streatery’s projected completion should bring an increase of business to the bar and downtown area, he said, helping it stay open. “[I have] an indescribable amount of gratitude towards the community that has participated in this experiment and been friends over the years,” Larson said. Larson took over The Bull in 2014 after previously working as a community pastor at The Vineyard. The work inspired him to create a brickand-mortar place to create cultural richness in Gainesville, he said. Read the rest online at alligator.org/ section/the_avenue. bsumner@alligator.org

The Alligator’s arts and culture reporting is made possible with the support of the Brian Doherty Fund.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 www.alligator.org/section/sports

MEN'S BASKETBALL

Thomas Haugh receives AP Preseason All-America honors HAUGH IS THE THIRD GATOR TO RECEIVE THIS HONOR By Jeffrey Serber Sports Writer

Florida basketball continues to earn some of the nation's highest honors ahead of the 2026-27 season. After the Gators were named the AP preseason No. 1 team Oct. 19, Florida senior forward Thomas Haugh received AllAmerica preseason honors from the Associated Press Oct. 21. Haugh is the third Gator to receive this honor after teammate Alex Condon (2025-26) and Joakim Noah (2006-7). Haugh was a key asset for Florida's frontcourt, which was among the most dominant in college basketball last season. He’s coming off a junior season in which he averaged a team-high 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He finished the year with All-SEC First Team honors. Haugh has received plenty of preseason recognition

after forgoing the NBA Draft on April 21 and returning to Florida for his senior season. “It was an amazing decision that was in front of me either way I chose,” Haugh said at SEC Tipoff ‘27. “Eventually, it was these guys coming back … Just that ability to have another year to go try to cut down a net was huge for me.” On Oct. 13, Haugh was named Southeastern Conference Preseason Player of the Year and made the conference’s preseason first team. In Florida’s exhibition game Oct. 18 against Baylor, Haugh recorded a team-high 19 points on 4-of-13 shooting from the field. He also tacked on five rebounds, two steals, one assist and a block in 39 minutes. With these accolades heightening the expectations for Haugh and Florida, the Gators will open their season against Miami Nov. 2 in Tampa after an exhibition game against Stetson Oct. 27. @JeffreySerber Jserber@alligator.org

Noah Lantor // Alligator Staff

Florida forward Thomas Haugh (10) drives on Baylor forward Isaac Celiscar (8) during the first half of an NCAA men's basketball exhibition game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.

SOCCER

Florida’s freshmen offer glimpse of program’s future under Nick Zimmerman THE GATORS’ NO. 11 RECRUITING CLASS IS MAKING AN EARLY IMPACT By Zach Moore Sports Writer

Florida soccer’s Southeastern Conference campaign has been a roller coaster marked by remarkable triumphs — including two upset victories — and difficult losses with promising performances. With one conference match left, the Gators have plenty to reflect on — including the impact of their freshman class. Florida’s eight freshmen have logged significant minutes this season, offering an early glimpse of the standard established by first-year head coach Nick Zimmerman. Following the Gators’ second upset victory of the season, a 1-0 win over then-No. 5 Alabama, Zimmerman emphasized the experience his

young players brought to the program. “I think it’s a testament to their level of experience already,” he said. “Incredibly encouraging for sure.” One of the biggest questions surrounding Florida entering the season was the strength of its back line. The Gators conceded six goals across their first two matches, but freshman defender Lael Hill has since emerged as a reliable presence alongside junior center back Skye Barnes. Hill didn’t start in either of Florida’s first two matches against UCF and Coastal Carolina but has started 11 of the Gators’ 14 matches since, including every SEC contest before her injury. Her impact was particularly evident in Alabama’s upset. With just 93 seconds remaining, Hill delivered the assist on senior forward Lena Bailey’s game-winning goal, securing one of the Gators’ biggest victories of the season. Following her performance, Hill earned a spot on the Women's Team

of the Week Oct. 13, further cementing her emergence as a key contributor in Florida’s defensive unit. However, Hill’s promising freshman campaign hit a setback when she suffered an injury in the second half of Florida’s 3-0 loss to thenNo. 3 Vanderbilt. She has remained sidelined since, leaving the Gators without one of their most dependable young defenders as the regular season draws to a close. Freshman fullback Carlota Martins has also emerged as a reliable presence on Florida’s back line. The Granollers, Spain, native is no stranger to high-level competition, having made 10 appearances for Spain’s youth national teams at the under-15 through under-17 levels. Martins also trained in FC Barcelona’s youth academy, one of the world’s premier development programs, and has carried that experience into her collegiate career. After beginning the season on the bench, she made her first collegiate start in Florida’s SEC home opener against Texas on Sept. 24. She has started

every match at left back since, reflecting Zimmerman’s growing trust in the freshman. Freshman Iori Watanabe has been a vital contributor to Florida’s midfield while adjusting to life in the U.S. “She’s an incredible human being,” Zimmerman said after Florida’s 3-2 win over Coastal Carolina on Aug. 20. “A lot of people don’t realize how hard it is to go to a new country, speak a new language, literally new football.” The Osaka, Japan, native scored her first collegiate goal in Florida’s 6-0 victory over Jacksonville on Aug. 27 and continues to grow into her midfield role. Joining Watanabe in the midfield is freshman Mia Gray. Ranked No. 182 overall in TopDrawerSoccer’s 2026 signing class, Gray graduated from high school early to train with Florida in the spring. Gray has started all but one match this season, recording three assists and serving as the Gators’ primary corner kick taker.

Midfielder Courtney Hogan also graduated from high school early to join the Gators, navigating the transition to college alongside Gray. “I think Courtney played a huge role in being able to function individually by myself,” Gray said. “It was such a really good thing that I went down early because I think I learned so much.” Hogan’s breakthrough came in the 30th minute against Auburn on Oct. 22. She received a pass from senior Zoe Main while unmarked in the penalty area and scored her first collegiate goal. The Gators rank No. 11 in the conference, anticipating their date with rival Georgia at Donald R. Dizney Stadium on Nov. 1. A win would bolster their chances to make the NCAA Tournament, while a defeat would more than likely force them to win a match in the SEC Tournament.

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MEN'S BASKETBALL

Caroline Walsh // Alligator Staff

Florida forward Thomas Haugh is interviewed by ESPN’s Kris Budden after clinching the SEC regular season title by defeating Arkansas 111-77 in an NCAA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Florida reflects on Baylor loss, prepares for Stetson exhibition THE GATORS LOST 82-76 TO THE BEARS IN AN EXHIBITION GAME OCT. 18 By Jeffrey Serber Sports Writer

Heading into the 2026-27 season as the perceived No. 1 team in the country, Florida basketball had an early wake-up call. Despite the hype, which was later justified by the Gators’ No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press preseason poll, they looked far from the best team in the nation in their first exhibition game. On Oct. 18, Florida fell 82-76 to Baylor in overtime. “We're always going to be a team that plays hard, but I want us to compete and compete the right way," Florida head coach Todd Golden said. “We got to compete smarter, and if we do that, I think we'll be all right." With Florida set to face Stetson Oct. 27 in the final exhibition game, Golden addressed the media Oct. 21, outlining how the Gators can sharpen up before their season opener Nov. 2 against No. 14 Miami in Tampa. One of the biggest concerns from the Oct. 18 game was the team’s shooting from beyond the arc, something the Gators struggled with last season. The Gators finished last season 317th of 361 nationally in 3-point shooting, going 31.2% from 3-point range. Against Baylor, Florida shot 4-of-29 (13.8%) from deep. Fifth-year guard Denzel Aberdeen, who shot 36.3% from beyond the arc last season, was 0-for-10. Reigning SEC Sixth Man of the Year Urban Klavžar, who shot 40.6% from 3 last season, was 0-for-5 from deep. “Those two guys have a long track record of being good shooters,” Golden said. “I'm going to trust those guys to step up and make shots. I think they will. They've proven to do it

before.” Thomas Haugh, Boogie Fland and AJ Brown were the only Gators to connect from the 3-point line Oct. 18, with Haugh making 2 of 6 attempts. Florida also struggled at the free-throw line, going 22-for35 (62.9%). Senior forward Alex Condon was 1-for-6 from the line. Another concern for Florida was its production off the bench. The Gators head into the season with two well-established pieces in Isaiah Brown and Klavžar. While sophomore forward CJ Ingram is expected to come off Florida’s bench this season, he missed Oct. 18’s exhibition due to back issues. With Ingram sidelined, Golden gave the nod to Isaiah’s older brother, AJ. The fifth-year transfer guard, who left Ohio for UF, missed all of last season in Gainesville with a shoulder injury. He logged three rebounds, an assist and a block in the scrimmage, shooting 1-for-3 from the 3-point line. Still, the Gators’ bench was outperformed. Baylor finished the night with a 33-3 bench-point advantage. Florida’s bench shot a combined 1-for-14 from the field. The only converted bench field goal was an AJ Brown 3-pointer that gave UF a 4544 lead with 11:11 to go in the second half. Given Oct. 18’s bench performance, Golden said he’s open to giving some other players a chance against Stetson. “We need more from them, to be honest,” Golden said. “I need a couple more to step up and make us feel comfortable about putting them in the game.” Ingram’s back injury is lasting longer than expected, Golden said. No surgery was required, and Golden said Oct. 21 that Ingram is close to being cleared. “We need him to get back on the floor,” Golden said. “We need him to get back in shape. He's got some time before he can get back. If anyone can do it, it can be him.”

Golden could look to include Alex Lloyd, Domen Petrovic and Artūras Butajevas. Junior center Viktor Mikić played one minute against Baylor, making him another option if Golden wants to rest his bigs. Another issue from the Oct. 18 contest, Golden said, was Florida’s inability to defend without fouling. All five of Florida’s starters recorded at least three personal fouls, with Haugh having a team-high five. Rueben Chinyelu and Fland each had four. Golden said getting in foul trouble early can put Florida in a tough spot given its style of play. “We play physical,” Golden said. “We're gonna have a moving screen here and there. We're gonna have a rebounding foul here and there.” Despite his foul issues, Haugh was one of the Gators’ few bright spots. The senior forward recorded five rebounds, two steals, an assist, a block and a team-high 19 points. He also made 9-of-10 free-throw attempts. Still, Golden said he acknowledges Haugh has areas to improve, especially in how he will play both small forward and power forward throughout games. “I’m always going to expect a lot from him, from now until the rest of the year,” Golden said. Those expectations may be amplified further after Haugh was named an AP Preseason All-American Oct. 21, becoming the third Gator in program history to receive the honor. With Sunday’s loss in the rearview mirror, Florida will look to fine-tune its mistakes against Stetson Oct. 27 in Gainesville at 7 p.m. “I expect us to play hard, and I expect us to execute,” Golden said. @JeffreySerber Jserber@alligator.org

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12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026

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