GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida’s Exactech Arena will host a nationally televised gymnastics showdown Friday evening as the No. 5 Florida Gators face off against the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners in the 20th annual Gators Link to Pink meet. The competition, set to begin at 6:45 p.m. And broadcast on ESPN2, is a highlight of the college gymnastics season and a significant event in breast cancer awareness efforts.
Gates to the Stephen C. O’Connell Center will open at 5:30 p.m., allowing fans to participate in pre-meet activities focused on breast cancer prevention and treatment. The Gators Link to Pink meet is part of a broader Southeastern Conference initiative, with many league teams hosting similar events this season. Both teams will compete wearing pink attire to demonstrate support for the cause.
UF Health will provide a pink t-shirt for every attendee, and breast cancer survivors will be honored on the floor exercise area before the competition begins.
The meet features a compelling matchup between two of the nation’s top programs. Oklahoma has consistently ranked among the elite, holding a 13-6-1 record against Florida in their 20 meetings since 2013. However, the Gators have previously defeated the Sooners in the O’Connell Center when Oklahoma was ranked No. 1 and defending NCAA champion, having done so in both 2018 and 2014.
Oklahoma has posted the three highest team totals of the 2026 season, with scores of 198.425, 198.20, and 198.175. Florida’s season-best score of 198.05, achieved in their last home meet on January 30th, ranks fifth nationally.
Last Friday, the Gators suffered a 197.20-196.50 loss at Missouri. Florida struggled on the uneven bars, posting a season-low 48.475. EMjae Frazier and Kayla DiCello each earned a 9.90 on the event, leading the Gators. Florida rebounded with a 49.25 on vault, highlighted by scores of 9.90 from Danie Ferris and 9.95 from Selena Harris-Miranda, the latter being Harris-Miranda’s third win of the season. The Gators continued to improve with a 49.325 on floor, again led by Ferris and Harris-Miranda with scores of 9.90. They finished strong on beam, scoring a 49.425, with DiCello matching her season-best of 9.95 to share the event win, and Harris-Miranda posting a 9.90.
Fans attending the meet are encouraged to arrive early, with parking available in the O’Connell Center lot and a complimentary shuttle service operating from Garage 109. The O’Connell Center is now a cashless venue, accepting credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Cash can be exchanged for gift cards at concession stand 222. In addition to the competition, attendees will receive a 2026 Gators Gymnastics season poster, schedule magnet, and 10.0 fan cards upon entry at Gate 1. An O2B Kid’s Corner will offer free giveaways and activities for children.
The meet will be called by Olympians Sam Peszek, Aly Raisman, and John Roethlisberger, with sideline reports from Taylor Davis.
