Former Florida center Micah Handlogten commits to SEC rival Ole Miss

Former Florida center Micah Handlogten has found a new home, although his return to college basketball still depends on receiving another year of eligibility.

Handlogten has committed to Ole Miss, according to multiple reports, giving the 7-foot-1-inch big man a chance to remain in the SEC after spending the past three seasons with the Gators. He entered the transfer portal in April following Florida's 2025-26 season.

One question surrounding Handlogten's eligibility is whether he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz. There are conflicting reports on whether Handlogten actually put pen to paper, which could hurt his case for a return to the college ranks.

Before coming to Florida, Handlogten spent his freshman year at Marshall, where he averaged 7.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game and was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.

He played in all three seasons he was with the Florida Gators , but a gruesome broken leg suffered in the 2024 SEC Tournament championship game kept him out for most of the following 2024-25 season. He gave up his redshirt to return in February and help Florida's frontcourt while Alex Condon dealt with an injury.

Handlogten appeared in 34 games for Florida last season, averaging 4.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 14.8 minutes per game. He spent most of the season backing up Rueben Chinyelu but remained an important piece of Todd Golden's frontcourt rotation. He finished his Florida career with 83 appearances and 34 starts over three seasons.

Ole Miss landed Handlogten over NC State and Southern California . If his eligibility bid is successful, Handlogten won't have to wait long to see his former team. Ole Miss is scheduled to visit Florida in late February, setting up a potential return to the O'Connell Center for a player who helped the Gators capture the 2025 national championship.