On May 21, 2025, the University of Florida’s men’s basketball team, fresh off their 2025 NCAA championship victory, was honored at the White House by President Donald Trump. The event, celebrating the Gators’ third basketball title and their remarkable 36-4 season, was a moment of pride for Gator Nation. However, the spotlight also shone brightly on a familiar figure from Florida’s storied athletic history: legendary quarterback Tim Tebow, whose presence at the ceremony sparked effusive praise from the President, who called him “maybe the best college football player ever” and a “serial winner.”
The Gators’ visit was a celebration of their nail-biting championship win, a testament to their resilience under coach Todd Golden. Trump, addressing a packed East Room, recounted key moments from the Gators’ title game, particularly praising Alijah Martin’s clutch free throws that sealed the victory with 46.5 seconds left. “Lesser teams would have crumbled,” Trump declared, noting Florida’s unique achievement as the only school with three NCAA titles in both basketball and football. Amid the festivities, Trump spotted Tebow, a two-time national champion (2006, 2008) and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, and invited him to the stage for a special tribute.
Tebow, a University of Florida icon, was in Washington, D.C., advocating for the Renewed Hope Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at combating online child sexual exploitation. His presence at the White House event, alongside Florida alumni like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, underscored his enduring influence. Trump, a self-professed fan, lauded Tebow’s college career, where he threw 88 touchdown passes and ran for 57 more, leading the Gators to BCS titles under coach Urban Meyer. “Nobody did that,” Trump said, emphasizing Tebow’s unmatched results. He even took a playful jab at the New York Jets, Tebow’s former NFL team, saying, “You did damn well in the pros, despite being on the Jets.”
The ceremony was filled with lighthearted moments. Trump, presented with an autographed basketball and a No. 47 Gators jersey, quipped about wanting to be coach Golden’s agent, praising the 39-year-old’s leadership. The White House band played Tom Petty’s “Free Falling,” though some noted “I Won’t Back Down” would have been more fitting for the Gators’ fourth-quarter anthem. The event drew a large crowd of Florida fans, including former punter Tommy Townsend’s father, creating a festive atmosphere described as “packed like sardines.”
Tebow’s appearance resonated deeply with Gator Nation. His legacy, defined by a 66% completion rate, 9,285 passing yards, and 2,947 rushing yards, remains a benchmark for Florida quarterbacks like current star DJ Lagway, who joined Tebow on the leaked cover of EA Sports’ College Football 26. Trump’s praise, echoed by posts on X calling Tebow “the best to ever do it,” reaffirmed his status as a college football titan.
- The Gators’ White House visit was more than a championship celebration; it was a moment to honor Florida’s athletic legacy, with Tebow’s presence bridging past and present glory. As Trump concluded, “Go Gators; we love you in Florida,” the room erupted, a fitting tribute to a team and a legend who embody resilience and excellence.
