JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the University of Florida’s recent national championship run, the school has made history as the first to secure three football and three men’s basketball championships.
Studies show that athletic success can influence prospective students’ decisions. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Flutie Effect,” is named after Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie, whose Hail Mary pass led to a victory over Miami. Following that win, applications surged by 16% and 12% in the subsequent years.
According to admission data, before UF’s first men’s basketball championship in 2006, total applicants numbered around 22,000. After winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007, applications for fall 2008 rose to around 27,500.
After snagging their third NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, fans of the orange and blue took to the streets. Thousands of fans chanted and sang in unison in honor of their classmates reaching the top of the college basketball world.
“It’s really great. I love seeing the excitement from everyone,” Madelyn Bliss said. “It definitely brings in the vibes for sure.”
Bliss is a sophomore at Fletcher High School.
Just a day after the pandemonium in Gainesville, the Gator Club of Jacksonville hosted its Connect 2 Campus event.
It was a chance for high school students to learn more about life on campus.
When asked if the championship has any impact on her desire to attend UF, Bliss said, “Oh, for sure. It highlights all the excitement around athletics and student life. Everyone was super excited, and it really opened my eyes.”
Many of the students who attended the Connect 2 Campus event said they have been lifelong Gators fans, but many around the country are still exploring their options.
UF staff members at the event anticipate a slight increase in applications following the championship. The game between Florida and Houston attracted about 18 million viewers on average, the highest since 2019.
Cynthia Humphrey, president of the Gator Club of Jacksonville, noted the significance of the university’s athletic success.
“Winning shows that our university is prominent and at the top tier of all universities in the country,” Humphrey said. “Our top-tier sports teams make students want to attend UF and be part of that pride.”