Florida revived its “Gator Bait” chant at the season opener against Florida Atlantic, bringing back a tradition that had been banned for more than six years because of racist imagery tied to the phrase.

The return took place at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in the first quarter of the 2026 opener, as debates about the chant’s history and meaning continue among the Gator Nation.

The revival marks the first on-field use of the chant since the 2019 season, signaling a reframe of the tradition under the current administration.

The piece presents differing perspectives, including input from the Daily Kos Black community, highlighting ongoing discussions about how to confront historical associations in current traditions.

Bell stressed on 1010XL that there are important conversations about the chant and its meaning for the university community.

UF had previously eliminated DEI positions in 2024 and redirected DEI funds after a state rule, a context that forms part of the broader institutional backdrop to Bell’s presidency.

The college’s DEI framework has been shaped by state policy changes, including the 2024 removal of DEI roles and the redirection of funding toward a faculty recruitment fund.

The wider campus context includes leadership shifts and DEI debates as background to the chant’s reinstatement amid evolving governance.

Contextual notes point to broader campus leadership dynamics and DEI debates that intersect with sports traditions and controversy.

The national reckoning on race, sparked by George Floyd’s murder, frames the controversy around the chant and whether tradition should supersede calls for inclusive values.

The ban followed the national conversation on race, with mixed reactions about whether the chant is a longstanding tradition or inherently racist, and the 2026 revival adds to that debate.

Video of the chant during the first quarter, captured by Noah Ram and shared on X, helped propel the moment into viral visibility.