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University of Florida marching band restores Gator Bait cheer at season opener

5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 1:14 AM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

University of Florida marching band restores Gator Bait cheer at season opener
Summary

The University of Florida marching band performed the Gator Bait cheer during the first quarter of the 2026 season opener against Florida Atlantic at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. This marks the return of the chant following a six-year ban implemented in June 2020 by former president Kent Fuchs. The phrase was previously prohibited due to concerns regarding historic racist imagery and its use as a derogatory slur. Lawrence Wright, who popularized the cheer during the 1995 season, previously voiced opposition to the ban, characterizing it as a component of school spirit rather than a racial statement. Current University of Florida president Stuart Bell signaled an openness to reinstating the cheer earlier this year, citing its significance to the university community. The band played the chant while fans participated during the game against the Owls.

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Status Watch
  • •The Florida marching band performed the Gator Bait cheer during the season opener.
  • •The phrase was banned in June 2020 by former president Kent Fuchs.
  • •University of Florida president Stuart Bell previously expressed interest in restoring the tradition.
  • •Lawrence Wright popularized the cheer after a victory over Florida State in 1995.
Latest Updates
  • 1:59 AMESPN — Florida revives 'gator bait' cheer 6 years after ban
  • 12:41 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Gator Bait’ cheer returns to the Swamp during Jon Sumrall’s UF debut
  • 12:16 AMYahoo Sports — Florida revives 'gator bait' cheer 6 years after it was banned because of 'racist imagery'
  • 12:11 AMYahoo Sports — Florida football brings back Gator Bait cheer for season opener vs Florida Atlantic
What they're saying
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The University of Florida revived its “gator bait” cheer Saturday night during its season opener, bringing it back more than six years after the school banned it because of "horrific historic racist imagery” associated with the phrase. New school president Stuart Bell said in June that “traditions matter” and hinted that the cheer could return because “it's meaningful to the Gator family.” It returned to the Swamp early in the first quarter against Florida Atlantic — and was welcomed with a raucous reception.

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GAINESVILLE — Florida’s “Gator Bait” cheer returned from a six-year hiatus following the first touchdown of the Jon Sumrall era. During the opening quarter of Saturday night’s season opener against Florida Atlantic, fans responded to a once-familiar cue from the school band with words the university ended in June 2020 because of concerns about possible racial undertones. New school president ...

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Florida's "gator bait" cheer, banned in 2020 over concerns about possible racial undertones, returned to the Swamp early in the first quarter of Saturday's season opener against Florida Atlantic.

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