During the University of Florida’s season-opening football game against Florida Atlantic, the school’s marching band and fans revived the 'gator bait' cheer. The chant, which involves fans mimicking an alligator's jaw with their arms, had been officially banned by the university in 2020. At the time of the ban, university officials cited concerns that the phrase and associated imagery could be linked to historical racist tropes regarding the treatment of Black children in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the university has not issued a formal statement explaining the decision to reverse the policy, the return of the cheer marks a significant shift in game-day traditions. The cheer was a staple of Florida football culture for decades before the 2020 decision. The reinstatement has sparked renewed discussion regarding the balance between long-standing athletic traditions and the university's commitment to addressing historical racial sensitivities. As of now, the university has not clarified whether the return of the cheer is a permanent policy change or an isolated event.