Billy Napier earns vote of confidence as Gators head to Texas (Ep. 254)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Release Date: 11/08/2024
Denzel Aberdeen’s exodus spotlights college basketball’s transfer portal pandemonium (Ep. 277)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Fresh off a national championship, Todd Golden turned his attention to restocking his roster and completing his coaching staff. Yet, Golden did not expect Denzel Aberdeen to become part of the equation. Instead, the Orlando native and member of Golden’s first UF team three seasons ago entered the transfer portal for a bigger payday and, presumably, a better opportunity at SEC rival Kentucky. Aberdeen’s about-face is a sign of the times. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar wonder what it says about the state of college sports, the sustainability of the current system and how...
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A springtime celebration in the Swamp for football and basketball programs (Ep. 276)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida’s spring football game also became one last chance to celebrate newly minted national champions in men’s basketball. On a picturesque day in Gainesville, a reported crowd of 56,563, the largest since Tim Tebow’s final spring game, came out to cheer Todd Golden’s Gators and see whether Billy Napier’s program is getting closer to competing for one. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark have plenty to chat about, including some quick thoughts on a wild Masters Sunday during a memorable two-weekend stretch. Basketball team honored (:00) Todd Golden contract (2:27)...
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Gators return to Gainesville conquering heroes with national title in hand (Ep.275)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Todd Golden’s squad saved its best for last, staging yet another comeback - its fourth in six NCAA Tournament games - to capture the school’s third national title in men’s basketball. Along the way, Golden established himself as a rising star, while Walter Clayton became the darling of the Big Dance to win Most Outstanding Player honors and position himself as a potential first round NBA Draft pick. Three national titles and five Final Fours since 2000 also put the Gators in the conversation of the best basketball programs of the millennium. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar...
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Gators San Antonio-bound for Final Four after a heartstopper by the Bay (Ep. 274)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida is heading to the Final Four for the first time since 2014 after a stunning comeback against Texas Tech in San Francisco. All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. once again led the way with another scintillating performance during perhaps the greatest comeback in Gators sports history. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark catch up about the UF’s remarkable run under Todd Golden, Clayton’s rise to stardom and what it will take for the Gators to bring home their first national title since 2007. Greatest comeback in school history (0:00) Thomas Haugh comes through...
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Gators arrive in San Francisco for Sweet 16 as national title push continues (Ep. 273)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida traveled cross-country two days after ousting two-time defending national UConn in the NCAA Tournament to keep alive the Gators’ championship dream. Next up, a date with Maryland in the Sweet 16. The Terps are tough and talented, but the Gators are deeper and just might have the most confident player in the Big Dance - All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss Todd Golden’s emotional return to the Bay Area and what it’ll take for the Gators to keep dancing into the Elite Eight. Coming from San Francisco (0:00) Todd Golden...
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Gators dancing as No. 1 seed following SEC Tournament dominance (Ep. 272)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida earned a top seed in the NCAA Tournament after their first SEC Tournament title since 2014, the last time the Gators reached the Final Four. Todd Golden’s team is poised for a deep run after rising to the top of a conference with a record 14 bids to the Big Dance. But upsets and Cinderella stories abound during what is arguably the most riveting event in sports. On the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark have great expectations as the Gators begin pursuit of a national championship. How good is this team? (0:00) Setting the tone out of the gate (3:49) Making a case for Florida...
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Gators head to SEC Tournament seeking coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAAs, Week 2 of spring football DJ Lagway-less Gators (Ep. 271)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida aims to secure a top seed in the Big Dance at the conference tournament. History says it’s the best path to a national title. Todd Golden’s team is SEC’s No. 2 seed and riding a wave of momentum after one of the best regular seasons in school history. Billy Napier’s Gators, on the other hand, are amid spring practices without star quarterback DJ Lagway able to throw the ball. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the prospects of Golden’s Gators and Lagway’s health, along with a jam-packed spring sports calendar. Path to No. 1 seed (0:00) Inside track to...
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Gators’ push for No. 1 seed jeopardized, football staff changes continue, Norman Dale dies (Ep. 270)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
lorida’s no-show at Georgia against former coach Mike White was the ultimate head-scratcher during a special season. Todd Golden’s Gators enter the final stretch of the regular season pushing to regain their mojo and momentum. With spring football a week away, Billy Napier continues to make staff moves on the offensive side of the ball. Will fresh ideas follow? Meanwhile, Mark and Edgar discuss a jam-packed spring sports calendar and pay homage to acting legend Gene Hackman, leading to a discussion of best all-time sports movies during the latest Swamp Things. Basketball: Not hitting...
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No. 2 Gators ‘24s beginning to rival ‘04s as Florida steamrolls toward March Madness (Ep. 269)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida has risen to No. 2 in the poll, rides a five-game winning streak and has rekindled memories of the ‘04s. Todd Golden’s Gators have much work ahead but are primed for a deep postseason run. Meanwhile, Billy Napier has swapped cornerbacks coaches as spring football approaches while several teams are off to strong starts as UF gears up for another fruitful spring sports season. After a week away for the Daytona 500, Mark and Edgar catch up on it all during the latest Swamp Things. Daytona 500 (:00) Men’s basketball (3:40) What can trip team up? (15:15) Keeping Todd Golden...
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UF inks No. 8 class, Billy Napier doubles down on play-calling duties, continues to builds staff (Ep. 268)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
National Signing Day ended with Florida holding the No. 8 class in 2025 in Billy Napier’s fourth recruiting cycle. Four-star CB Onis Konanbanny’s flip from Tennessee was the key addition. Meanwhile, Napier made two key hires, including his first to the Florida’s fledgling front office, and discussed his decision to continue play-calling duties. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss a newsy NSD, a huge game in men’s basketball and a robust Olympic sports calendar. National Signing Day: Gators #8 class (:00) Recruiting: A guessing game (5:11) Beyond DJ Lagway (9:08)...
info_outlineUF is standing behind its coach as the Gators enter the home stretch of his third season showing positive signs. Decision-makers are banking on 2025 to finally be Billy Napier’s year. The vote of confidence comes as Florida heads to No. 5 Texas as 21.5-point underdogs with a third-string walk-on quarterback hoping to ride a solid running game, resurgent defense and two of the nation’s top specialists. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss where the Gators go from here with four games remaining and another season ahead under Napier.
- Billy is back! (:00)
- Financial decision? (7:31)
- Will UF live to regret decision? (11:43)
- Texas matchup (14:44)
- Reason for optimism (17:47)
- Reason for pessimism (20:48)
- Offensive matchup (23:23)
- Defensive matchup (28:33)
- Attention paid (30:09)
- On the spot (31:41)
- Unsubstantiated rumor (33:58)
- Final thought (35:35)
- Jeremy Foley’s Corner: Basketball (37:47)