Jon Sumrall hits ground running, did CFP committee stumble? (Ep. 415)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Release Date: 12/09/2025
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
The transfer portal opens on Friday as new coach Jon Sumrall and his staff continue to construct the 2026 Gators. Attrition is already underway, highlighted by quarterback DJ Lagway’s departure. Many players reportedly intend to enter the portal, including receiver Tre Wilson. Others could follow, but continue to negotiate, led by tailback Jadan Baugh, receiver Dallas Wilson and edge rusher Jayden Woods. Meanwhile, rising stars, including linebacker Myles Graham and receiver Vernell Brown III, are back in the fold. The question then remains: Who’s headed to Gainesville? It’s a lot...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway hits the transfer portal after a sophomore slump and slew of injuries left a new coaching staff wondering if the 20-year-old was worth the investment. Lagway’s exit is among many. But reinforcements are on the way as free agency in college football begins, even with the portal not set to open until Jan. 2. Meanwhile, Sumrall continues to build his staff even as he prepares Tulane for Saturday’s CFP matchup at Ole Miss. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss the Gators’ comings and goings. Gators dropping like flies (00:00) Where does DJ go?...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
New Florida football coach Jon Sumrall didn’t waste any time making his two biggest staff hires, culminating with Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Sumrall made the moves while also coaching Tulane to the AAC title to earn a CFP bid and overseeing two recruiting classes. Sumrall’s multi-tasking and expediency is a change of pace to Billy Napier’s measured approach. The CFP selection committee’s methods came under fire after it revealed a 12-team field without Notre Dame. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar praise Sumrall’s alacrity...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
UF introduced Jon Sumrall Monday to conclude a robust six-week search that targeted Ole Miss’ Lane Kiffin before landing on Tulane’s up-and-coming coach. With Steve Spurrier, Urban Meyer and Danny Wuerffel in attendance, Sumrall vowed to deliver wins, exciting offenses, hard-nosed defenses and impactful special teams. Along the way, the 43-year-old mixed passion, humor and plenty of energy to surely convince some skeptics with their hearts set on Kiffin to give Sumrall a chance. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar are clearly sold on Sumrall’s potential and presentation, while...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has a decision to make. It can’t come soon enough for Florida fans, who hope the Gators’ top target to replace Billy Napier is heading to Gainesville. Kiffin will announce his decision Saturday, when Florida and Florida State will square off in the Swamp on Senior Day. A meeting of longtime rivals with plenty of bad blood between them will be overshadowed by Kiffin, who could decide to remain in Oxford or head to LSU to leave the Gators pivoting to their backup plan. As two fanbases brace to be left at the altar, Edgar and Mark discuss the dramatic days ahead...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
The twist and turns of Florida’s coaching search continued as top target Lane Kiffin tried to stay the course at Ole Miss. The Rebels’ push for a CFP berth remained the focus for the 50-year-old amid the push for an answer about his coaching future. While Kiffin remains mum, Mark and Edgar have plenty to say during latest Swamp Things, including some thoughts on Saturday’s Tennessee game and Urban Meyer’s return to Gainesville. Fight for Lane Kiffin (00:00) College coaching search is flawed (8:12) Jon Sumerall (10:29) Kiffin shell game (12:30) Lincoln Riley (14:27) Eli Drinkwitz...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Lane Kiffin Week ended in a loss, but Florida could have the last laugh and lure away the Ole Miss coach. Until then, the Gators’ season continues to spiral, despite their best efforts in Oxford. UF had the Rebels on the ropes, but another fourth-quarter collapse and DJ Lagway miscue ended in the Gators’ third consecutive defeat. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss what went wrong, but more importantly whether the Gators will get their man and land Kiffin. Kiffin to Gainesville, Baton Rouge? (0:00) Turning point (10:53) Thumbs-up (15:32) Thumbs-down (17:20)...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
The Gators are bound for Ole Miss aiming to bounce back from a debacle at Kentucky as Lane Kiffin Week comes to a head. Fans would rather return from Oxford with a head coach than a win. UF might have to wait if Kiffin’s Rebels continue their push for a CFP berth. A Gators’ upset would accelerate the timetable as the 50-year-old decides whether he’ll stay or go. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark weigh the Gators’ chances as two-touchdown underdogs Saturday, but seeming favorites to land Kiffin. Gators playing for pride (00:00) Big audition for both sides of ball (3:23)...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
There are bad performances and tough days, and then there is what happened at Kentucky. A week after putting up a fight to nearly upset Georgia, the Gators were beaten down and eventually gave up during a 38-7 loss to the Wildcats. UF’s two trips to Lexington since Billy Napier’s arrival ended in lopsided losses by a combined score of 71-21 - a sign of how far the Florida program has fallen. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar hold their noses, try to make sense of what happened and wonder what’s left to play for in 2025. Bad losses and then what happened in Kentucky (00:00)...
info_outlineSwamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida heads to Kentucky looking for its first win since 2019 in the Bluegrass State. The Gators nearly upset Georgia under interim coach Billy Gonzales a week ago. UF now has to summon the focus and energy in chilly conditions and on the road in a game pitting two struggling programs playing out the string. Meanwhile, Todd Golden’s reigning national champions took out their frustration on North Florida after a season-opening loss to Arizona. The biggest news of a 40-point win was the long-awaited debut of 7-9 Olivier Rioux, who made history as college basketball's tallest player ever....
info_outlineNew Florida football coach Jon Sumrall didn’t waste any time making his two biggest staff hires, culminating with Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Sumrall made the moves while also coaching Tulane to the AAC title to earn a CFP bid and overseeing two recruiting classes. Sumrall’s multi-tasking and expediency is a change of pace to Billy Napier’s measured approach. The CFP selection committee’s methods came under fire after it revealed a 12-team field without Notre Dame. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar praise Sumrall’s alacrity and discuss the CFP's methodology, while also touching on a busy stretch in Florida’s other sports.
- Home-run hires: White, Chapman (00:00)
- Miami, Notre Dame, Alabama (21:27)
- College playoff matchups (44:44)
- Lane train talk continues (55:03)
- Jon Sumrall endorsement (57:30)
- Men’s basketball (1:02:00)
- Jeremy Foley’s Corner: Volleyball, soccer (1:07:14)