The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
Itâs that time of year for the Gators, when Floridaâs Olympic sports seize center stage. Parker Valby put on a show in the 5,000 at SEC track and field championships, lacrosse is Final Four bound, menâs golf pushes to defend its 2023 national title and softball is poised for another deep postseason run. Baseball is the only struggling spring sport, but Jac Caglianone is giving fans something to celebrate. After a long hiatus, Mark and Edgar return to discuss it all, along with a little football and hoops, during a robust edition of Swamp Things.
Basketball coach Todd Goldenâs roster overhaul picked up the pace, highlighted by the arrival of FAU guard Alijah Martin. Billy Napierâs first week in the transfer portal was quieter, but time remains for the Gators to fill some gaps. The real drama involved former quarterback recruit Jaden Rashada, who is on the move again. Meanwhile, slugger Jac Caglione is moving up the schoolâs all-time home runs lists, while serving as a bright spot for Kevin OâSullivanâs struggling squad. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark step up to the plate to deliver insight and opinion on a cornucopia of topics.
Floridaâs spring game was an improvement on 2023 and gave fans their first look at Billy Napierâs 2024 team. Those on hand left with reasons for optimism entering the offseason of a pivotal Year 3. Meanwhile, Todd Golden picked up his first commit, Chattanooga transfer Sam Alexis of Apopka, as he restocks UFâs roster during a busy offseason. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar share their many takeaways from the spring game and discuss the challenge of coaching basketball in the age of the transfer portal.
Floridaâs spring game is set for Saturday in the Swamp. Fans get their first chance to see the Gators in action following a 5-7 season and sweeping offseason changes to Billy Napierâs roster and staff. While spring football nears the finish line, the college basketball concluded with UConn and South Carolina living up to the hype and potentially establishing dynasties. Meanwhile, John Calipari left behind one of the gameâs bluebloods at Kentucky to stay a step ahead of the posse in Big Blue Nation. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar try to stay a step ahead to provide insight into what to look for this weekend.
Florida football is amid a two-week stretch Billy Napier calls âcriticalâ to his programâs turnaround. The Gators have two scrimmages, including the spring game, to sharpen their focus entering the offseason. Meanwhile, the biggest weekend in college basketball takes center stage, with UConn looking to become the first back-to-back champion since the 2006 and 2007 Gators. But Iowaâs Caitlin Clark has stolen the show during March Madness and helped elevate the womenâs games to new heights. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark try to bring their A game ahead of a big sports weekend.
Kugel returned to school expected to be a star. Instead, he endured a stunning sophomore slump ending with his much-anticipated transfer less than week after UFâs NCAA Tournament loss. Todd Golden now pushes to match last springâs transfer portal success and maintain the Gatorsâ upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Billy Napierâs squad will stage its first spring scrimmage with an overhauled staff and roster. Across campus, Tim Waltonâs softball program is back to it winning ways as SEC play heats up. Mark and Edgar bring the heat on various fronts during a busy time for the Gators.
Florida is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years and capable of a deep run if the pieces fall into place as Todd Goldenâs team looks to continue the programâs Year 2 turnaround. Back in Gainesville, the Gatorsâ Pro Day was an all-time dud, highlighting the lack of depth Billy Napier inherited from Dan Mullen. Meanwhile, Jenny Rowlandâs gymnastics program remains as steady as any on campus and heads to the SEC Championships seeking a three-peat. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark look to stick the landing while discussing another busy week for the Gators.
Florida is all-in on coaches Todd Golden and Billy Napier, giving Golden a contract extension on the eve of the SEC tournament and increasing the recruiting budget 45% for Napierâs football program. Golden has revived the menâs basketball program and re-energized the fan base. A postseason run would punctuate the Gatorsâ direction. Resources have never been the problem with Napier. Results have been. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar try to make sense of all the dollars being invested.
Billy Napierâs third season in Gainesville is unofficially underway with the start of spring football practices. During the next six weeks, a remade roster and staff will push to turn the page on consecutive losing seasons and search for answers, leaders, playmakers and momentum. Meanwhile, Todd Goldenâs Gators are ahead of schedule and poised to make a postseason statement. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark have plenty to say during the start of a big month for Floridaâs two premiere programs.
Florida reached 20 wins in menâs basketball for the first time since 2018 as Todd Goldenâs program pushes to make a postseason run. But with three regular-season games to go, the Gators continue to show a lack of killer instinct while the mystery of Riley Kugel continues. Meanwhile, Billy Napierâs third season in Gainesville begins in earnest with the opening spring practices March 7. UF will have many new faces and faces plenty of questions as Napier aims to set a new course for his struggling program. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar tackle plenty of topics during a busy time for the Gators.
Floridaâs upset bid in menâs basketball came up short in overtime at Alabama. Coach Todd Goldenâs squad let a golden opportunity slip away, but the Gators have found their stride with March Madness on the horizon. Meanwhile, Billy Napierâs program will kick off spring football in two weeks with 30 new players and a retooled staff. After spending a week reporting from the Daytona 500, Mark and Edgar return for the latest Swamp Things to catch up with all the Gatorsâ goings-on, including a deluge of spring sports.
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