Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators - podcast cover

Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators

Swamp Things: Florida Gators Showpodcasts.orlandosentinel.com
The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
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Episodes

Gators’ championship backcourt off to the NBA, NCAA settlement arrives (Ep. 284)

Florida’s national title-winning guards Walter Clayton, Alijah Martin and Will Richard are headed to the NBA after the trio was among 60 players drafted. Selected No. 18, Clayton improved his value as much as just about anyone, while Martin’s stock also rose considerably — to pick No. 39 — during his one season with the Gators. Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon now push to become 2026 first-rounders themselves. Each first cashed in before the July 1 arrival of the House v. NCAA settlement aims to bri...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 284

Reigning champs return, NCAA settlement arrives (Ep. 283)

Todd Golden’s Gators began summer workouts with several new faces, key veterans and one goal in mind: The ability of transfer point guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee to spearhead a rebuilt backcourt will be key to Florida’s aims to repeat. Meanwhile, UF athletic director Scott Stricklin soon will enter uncharted waters with the House v. NCAA settlement set to go into effect July 1. During the lastest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar have plenty to unpack as summer is upon us. Catching up (0:00) Me...

Jun 19, 202557 minSeason 1Ep. 283

Mt. Sully erupts, softball exits early as spring falls flat (Ep. 282)

Following a no-show on the field for Kevin O’Sullivan’s baseball team the longtime Gators coach had no place to hide. He was caught on film delivering a profanity-laced tirade at on-site officials. At least, UF’s softball team kept it classy despite disappointing results by Tim Walton’s squad. A week after men’s golf came up short and lacrosse flopped at the Final Four, it’s been a tough close to the spring for the Gators. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark wrap up the sports calenda...

Jun 03, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 282

Condon’s return, DJ’s workload, college football’s future (Ep. 281)

The Gators received a major boost when Alex Condon withdrew from the NBA draft. Florida will open practice June 9 with a team poised to challenge for another national title. The football team’s hopes rest largely on the health of DJ Lagway. Billy Napier said this week he’s increasing his workload and should be 100% when the season opens. By then, college football should have some answers to some big questions surrounding the sport. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar tackle a litany o...

May 30, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 281

Gators shift to non-conference cupcakes, Boogie-ing in Gainesville (Ep.280)

Florida has shifted its early season scheduling philosophy in football to provide the Gators a soft opening and enhance their College Football Playoff hopes. Visits from LIU, FAU, South Florida, South Alabama, Campbell and Charleston Southern are a necessary evil, but a hard sell for Edgar while Mark is a bit more forgiving during the latest Swamp Things. Highly coveted transfer guard Boogie Fland’s visit, the national championship trip to the White House and a smorgasbord of spring sports also ...

May 20, 202549 minSeason 1Ep. 280

Gators’ Golden goose gets paid handsomely (Ep. 279)

Florida’s national championship earned coach Todd Golden a new contract with a hefty raise to put him among the nation’s highest-paid men's basketball coaches at age 39. UF included plenty of perks and some incentives to enhance the 6-year, $40.5 million package, but did little to make the deal ironclad if the NBA came calling. Meanwhile, Billy Napier’s assistant coaches got richer this offseason, highlighting the cost of doing business in SEC football — even for an 8-win team. During the latest...

May 08, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 279

Graham Mertz off to NFL, DJ Lagway off the shelf and throwing again (Ep. 278)

The NFL draft was a waiting game for the Gators, but seven Florida players eventually had their names called while several others heard from NFL teams once the three-day marathon concluded. DJ Lagway’s wait also is over as Florida’s star quarterback has resumed throwing after resting and rehabbing an ailing shoulder in recent months. Meanwhile, Todd Golden added another transfer, Orlando native AJ Brown, as he continues to put the pieces together to make another championship run. On the latest S...

Apr 28, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 278

Denzel Aberdeen’s exodus spotlights college basketball’s transfer portal pandemonium (Ep. 277)

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 ...

Apr 23, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 277

A springtime celebration in the Swamp for football and basketball programs (Ep. 276)

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 memor...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 276

Gators return to Gainesville conquering heroes with national title in hand (Ep.275)

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 ...

Apr 10, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 275

Gators San Antonio-bound for Final Four after a heartstopper by the Bay (Ep. 274)

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 titl...

Mar 31, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 274

Gators arrive in San Francisco for Sweet 16 as national title push continues (Ep. 273)

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 Gat...

Mar 26, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 273

Gators dancing as No. 1 seed following SEC Tournament dominance (Ep. 272)

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 ...

Mar 17, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 272

Gators head to SEC Tournament seeking coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAAs, Week 2 of spring football DJ Lagway-less Gators (Ep. 271)

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, alon...

Mar 12, 202556 minSeason 1Ep. 271

Gators’ push for No. 1 seed jeopardized, football staff changes continue, Norman Dale dies (Ep. 270)

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 discuss...

Feb 27, 202540 minSeason 1Ep. 270

No. 2 Gators ‘24s beginning to rival ‘04s as Florida steamrolls toward March Madness (Ep. 269)

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 5...

Feb 19, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 269

UF inks No. 8 class, Billy Napier doubles down on play-calling duties, continues to builds staff (Ep. 268)

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 Signin...

Feb 06, 202549 minSeason 1Ep. 268

Todd Golden cleared as Gators roll into daunting February (Ep. 267)

Todd Golden was absolved during a Title IX investigation into claims of stalking and sexual harassment against the Florida men’s basketball coach. Tremendous support and skepticism followed the decision. On the court, the No. 5 Gators are set to face their toughest two weeks, with a chance to separate themselves in a stacked SEC featuring 10 Top 25 teams. Meanwhile, Billy Napier enters his first offseason with high expectations, but plenty of questions as he adds to his staff and continues to mi...

Jan 28, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 267

Hoops rebounds amid turmoil, SEC lags behind Big Ten, Urban Meyer’s case for UF’s Ring of Honor (Ep. 268)

The college football season wrapped up Monday night with Ohio State beating Notre Dame. The back-to-back national titles for the Big Ten is the league’s first since the Buckeyes’ 2014 crown under Urban Meyer and put SEC dominance on pause. Speaking of Meyer, the former Gators coach sat down with a quartet of reporters, including Mark and Edgar, to discuss his recent election to the Hall of Fame and reflect on his time at UF. Meanwhile, Florida looked dominant again at home in men’s basketball, r...

Jan 21, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 268

Florida flops against Missouri, no OC for Billy? (Ep. 267)

A day after reaching their highest ranking since 2017, No. 5 Florida was stunned by Missouri to end a 16-game home winning streak and put Final Four plans on hold. The Tigers out-toughed the Gators from the jump - to the chagrin of Todd Golden. The Gators now look to bounce back against Texas and keep pace in the stacked SEC. Meanwhile, all’s quiet in football, a bit too quiet for many people’s liking as Billy Napier has yet to make the staff changes or capitalize on the transfer portal as many ...

Jan 15, 202542 minSeason 1Ep. 267

Florida's statement win in hoops, football offseason quiet … for now (Ep. 266)

Florida whipped top-ranked Tennessee in historic fashion as Todd Golden’s team continues to dominate in the O’Dome and raise Final Four hopes. Meanwhile, football’s offseason has been quieter than expected. That could change with upcoming staff moves and - fans hope - potential transfer portal activity. Mark, Edgar and Wesley return from a two-week hiatus to catch up on recent events during the latest Swamp Things. Mens basketball: Historic win (1:17) Next step for team (8:30) Rowdy Reptiles unh...

Jan 10, 202539 minSeason 1Ep. 266

Billy Napier turns attention toward 2025 following Gasparilla Bowl  (Ep. 265)

The Gators and DJ Lagway weren’t at their best against outmatched Tulane, but didn’t need to be during a 25-point Gasparilla Bowl win. But Florida’s fortunes under Billy Napier will hinge on how he performs this offseason. The transfer portal closes soon, staff changes are likely pending and the implementation of a front office is inevitable. During an impromptu, holiday edition of Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar break it all down for a final time in 2024. Christmas comes early for UF (0:00) Positi...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 265

Gators look to keep the good times rolling during the Gasaprilla Bowl against Tulane (Ep. 264)

Florida pushes to end 2024 on a four-game winning streak and complete an impressive turnaround in Billy Napier’s third season. The Gators are two-touchdown favorites against a team without its starting quarterback, but Green Wave coach Jon Sumrall wants to avoid a season-ending three-game skid to cap a once-promising debut season. Meanwhile, a lack of activity mining the transfer portal, the possible flip of 5-star wideout Dallas Wilson and the unbeaten men’s basketball team also have Edgar and ...

Dec 19, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 264

Florida’s schedule redux, Jack Pyburn’s portal drama, Austin Armstrong’s exit (Ep. 263)

The SEC released the 2025 football schedule to lay out the uphill climb ahead for the Gators. But coach Billy Napier has plenty of immediate challenges to address, including a roster makeover and staff changes. Meanwhile, Todd Golden’s top-10 basketball team will face its toughest test to date against Arizona State while the No. 3 gymnastics squad will take to the floor for the first time. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar do their best to keep track of it all - and more - during a ...

Dec 13, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 263

Gators are Gasparilla Bowl bound as transfer portal madness begins (Ep. 263)

Florida is headed to Tampa to face Tulane Dec. 20 in the Gasparilla Bowl. The Gators’ appearance in the 2021 game occurred under much different circumstances, with an interim coach and Billy Napier waiting in the wings to replace Dan Mullen. Florida now seeks its first four-game winning streak under Napier. Meanwhile, the Green Wave’s starting quarterback entered the transfer portal in a sign of the times in college football. During the coming weeks, the Gators hope to prevent attrition and add ...

Dec 10, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 263

Florida’s season-closing surge saves National Signing Day (Ep. 262)

Three weeks ago, the Gators’ 2025 recruiting class was barely inside the top-50 and circling the drain. But since upsetting LSU, the Gators have flipped the script along with a dozen recruits committed to other schools. By NSD, the Gators had risen to No. 11, and even briefly entered the top 10. Billy Napier credited UF AD Scott Stricklin’s vote of confidence followed by the Gators’ 3-game winning streak convincing prospects who were on the fence to take a leap of faith. During the latest Swamp ...

Dec 05, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 262

Gators plant their flag at FSU with 20-point win over Noles (Ep. 261)

Florida ended a two-game losing streak against archrival Florida State during a matchup with as much action following a 31-11 victory than during it. The game itself might have been ugly, but it was ultimately a thing of beauty to the Gators. A midfield flag planting, an ensuing scuffle and victory cigars in the visitors locker room demonstrated how much the win meant to the players. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss Florida’s season-ending flourish and the huge month ahead ...

Dec 02, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 261

Florida aims to capitalize on struggling FSU as the script flips for heated rivalry (Ep. 260)

An unexpected reversal of fortunes suddenly gives Billy Napier’s surging Gators the upper hand against Mike Norvell’s struggling Seminoles. UF is coming off consecutive wins against ranked opponents while FSU cracked 20 points for the first time in nearly three months against Charleston Southern. Florida is a 15-point favorite during the latest meeting between the in-state rivals as the Gators seek their first win in Tallahassee since 2018. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar wonder w...

Nov 27, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 260

Gators keep good times rolling with upset of Ole Miss (Ep. 259)

Florida backed up an upset of LSU with another inspired performance to knock Ole Miss out of the College Football Playoff and end Lane Kiffin-to-Gainesville speculation. Billy Napier is pleased with his team’s turnaround, but far from satisfied to merely scratch his first winning season at UF. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the Gators’ winning formula and continue to gush about the DJ Lagway Effect. Lane train stopped in his tracks (:00) Turning point (6:01) Thumbs up (9:...

Nov 25, 202441 minSeason 1Ep. 259

Billy Napier’s Gators aim to derail Lane Train on Senior Day (Ep. 258)

Florida hosts No. 9 Ole Miss looking to build on an impressive performance against LSU in a game that could prove a turning point for Billy Napier’s program. Lane Kiffin has put together a senior-, transfer-laden team that leads the SEC in scoring and second in point allowed. But the Gators will have momentum and a sold-out Swamp behind them as they aim to knock the Rebels out of the College Football Playoff hunt. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark give the Gators better than a punch...

Nov 21, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 258
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