Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators

Florida football practice opens July 31 during a pivotal Year 3 for Billy Napier. Expectations rarely have been this low, but the Gators are eager to prove nay-sayers wrong. Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics begin with a record 40 athletes with UF ties at the Games. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss whether the Gators’ high hopes ring true or are fool’s gold. Gators: Doom and gloom (:00) Gators: On the brighter side (3:44) Calling the plays (5:30) All-SEC team and Graham Mertz (8:16) Gators are stronger, faster, bigger (13:25) EA Sports with DJ Lagway, Montrell Johnson (18:20) Practice starting but little media access (22:44) Breaking down Gator potential (27:13) Jeremy Foley’s Corner: Olympics (44:11)

The 2024 football season unofficially began at SEC Media Days. Billy Napier and the Gators were optimistic and stuck to the script amid a sea of skeptics. But the week’s big surprise was the sudden retirement of UF president Ben Sasse because of his wife’s health issues. The native of Nebraska quickly became an ardent Gators fan and was sure to have a say in Napier’s future. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar returned from a hiatus, ready for the start of fall camp at month’s end. SEC Media Days takeways (:00) UF players present (6:05) Will Billy Napier be hero or zero? (9:00) Trevor Etienne and MontrelllJohnson (14:15) Texas & Oklahoma to SEC (19:18) SEC experts on UF (26:80) Breaking down Florida’s schedule (28:57) UF president stepping down (33:25) MLB Draft (39:44)  

Florida’s slow progress on the recruiting trail picked up pace with the commitment of West Broward receiver Joshua Moore, who credited DJ Lagway with luring him to Gainesville. Billy Napier does not shun a helping hand, positioning the Gators to capitalize on the NCAA ruling to allow analysts to coach the field. Meanwhile, the Florida-Georgia game will have to find a home in 2026-27, but it won’t be Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. A Gators-Bulldogs matchup in the Swamp would be something to see. Where does the Gators’ home field rank in college football? During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark stand up and holler about a variety of topics. Florida beating out instate rivals (:00) DJ Lagway (6:10) Billy Napier’s army of support (12:11) Beyah Rasool (18:33) Learfield Directors’ Cup (23:08) Code Red: Lawsuit settlement (30:19) Future of Florida/Georgia game (32:31) EA Sports ranks stadiums (37:50) Baseball (45:15) Jeremy Foley’s Corner (50:18)

Home run king Jac Caglianone’s place in UF history is secure after he led the Gators’ unexpected postseason run. Does Cags belong on Mark and Edgar’s Gators’ Mt. Rushmore? Who makes their top 10? Speaking of lists: what are the top-5 highs and lows of 2023-24. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark lean on their 20-plus years around the program to present their cases. Gators in College World Series (:00) The future of the team (8:30) Mount Rushmore of Gator athletes (12:10) 2023-24 highlights (19:20) 2023-24 lowlights (30:52) Jermey Foley’s Corner: Track and field (43:45)

The Gators’ baseball team is the last UF program still going after an improbable run to the College World Series. Along the way, Jac Caglianone has left no doubt he’s the program’s greatest slugger — and among the best all time. Mike Holloway’s place in the coach pantheon was already secure, yet Florida’s three-peat in men’s track and field and Parker Valby’s dominance furthered the Gators’ reputation as the sport’s gold standard. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark try to keep pace. College World Series (:00) Golden Spikes Award (13:15) Track and field (17:00) Softball (25:20) Football: Franchise QBs? (31:26) Is Billie Napier turning things around? (37:00) U.S. Open (42:19)

Last week’s SEC Spring Meetings in Destin painted a challenging financial future, even for a UF program among the nation’s healthiest and wealthiest. Coach Billy Napier will likely have to adjust his master plan due to the inevitable revenue increases and cost-cutting measures spurred by the House v. NCAA $2.77 billion settlement. Amid important discussions and decisions about what’s to come, June is the time to shine for the nation’s top baseball and softball programs. After a forgettable season, the Gators advanced to the Super Regionals in baseball for the 10th time under Kevin O’Sullivan. Meanwhile, Tim Walton’s softball program reached its first WCWS semifinal since 2017. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the Gators’ postseason success and the uncertainty surrounding college athletics. Baseball (:00) Softball (12:44) Football: Cutting costs, increasing revenue (23:00) Selling sponsorships on field/uniforms (28:27) Stadium improvements are key (37:44) Cut staff, trim rosters? (39:59) UF President Sasse embraces “Rudy” (50:58) Title IX: Compensation model (53:48) Collectives should go away but won’t (56:01) 2025 College Football Hall of Fame candidates (57:38) Jeremy Foley’s Corner: Mike Holloway (1:03:09)

Football coach Billy Napier and UF’s administration thought they finally could move on from former signee Jaden Rashada and his representatives. Not so fast. On Tuesday, the 20-year-old sophomore already with this third school filed a lawsuit against Napier, mega-booster Hugh Hathcock and others seeking more than $10 million in damages. The suit might be a frivolous money grab, but places a negative national spotlight on a football program finally gaining some positive momentum in Year 3 under Napier. The suit also detracts from a week when the Gators are shining in several other sports. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark turn legal eagles to address the latest twist of the never-ending saga. Jaden Rashada lawsuit: Initial thoughts (:00) How we got here (5:40) Going after those with deep pockets (13:09) Drama, drama, drama (17:16) Gators on the hook for something? (18:50) Good luck convincing a jury (21:00) What is Billy Napier’s defense? (25:23) How do you not alienate Hugh Hathcock (29:32) Beyond Wild, Wild West (33:12) Does this set precedent for other atheletes? (35:26) Baseball tournament (37:31) Jeremy Foley’s Corner (40:09)  

It’s that time of year for the Gators, when Florida’s 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, men’s 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. Football loss (:52) Absurd staffing (8:39) Billy Napier building depth (10:42) Settlement coming (19:33) Stadium naming rights (26:11) Track and Field (28:59) Baseball (38:12) Women’s lacrosse (42:46) Softball (50:05) Men’s basketball (54:12) Sports information news (58:45)

Basketball coach Todd Golden’s roster overhaul picked up the pace, highlighted by the arrival of  FAU guard Alijah Martin. Billy Napier’s 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 school’s all-time home runs lists, while serving as a bright spot for Kevin O’Sullivan’s 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. Men’s basketball: NBA dreams ended (:51) Intrigued by latest transfer (6:51) Boozer twins visiting (10:41) Football: Jaden Rashada back on market (13:07) Future of transfer portal (15:09) In need of receiver help (19:08) Big and physical up front (21:39) Billy Napier on Graham Mertz (24:03) Napier on play calling (28:50) Baseball: Any hope for Sully’s squad? (39:17) Jeremy Foley’s Corner (42:29)

Florida’s spring game was an improvement on 2023 and gave fans their first look at Billy Napier’s 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 UF’s 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. Blue beat Orange 19-17 (:00) Players that stood out (4:23) DJ Lagway raised level of play (9:23) Jadan Baugh & George Gumbs show promise (11:26) Billy being Billy (18:13) Offensive line looked impressive (21:00) Special Teams woes (23:33) Reality checks: Exit interviews (27:26) Men’s basketball (35:11) Women’s basketball (39:00) Baseball (40:00) Jeremy Foley’s Corner (42:46)