The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
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The latest on the Orlando Magic and the NBA featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Roy Parry.
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Working The Edge: High School Wrestling in Florida
Working The Edge: High School Wrestling in Florida
Orlando Sentinel wrestling writer Brant Parsons covers high school wrestling in the state of Florida like nobody else. We interview some of the best coaches and wrestlers in the state as well as analyze the top teams throughout the year.
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Florida collapses at Kentucky as Gators quit on season (Ep. 309)
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48:32There 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 sig…
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Florida seeks rare win at Kentucky, Gators' hoops bounces back with a vengeance (Ep. 308)
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47:11Florida 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 natio…
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Florida puts up a fight, falls to Georgia, national champs drop opener to Arizona (Ep. 307)
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1:03:46The Gators rallied behind interim coach Billy Gonzales to challenge No. 5 Georgia. But Florida fizzled in key moments during their fifth straight loss to the Bulldogs, leaving the Gators with four games to go and little at stake beyond pride and a lower-tier bowl game. Meanwhile, Todd Golden's Gators kicked off the season with a 93-87 loss to Arizo…
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Gators aim to end Georgia stranglehold, Lane Kiffin Sweepstakes heats up (Ep. 306)
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1:03:46Florida looks to snap a four-game losing streak to Georgia and get on a November run against all odds. Interim coach Billy Gonzales and his players' resolve is sure to be tested. Kirby Smart's Bulldogs are not the dominant force of recent seasons and have experienced some close-calls, but still find ways to win. All eyes, though, are on the winner …
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Who's next? Florida aims to finally get it right with next football hire (Ep. 305)
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1:03:46Hope springs eternal as the Gators prepare for the Florida-Georgia game. The Billy Napier era is over. Interim coach Billy Gonzales has made changes to ignite the SEC's lowest-scoring offense, upset the Bulldogs and ultimately salvage the 2025 season. All eyes, though, are on who'll become Florida's next coach. Ole Miss' Lane Kiffin tops the list b…
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Billy Napier fired as Florida pushes to reestablish program's prominence (Ep. 304)
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1:03:46Billy Napier was let go as the Gators turned the page on a failed four-year tenure ending with a 22-23 record and on track for a third losing season. UF is banking on longtime receivers coach Billy Gonzales to inspire a talented roster and ignite a lackluster offense during the remaining five regular-season games. All eyes, though, are on who will …
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Homecoming arrives as Billy Napier's end nears (Ep. 303)
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41:27Florida hosts Mississippi State during what some suspect and many hope is a homecoming send-off for Billy Napier. The Gators are 9.5-point favorites, but the Bulldogs are no pushovers, either. If UF athletic director Scott Stricklin's alma mater pulls an upset, he'll have an easy decision. A Gators' win will make the timing of Napier's inevitable o…
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UF stumbles at A&M, doomed by dubious play calls, defensive no-show (Ep. 302)
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49:28The Gators could not sustain their fast start during a 34-17 loss at Texas A&M, but did have their chances against the No. 5 Aggies before faltering. The loss followed a familiar script, featuring predictable play calling and questionable decision-making, to drop Billy Napier's team to 0-14 against ranked teams away from Gainesville. During the lat…
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Gators head to Texas A&M for Billy Napier's latest must-win game (Ep. 301)
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38:11Coming off a home win against Texas, Florida looks to build on its best performance of the season with a visit to No. 5 Texas A&M. The Aggies are playing as well as any team in the SEC, highlighted by a last-second win at Notre Dame. A&M also has one of the nation's best home-field advantages. Kyle Field will be nearly 110,000 strong as the Gators …
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Gators top Texas during Billy Napier's latest escape act (Ep. 300)
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37:25Florida's 29-21 win against Texas ended a three-game skid and gave the Gators something to build on. Billy Napier remains firmly on the hot seat, but the must-win gave the Gators a jolt of momentum heading to No. 5 Texas A&M and their coach a chance to save himself. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss an electric day in the Swamp…
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Gators host Texas during must-win showdown in the Swamp (Ep. 299)
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51:51It's only October, but time is running out on Florida coach Billy Napier and the 1-3 Gators. Things don't get any easier, either. After consecutive losses to Top 5 teams, UF hosts No. 9 Texas, a 2024 CFB semifinalist and preseason No. 1. But the Longhorns have their own issues, beginning with quarterback Arch Manning. The preseason Heisman favorite…
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DJ Lagway says Gators' struggling attack about 'to pop' (Ep. 298)
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36:31Florida quarterback DJ Lagway attacked the bye week following a forgettable September. He now aims to lead an October turnaround and save Billy Napier's job. Lagway and Co. face a tall order: The Gators are last in scoring among Power Four teams against FBS foes. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark wonder whether Florida's offensive woes…
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Florida seeks a bye week miracle after Miami debacle (Ep. 297)
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56:28The Gators suffered an offensive collapse for the ages in South Florida to fall to 1-3 for the first time since 1986 and effectively sealed the fate of Billy Napier. The Gators will now need a bye week turnaround unlike any other to save their head coach and salvage what has become a lost season that began with such high hopes. During the latest Sw…
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UF bound for Miami as Gators' season goes south (Ep. 296)
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38:08Florida heads to No. 4 Miami for the first time since 2013, with coach Billy Napier's future and the Gators' season on the line. Seeking its first win at Miami since 1985, UF aims to avoid the program's first 1-3 start since 1986. If the Gators, a 7.5-point underdog, cannot upset the Hurricanes, Napier soon could be history himself. During the late…
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Gators are 'close,' yet so far away (Ep. 295)
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34:10Florida fell to 1-2 with a loss at LSU, yet coach Billy Napier insists the Gators 'easily could be 3-0.' In reality, UF is fast approaching 1-3 with a visit to No. 3 Miami up next. DJ Lagway is coming off a 5-interception night for an offense averaging 13 points against FBS competition. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark recap Florida's…
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Gators visit LSU to begin toughest stretch in school history (Ep. 294)
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41:56Florida visits LSU looking to rebound from a devastating loss to USF and pick up the Gators' first win at Tiger Stadium since 2016 — and just its third since 2003. Despite their lofty ranking, the No. 3 Tigers have plenty of room to improve. Meanwhile, UF needs quarterback DJ Lagway and the defense to rediscover their November 2024 form when the Ga…
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What a difference a year doesn't make for Billy Napier's Gators (Ep. 293)
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1:00:26Florida's flop against USF in the Swamp has coach Billy Napier and the Gators with their backs against the wall and searching for answers. Expected to be the final tune-up prior to SEC play, the Bulls' stunning 18-16 win could be the beginning of a Florida freefall unless the Gators can turn it around before heading to No. 3 LSU, followed by a visi…
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Gators roll in opener, now begin demanding 2025 schedule (Ep. 292)
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50:02Florida dominated on both sides of the ball during a 55-0 season-opening win against Long Island University featured domination on both sides of the ball. The Gators got what they paid for against the Sharks, who received $525,000 to serve as a Week 1 appetizer. UF now turns its attention to one of the nation's toughest schedules, perhaps a week ea…
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Gators season preview entering opener against LIU (Ep. 291)
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56:59Week 1 has finally arrived. After kicking off the season against ranked oppoents his first three seasons, Billy Napier can ease into a pivotal Year 4. So can quarterback DJ Lagway, who is expected to start after nursing injuries ever since the Gasparilla Bowl. But the No. 15 Gators are more than a two-man show. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar…
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DJ progresses, VBIII shines and Billy shuns outside opinions (Ep. 290)
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51:50DJ Lagway's recovery from a calf injury continues, with Florida's quarterback participating in 11-on-11 for the first time in fall camp. A modest step could have massive implications, especially given the Gators' uncertainty behind him. Meanwhile, injuries at receiver have given true freshman Vernell Brown III even more opportunity to establish a k…
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Clock is ticking on QB DJ Lagway as Gators' star turns 20 (Ep. 289)
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46:36Florida quarterback DJ Lagway's health remains a concern as the Gators' Aug. 30 season opener looms. Lagway's workload will be modified for a while because of a left calf injury as he also continues to progress from an offseason shoulder issue. UF's fortunes likely hinge on the availability of the sophomore, who turned 20 a day after the Gators che…
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DJ returns and Gators ranked as fall camp ramps up (Ep. 288)
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57:17Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is throwing in front of reporters for the first time since the Gasparilla Bowl, a positive step as he returns from shoulder, core and calf injuries. Lagway's health could be the key to Billy Napier's fourth season, though the embattled coach now has a roster better equipped to handle setbacks and able to support whoeve…
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Fall camp preview, Golden gets a 'Bates-y' (Ep. 287)
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37:48Florida opens fall camp Wednesday as Billy Napier begins his fourth season in Gainesville. Napier has put together the Gators best roster in years, but all eyes will be on sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway as he returns from a shoulder injury. While Lagway's health status remains a mystery, coach Todd Golden revealed transfer guard Boogie Fland is re…
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Gators picked 6th in SEC, DJ snubbed but ready for fall camp (Ep. 286)
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43:24SEC media picked Florida to finish sixth a season after Billy Napier's team was picked to finish 12th in the expanded 16-team conference. 2024 newcomer Texas is expected to win the league, ahead of Georgia. Each is on UF's daunting 2025 schedule, but Napier is confident his team can go toe-to-toe with anyone. A big reason is sophomore QB DJ Lagway,…
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Walt's last score with Gators, Oli's summer, SEC Media Days' arrival (Ep. 285)
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49:27All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. was recognized one final time after he spearheaded the Gators' national title, earning SEC Male Athlete of the Year honors. The Lake Wales native became the record 14th UF athlete to earn the distinction, including three in a row, and first SEC men's basketball player since 2012. Clayton is onto his career's ne…
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Gators' championship backcourt off to the NBA, NCAA settlement arrives (Ep. 284)
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1:03:59Florida'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 Ale…
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Reigning champs return, NCAA settlement arrives (Ep. 283)
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57:04Todd 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 sett…
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Mt. Sully erupts, softball exits early as spring falls flat (Ep. 282)
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55:14Following 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 flop…
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Condon's return, DJ's workload, college football's future (Ep. 281)
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1:08:08The 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, c…
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Gators shift to non-conference cupcakes, Boogie-ing in Gainesville (Ep.280)
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48:34Florida 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 …
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Gators' Golden goose gets paid handsomely (Ep. 279)
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54:53Florida'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 Nap…
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Graham Mertz off to NFL, DJ Lagway off the shelf and throwing again (Ep. 278)
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57:52The 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, Tod…
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Denzel Aberdeen's exodus spotlights college basketball's transfer portal pandemonium (Ep. 277)
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54:50Fresh 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,…
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A springtime celebration in the Swamp for football and basketball programs (Ep. 276)
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1:02:25Florida'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 fo…
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Gators return to Gainesville conquering heroes with national title in hand (Ep.275)
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52:46Todd 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 positio…
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Gators San Antonio-bound for Final Four after a heartstopper by the Bay (Ep. 274)
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42:21Florida 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 a…
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Gators arrive in San Francisco for Sweet 16 as national title push continues (Ep. 273)
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51:38Florida 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 Wa…
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Gators dancing as No. 1 seed following SEC Tournament dominance (Ep. 272)
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36:42Florida 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 riv…
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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)
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56:05Florida 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 quarterba…
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Gators' push for No. 1 seed jeopardized, football staff changes continue, Norman Dale dies (Ep. 270)
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39:30lorida'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 …
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No. 2 Gators '24s beginning to rival '04s as Florida steamrolls toward March Madness (Ep. 269)
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51:41Florida 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 ano…
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UF inks No. 8 class, Billy Napier doubles down on play-calling duties, continues to builds staff (Ep. 268)
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49:21National 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. Dur…
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Todd Golden cleared as Gators roll into daunting February (Ep. 267)
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41:44Todd 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…
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Hoops rebounds amid turmoil, SEC lags behind Big Ten, Urban Meyer's case for UF's Ring of Honor (Ep. 268)
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54:42The 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 …
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Florida flops against Missouri, no OC for Billy? (Ep. 267)
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41:44A 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…
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Florida's statement win in hoops, football offseason quiet … for now (Ep. 266)
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39:09Florida 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…
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Billy Napier turns attention toward 2025 following Gasparilla Bowl (Ep. 265)
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1:02:16The 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. Durin…
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Gators look to keep the good times rolling during the Gasaprilla Bowl against Tulane (Ep. 264)
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55:19Florida 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…
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Florida's schedule redux, Jack Pyburn's portal drama, Austin Armstrong's exit (Ep. 263)
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56:10The 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 …
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Gators are Gasparilla Bowl bound as transfer portal madness begins (Ep. 263)
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49:30Florida 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 quar…
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