Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators Swamp Things: Florida Gators Show
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The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
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A good week for Billy Napier, the rich get richer, the Swamp gets short changed
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) -
GATORS PODCAST: Cags place in Gators’ lore, top moments as sports calendar concludes (Ep. 229)
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) -
Jac powers surprising CWS run, three-peat for Mouse and two more for Parker Valby
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) -
Difficult decisions ahead for UF athletics, baseball surprises, softball stuns 3-time champs (Ep. 227)
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) -
Jaden Rashada strikes again as former signee sues Billy Napier
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) -
Olympic sports programs shine, Cormani McClain comes home (Ep. 225)
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)