Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators

Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators

The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.

Episodes

April 28, 2025 57 mins

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 A...

Mark as Played

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 t...

Mark as Played

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, incl...

Mark as Played

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 F...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 expectat...

Mark as Played

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 d...

Mark as Played

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 a...

Mark as Played

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 E...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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, bu...

Mark as Played

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. Meanwh...

Mark as Played

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 mak...

Mark as Played

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.

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Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played

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 ...

  • Mark as Played

    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 E...

    Mark as Played

    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. Durin...

    Mark as Played

    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 w...

    Mark as Played

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