Tramell Jones (9) helped himself on soft touches and deep throws (Chris Spears photo) Not so fast! It took a minute or two to reveal itself but this Gator team looks to be on track and possibly emerging. They called it the Orange and Blue Game, but for the first quarter and a half, it could’ve been mistaken for a meeting of the Dink & Dunk Society. If there’s such a thing as the “Air Dink and Dunk” offense, well, Buster Faulkner looked briefly like he might be a new disciple — but that’s wrong as we would find out.   For a moment, I thought the Gators had traded in their Air Raid manuals for the Pamphlet of Prudence — all screens, checkdowns, and just enough three-yard outs to make Danny Wuerffel roll his eyes from the press box. Then, mercifully, something resembling an offense unclogged itself. It took a third of the game to get the wraps off, but when they did — pop! — the ball started flying, the offense started breathing and the 47,000 fans in attendance finally exhaled. A little air got back into the Air Raid. I know, I know — football’s a game of inches. But I didn’t realize that meant every down. Maybe I expected too much, but the first quarter and a half looked like two hours of dress rehearsal at a marching band show. New coaches, new players, new hopes — all fair, all understandable. But even with “reasonable expectations,” I wanted to see a spark. By halftime, we got a few — enough to stir even the most cynical old Gator in the stands. Receivers? Promising. Quarterback play? Competitive and capable — both Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones showed flashes. Running back Jadan Baugh? Still the brightest bulb in that backfield box. Defense? Well, let’s file that under “developing storyline,” but there’s promise if you squint a little. Somewhere along the way, somebody in charge started acting like, well, he was in charge. And that starts with Jon Sumrall. The man’s got presence — that unmistakable “I just cleaned out the junk drawer” energy. He’s made it clear this is his program now, and he’s not shy about it. When Sumrall says, “It’s not whether we’ll win — it’s when,” I’m inclined to believe him. (After all, that’s about as much swagger as you can fit into one sentence without channeling Spurrier.) And speaking of Spurrier — somewhere out there, the Head Ball Coach smiled when he saw Philo hit VB3 on a rope, followed by Jones tossing a 75-yard strike to Micah Mays that finally put a little snap, crackle, and pop back into this Rice Krispie offense. Just like that, Hallelujah! No need for Spurrier to hang his visor in shame. By the game’s conclusion, the Gators somehow had more points than the scoreboard could count — 80, 90, maybe 45 for each team depending on which alumni scoring system you tried to decipher. At that point, I quit trying to figure out who was Orange and who was Blue and just started enjoying myself. One name worth mentioning: Aidan Warner. Once a forgotten walk-on, the kid reappeared like a ghost from spring games past — calm, commanding, authoritative. The kind of quarterback who doesn’t need a nameplate to earn your attention. So here we are again — New Era No. 17 (or is it 18?) in Gatorland. Sumrall clocked out at Tulane, clocked in at Florida, assembled his staff, and addressed his new locker room with a simple truth: Roughly half the team is brand new. And with the revolving door of NIL and the portal, that’s about par for the course these days. We’ve seen this movie before, sure — but maybe this time the ending’s different. Patience, Gator faithful, patience. Or as Sumrall might say, it’s not a matter of if winning Florida football will return … but WHEN.

Denzel Aberdeen is returning to UF if he can get an NCAA waiver (Photo by Chris Spears) Denzel Aberdeen is back. Well, sort of.   Earlier in the week Aberdeen placed his name in the transfer portal. Friday he announced he is committed to return to Florida where his college career started. On paper, this sounds great. He already knows Todd Golden’s offense and defensive schemes. He was a valuable reserve on the Gators’ national championship team in 2025, the player who scored the final point at the foul line in Florida’s 65-63 win over Houston in the title game.   He also bolted for Kentucky where he played last season, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Wildcats, who made it to the second game of the NCAA Tournament. He wasn’t supposed to be the starting point guard at Kentucky.  That’s why the Wildcats Jaland Lowe, a pure point who had an outstanding year at Pittsburgh but when Lowe suffered a season-ending injury in game nine, Denzel moved over to the point and stayed there the rest of the season. The results were mixed. He had some very good games, but the longe the season progressed the more obvious it became that he’s a combo guard, more wing than point.   Now Kentucky is undergoing a complete roster overhaul with only four players – none of them starters – returning and just one freshman signee. With its traditions and willingness to spend in the portal ($22 million last year), Kentucky believes it can do what Dusty May did at Michigan and assemble a championship roster through transfers.   Will it work for the Wildcats? Aberdeen obviously wasn’t sold on the idea so he went into the portal. Now he has committed to return to Florida where he is still good friends with Tommy Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, Isaiah Brown and Viktor Mikic.   He seems to be an instant fit at Florida, but there is just one teensy little problem. Aberdeen has already played four years of college basketball but he only appeared in 12 games as a freshman, averaging 3.3 minutes per appearance. Per NCAA rules Aberdeen is ineligible for another year but he has applied for a waiver that will grant him one more year.   Judging by the inconsistencies within the NCAA it’s a coin flip whether or not Aberdeen will get the waiver. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was denied an eligibility waiver by the NCAA, but he’s won twice in court. Will the NCAA continue to fight or give in? Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia fought the NCAA in court and won even though he played two years of juco and two years at New Mexico State before playing two at Vandy. Prior to playing his final year of college basketball at Vandy last season, Duke Miles played three years at Troy, one year at High Point and one year at Oklahoma. He got an extra year because of COVID (2021) and an injury waiver for 2023 when he played six games prior to injury.   The NCAA won in court against Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, who took a redshirt his freshman year at a California juco, didn’t get to play in 2021 because of Covid, then spent two years at another juco. He went on to play two years at Appalachian State and last season at Tennessee.   Considering Aberdeen is only asking for a fifth year, it would seem his case is a slam dunk yes from the NCAA, but remember, it is the NCAA we’re talking about here. In its infinite wisdom, the NCAA tends to be all over the place when it comes to selectively enforcing its own rules so there are no guarantees. But, it seems doubtful Todd Golden would have approved of Aberdeen’s return if it seemed unlikely that the waiver would be rejected.   While Aberdeen awaits a decision from the NCAA, Golden waits decisions by Tommy Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu. Haugh seems most likely to leave for the NBA since most draft projections have him going in the final third of the first round lottery. Condon is borderline first round, but nearly every expert projects him to go in the middle third of the second round (picks 11-20). Chinyelu needs a jump shot so he’s second round at best. Condon and Chinyelu seem likely to return. Based on NIL projections, the two of them would make more money at Florida than they would in the second round of the NBA Draft.   Would the return of Condon and Chinyelu plus the addition of Aberdeen be enough to convince Haugh to come back for his senior season? It would certainly make Florida the odds-on favorite to win the NCAA championship next season. Even without Haugh, the Gators are forecast as a top five team. With him and the security that Aberdeen brings to the table Florida looks scary good.   The current Florida roster Seniors (1): Xaivian Lee (6-4, 185) NBA (1): Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, JR) Portal (2): Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR); Micah Handlogten (7-1, 260) Returning (10): Alex Condon (6-11, 236, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, JR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, JR); AJ Brown (6-5, 210, RJR); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RSO); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, SO); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, SO); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, SO); CJ Ingram (6-7, 210, FR); Alex Lloyd (6-4, 180, FR) Signed: Jones Lay (7-0, 230) From the portal: Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR, from Kentucky)   THE REST OF THE SEC Alabama Seniors: Latrell Wrightsell (6-3, 189); Houston Mallette (6-5, 185); Noah Williamson (7-0, 244) NBA: Labaron Philon (6-4, 177, SO); Amari Allen (6-7, 205, FR) Legal issues: Aden Holloway (6-1, 178, JR) Portal:  Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO); Jalil Bethea (6-5, 190, SO) Returning (5): London Jemison (6-8, 205, FR); Keitenn Bristow (6-8, 190, SO); Davion Hannah (6-6, 190, FR); Preston Murphy (6-1, 175, JR); Collins Onyejiaka (6-11, 265, FR) Signed (3): Tarris Bouie (6-4, 175); Quayden Samuels (6-6, 200); Jaxson Richardson (6-6, 200)   Arkansas Seniors: Nick Pringle (6-9, 220); Trevon Brazille (6-9, 215) NBA: Darius Acuff Jr. (6-3, 190, FR); Meleek Thomas (6-5, 185, FR) Portal: Karter Knox (6-6, 211, SO); DJ Wagner (6-3, 175, JR); Kaim Rtail (6-7, 205, FR); Elmir Dzafic (7-0, 285, FR) Returning (5): Maliq Ewin (6-10, 220, JR); Billy Richmond (6-5, 205, SO); Jaden Karuletwa (6-5, 185, SO); Isaiah Sealy (6-7, 200, FR); Paulo Semedo (7-1, 225, FR) Signed (3): Jordan Smith Jr. (6-2, 180); JaShawn Andrews (6-4, 195); Abdou Toure (6-6, 200)   Auburn Seniors (2): Keyshawn Hall (6-7, 250); Keyshawn Murphy (6-10, 245) Portal (4): Filip Jovic (6-8, 225, FR, to UCLA ); Kaden Magwood (6-2, 175, FR); Elyjah Freeman (6-8, 185, SO); Abdul Bashir (6-7, 195, JR) Returning (5): Kevin Overton (6-5, 180, JR);   Tahaad Pettiford (6-1, 175, SO); Emeka Opurum (7-0, 205, SO); Sebastian Williams-Adams (6-8, 230, FR); Simon Walker (6-4, 195, FR) Signed (2): Caleb Williams (6-5, 195); Narcisse Ngoy (6-11, 220)   Georgia Seniors (2): Justin Bailey (6-3, 195); Justin Abson (6-9, 235) Portal (6): Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 235, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jordan Ross (6-3, 175, JR); Jake Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR, to California ) Returning (4): Blue Cain (6-5, 190, JR); Marcus Millender (5-11, 180, JR); Kanon Catchings (6-9, 190, SO); Kareem Stagg (6-8, 230, FR)   Kentucky Seniors (1): Otega Oweh (6-5, 210) NBA (2): Jayden Quaintance (6-9, 225, SO); Malachi Moreno (7-0, 250, FR) Portal (7): Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-5, 180, FR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR, to FLORIDA ); Andrija Jelavic (6-11, 225, FR, to Ohio State ); Collin Chandler (6-5, 202, SO , to BYU ) Returning (4): Reece Potter (7-1, 210, JR); Kam Williams (6-8, 190, SO); Trent Noah (6-5, 220, SO); Brayden Hawthorne (6-8, 190, FR) Signed (1): Mason Williams (6-2, 185)   LSU Seniors (5): Max Mackinnon (6-5, 205); Marquel Sutton (6-7, 205); Pablo Tamba (6-6, 210); Rashad King (6-6, 198); PJ Carter (6-5, 175) Portal (8): Dedan Thomas Jr. (6-1, 178, JR, to Houston ); Jalen Reed (6-10, 230, SR); Mazi Mosley (6-5, 169, FR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR); Marcus Vaughns (6-8, 221, FR, to Arizona State ); Mike Nwoko (6-10, 245, JR, to Xavier ); Robert Miller III (6-10, 220, JR) Returning (1):   Jalen Reece (6-0, 185, FR) Signed (2): Kevin Thomas (6-6, 195); Herly Brutus (6-5, 180)   Mississippi State Seniors (3): Jayden Epps (6-2, 190); Ja’Borri McGhee (6-0, 200); Quincy Ballard (6-11, 240) Portal (6): Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-10, 240, FR); Dellquan Waren (6-1, 160, FR); Sergej Macura (6-9, 220, FR, to UCLA ); Amier Ali (6-8, 185, SO); Brandon Walker (6-8, 255, SR); Achor Achor (6-9, 222, SR) Returning (5): Josh Hubbard (5-10, 185, JR); Gai Chol (6-11, 245, JR); King Grace (6-5, 195, FR); Cameren Paul (6-7, 210, FR); Tee Bartlett (6-11, 290, FR) Signed (3): Tristan Reed (6-9, 230); Jalyn Collingwood (6-5, 190); Willie Burnett III (6-4, 175)   Missouri Seniors (5): Mark Mitchell (6-8, 220); Jayden Stone (6-4, 180); Jacob Crews (6-7, 210); Shawn Phillips (7-0, 245); Jevon Porter (6-11, 220) Portal (3): Anthony Robinson II (6-2, 175, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 195, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, SO) Returning (6): Trent Pierce (6-10, 210, JR); Luke Norweather (6-11, 232, JR); Trent Burns (7-5, 235, SO); Annor Boateng (6-6, 215, SO); Nicholas Randall (6-9, 240, FR); Aaron Rowe (6-2, 155, FR) Signed (3): Jason Crowe Jr. (6-3, 170); Aidan Chronister (6-7, 180); Toni Bryant (6-9, 215)   Oklahoma Seniors (6): Nijel Pack (6-0, 180); Tae Davis (6-9, 204); Mohamed Wague (6-10, 225); Jadon Jones (6-5, 190); Kirill Elatontsev (6-11, 240); Jeff Nwankwo (6-6, 220) Portal (3): Andreas Holst (7-0, 200, FR); Kuol Atak (6-9, 190, FR); Jake Hansen (6-0, 170, FR) Returning (5): Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 165, JR); Dayton Forsythe (6-2, 187, SO); Derrion Reed (6-8, 220, SO); Kai Rogers (6-10, 247, FR); Alec Blair (6-7, 192, FR) Signed (1): Gage Mayfield (6-7, 200)   Ole Miss Seniors (3): AJ Storr (6-6, 200); Malik Dia (6-9, 240); Kezza Giffa (6-2, 165) Portal (8): Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 190, SO, to Butler ); Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, JR); Hobert Grayson IV (6-4, 205, SR); Corey Chest (6-8, 210, RSO); Koren Johnson (6-2, 175, RJR); Augusto Cassia (6-8, 220, JR); Tylis Jordan (6-9, 215, FR); Travis Perry (6-1, 188, SO) Returning (3): James Scott (6-11, 210, JR); Patton Pinkins (6-5, 200, FR); Niko Bundalo (6-10, 215, FR) Signed (1): Yohance Connor (6-2, 170) From the portal (1): Roman Siulepa (6-6, 220, FR, from Pittsburgh)   South Carolina Seniors (5): Meechie Johnson (6-2, 175); Mike Sharavjamts (6-8, 180); Kobe Knox (6-5, 185); Myles Stute (6-7, 215, SR); Nordin Kapic (6-8, 245) Portal (7): Eli Ellis (6-0, 192, FR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 225, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 253, FR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 240, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 285, RJR); Abu Yarmah (6-6, 209, FR); Cam Scott (6-6, 170, RFR) Returning (2): Grant Polk (6-6, 197, FR); Hayden Assemian (6-6, 230, FR) Signed (1): Marcus Johnson (6-2, 180) From the portal: Kory Mincy (6-2, 185, JR, from George Mason)   Tennessee Seniors (3): Ja’Kobi (6-0, 175); Felix Okpara (6-11, 220); Amaree Abram (6-4, 190) NBA (1): Nate Ament (6-10, 205, FR) Portal (7): Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, JR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 192, FR); JP Estrella (6-11, 241, RSO, to Michigan ); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 245, JR); Troy Henderson (6-1, 186, FR); Amari Evans (6-5, 220, FR) Returning (2): Ethan Burg (6-3, 199, SO); DeWayne Brown II (6-8, 251, FR) From the portal (1): Tyler Lundblade (6-5, 195, SR, from Belmont ); Dai Dai Ames (6-1, 185, JR, from California)   Texas Seniors (4): Tramon Mark (6-5, 190); Jordan Pope (6-2, 165); Chendall Weaver (6-3, 164); Lassina Traore (6-9, 215) NBA (1): Dailyn Swain (6-7, 200, JR) Portal (3): Nic Codie (6-8, 200, SO); Simeon Wilcher (6-4, 180, JR); Camden Heide (6-7, 205, JR); Returning (5): Matas Vokietaitis (7-0, 245, SO); Declan Duru Jr. (6-8, 235, FR); Anthon McDermott (6-4, 200, FR); John Clark (6-8, 200, FR); Lewis Obiorah (7-0, 250, FR) Signed (4): Austin Goosby (6-5, 186); Bo Ogden (6-5, 195); Joe Sterling (6-4, 180); Coleman Elkins (6-10, 240) From the portal: Isaiah Johnson (6-1, 170, FR, from Colorado)   Texas A&M Seniors (7): Rashaun Agee (6-7, 210); Rylan Griffen (6-5, 180); Marcus Hill (6-4, 185); Zach Clemente (6-10, 225); Jacari Lane (6-0, 178); Federiko Federiko (6-11, 220); Ali Abdou Dibba (6-5, 185) Portal (3): Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR); Pop Isaacs (6-2, 170); Ruben Dominguez (6-6, 213, FR, to Xavier ) Returning (4): McKenzie Mgbako (6-8, 217, JR); Jamie Vinson (6-11, 225, SO); Chris McDermott (6-7, 225, SO); Jeremiah Green (6-3, 189, FR) Signed: Josh Irving (6-10, 200) From the portal: PJ Hagerty (6-3, 192, JR, from Kansas State)   Vanderbilt Seniors (6): Duke Miles (6-2, 175); Tyler Nickel (6-7, 200); AK Okereke (6-7, 220); Devin McGlockton (6-7, 220); Jalen Washington (6-10, 225); Mason Nicholson (6-10, 280) Portal (5): Frankie Collins (6-1, 185, SR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR); Tyler Harris (6-8, 190, JR); George Kimble III (6-2, 184, SO); Mike James (6-5, 198, RSR) Returning (4): Tyler Tanner (6-0, 170, SO); Chandler Bing (6-5, 211, FR); Jayden Leverett (6-11, 245, FR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR) Signed: Ethan Mgbako (6-6, 215); Anthony Brown (6-1, 160); Jackson Sheffield (6-9, 240)

Coach Sumrall finishes his first Spring pleased but with more work to do. By Loren Meadows, GatorBaitMedia.com Football Analyst, Host of the Lowdown with Loren Meadows “It ain’t a matter of if we’re gonna win here it’s how fast were gonna win, it’s coming” Jon Sumrall (GatorBait photo) How was the Orange and Blue Game this afternoon? The pregame atmosphere was great, the crowd was exceptional. Both Aaron Philo and Trammell Jones flashed in different spots, and the defense was up and down as the offense and defense finished the game deadlocked at 45 points in what we will call the Sumrall Scoring System. Spring games rarely give anyone an idea of what is truly to come for the season to follow. Case in point, quarterback Harrison Bailey was the star of the show in last year’s game and proceeded to lose the backup job to Jones and was never heard from again. So with that I caution anyone that is trying to make an educated observation about the first edition of the Sumrall led Gators will look like and go forward with the fact that this coach knows what he wants and is no mood for anything less. If asked what impressed me most on Saturday is that for the first time in four years it felt like Florida’s football coach was ready to talk football and talk about it all day. No philosophical slight of hand, no mention of content nor character, football is our business and we got a long way to go. Going forward everything is up for grabs and on a day where things can be fun and lively Sumrall chose to make some of his players a little uncomfortable. Prospective starter at right tackle Bryce Lovett played some at left tackle, cornerback Cormani McClain played with both the first and second defense, and both units quickly had to change gears after success and failure.  Sumrall plans to be honest with every player on his team because everybody matters, and while questions first turned to the quarterback position he is equally concerned with who is at left tackle, tight end, and running back. Furthermore as spring comes to an end the discretionary period where the players are left to a couple weeks of self-development Sumrall has made it clear that this is yet another part of the process. “I told our team earlier this week I’m gonna learn a lot about this football team in the couple weeks they have.” Meaning guys better come back ready to work for organized activities. Ultimately it all comes down to a coach that has used the spring to find out what he has to work with in a new landscape where your team is set as the spring transfer portal is now obsolete. While ever critical Sumrall did complement the defense stating “we are ahead of where I thought we would be”, particularly in the defensive front where Sumrall thought they had a solid day. Completely dialed in he turned to their counterparts on the offensive line stating that strength coach Rusty Whitt is a “lineman builder” and that unit needs to have a “great summer or we got no chance”. This is a coach that seems to know what this league is about and what is needed to succeed.  Finally, Sumrall talked about waking up the beast that is Florida Football. Championships are the standard and the Gators are in Sumrall’s words are “a sleeping giant”. “It ain’t a matter of if we’re gonna win here it’s how fast were gonna win, it’s coming” Straight at you no filter, all football. Su

Can Denzel get that 5th year? I know, that sounds far fetched 1,000 miles away, but it is in fact, only 527 miles from Gainesville to Augusta. And somewhat similar in quest. But Rory’s  11 years in the making. And right there in that beautiful setting. GAINESVILLE — it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The  Orange and  Blue Neighborhood. On an absolutely perfect lemon-lime April Saturday full of hope and promise and maybe a little bit of Rory McIRoy-style of proclamation. I say that, you think I’m looney,  but there is indeed a parallel between what the Masters champion has done and what the Florida Gators need to do: State your claim about who you are meant to be and get out of your own way. I know, that sounds far fetched 1,000 miles away, but it is in fact, only 527 miles from Gainesville to Augusta. And somewhat similar in quest. But Rory’s  11 years in the making. And right there in that beautiful setting. It’s about finally discovering your identity. Now that Rory McIlroy know who he is and realizes his remarkable skills with a green jacket in his closet. He is able to go forth and be who he is supposed to be. You can see how refreshed he looks. You can see how at home he feels in Augusta and you can tell there are many more great rounds so we played by the young Northern Irishman. The fun is, on the other hand, could be grand. Just as it could be in Gainesville someday soon. We’re waiting to see how new Coach John Sumerall will shake this squad up for 2026. It looks very promising and today is a good day to get started. In body politic, whether it be religious, I political or athletic, it only takes someone to start the believing somewhere at some point in order to get rolling – claiming your rightful place. Someone waking up in this program with an epiphany and saying “you know what, we’re the Florida Gators we can do this!“  I go back all the way to Bear Bryant in the early 60s who was first to say out loud: If they ever wake up and realize what they have at Florida — look out,  the rest of the world is gonna pay! And it was only the next year they started paying as that 1963 team was the first to ever beat him in Tuscaloosa. Remarkably it still ranks as one of the Gators’ great victories  of all time. But that has come and gone. It’s just like these Masters will come and go. But right now in the heart of this whole competition it’s a beautiful thing to experience as a fan or a player, etc.  That’s why I look with some expectation on this Orange and Blue game, which could tell us a little something more about what we want to know of these Gators — and it’s a lot more than who has the edge as the starting quarterback race. And I believe in good karma. Good things happen to good people in good programs.  There is evidence of that in basketball again  upon receiving the news that Denzel Aberdeen is returning to the Gators – widely celebrated by many, including myself – it’s an indication that there’s a certain magnetic field in play. Good coaches a good programs tend to be very lucky. Don’t they? I think Denzel is a perfect fit for Todd Golden’s team and brings about excellent chemistry if he can finalize that fifth year of eligibility. More good things having happened to the good people in Augusta, where Gator graduate Fred Ridley, executive chairman at Augusta, witnessed one of the most spectacular rounds of golf ever played on that beautiful 65 by Rory, which put him up by five after 36 holes. It may not ensure another green jacket, but boy it sure is a leg up – or should we say, an arm up? McIlroy nearly was paired in Saturday’s final group with Patrick Reed, his foil during a memorable Ryder Cup match in 2016 and in the final group of the 2018 Masters, won by Reed. But a bogey on the 18th hole Friday left Reed tied for second with Sam Burns, who will play with McIlroy on Saturday.  —More Masters: it will do about $70 million in merchandise sales this week. -$10 million per day $1 million per hour $16,000 per minute $277 per second That's $25 million more in merchandise sales than the Atlanta Braves did all of last year — in just one week, with no online sales.

Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu will make the Gators a national contender (Photo by Chris Spears) The anticipated return of Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu is the reason nearly every too early top 25 polls for next season place the Florida Gators in the top five. Should Tommy Haugh elect to return instead of going to the NBA where he’s projected in the last third of the lottery, the Gators will have the most experienced roster in the country and certainly a threat to win a second national championship in three years.   With or without Haugh, the Gators will have a powerful roster simply with Condon and Chinyelu returning. The Gators have 10 players returning including three starters (Condon, Chinyelu and Boogie Fland), three experienced guys off the bench (Urban Klavzar, Isaiah Brown and CJ Ingram) and a former starter and double figures scorer at Ohio U in AJ Brown.   Imagine what happens if Todd Golden strikes gold in the transfer portal once again and finds a hidden gem in Europe or Australia as he is prone to do. Counting incoming freshman Jones Lay, a 7-footer from North Carolina, Golden has 11 scholarships accounted for and another four to fill.   Hands down, Florida will be the team to beat in the Southeastern Conference. No one comes close to Florida’s experience and it’s likely that no one will be able to compete with Florida’s size either. The Gators are 87-24 over the past three seasons, which is the best record in the SEC (Tennessee 82-29; Auburn 81-30; Alabama 78-31).   Barring something disastrous, the Gators will have the best record in an SEC which prior to wholesale portal signings figures to be the weakest it has been in the last four years.   FLORIDA Seniors (1): Xaivian Lee (6-4, 185) NBA (1): Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, JR) Portal (2): Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR); Micah Handlogten (7-1, 260) Returning (10): Alex Condon (6-11, 236, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, JR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, JR); AJ Brown (6-5, 210, RJR); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RSO); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, SO); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, SO); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, SO); CJ Ingram (6-7, 210, FR); Alex Lloyd (6-4, 180, FR) Signed: Jones Lay (7-0, 230)   THE REST OF THE SEC ALABAMA (25-10, 13-5 SEC): This will be a huge rebuild for Nate Oats, who loses his entire starting lineup. Losing Labaron Philon and Latrell Wrightsell hurts but the biggest loss of all is center Aiden Sherrill. Alabama has three outstanding freshmen coming in but lacks an inside presence. Oats will have to dip heavily into the portal for big guys. Seven scholarships available.   Seniors: Latrell Wrightsell (6-3, 189); Houston Mallette (6-5, 185); Noah Williamson (7-0, 244) NBA: Labaron Philon (6-4, 177, SO); Amari Allen (6-7, 205, FR) Legal issues: Aden Holloway (6-1, 178, JR) Portal:  Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO); Jalil Bethea (6-5, 190, SO) Returning (5): London Jemison (6-8, 205, FR); Keitenn Bristow (6-8, 190, SO); Davion Hannah (6-6, 190, FR); Preston Murphy (6-1, 175, JR); Collins Onyejiaka (6-11, 265, FR) Signed (3): Tarris Bouie (6-4, 175); Quayden Samuels (6-6, 200); Jaxson Richardson (6-6, 200)     ARKANSAS (28-9, 13-5 SEC): John Calipari is losing his top two scorers in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, plus two of the three in his big man rotation. He’s got scorers coming in freshmen Jordan Smith Jr., Abdou Toure and JaShawn Andrews. It is imperative that he keep Billy Richmond III. Seven scholarships are open with a need for three bigs from the portal. Keep an eye on former Georgia center Somto Cyril.   Seniors: Nick Pringle (6-9, 220); Trevon Brazille (6-9, 215) NBA: Darius Acuff Jr. (6-3, 190, FR); Meleek Thomas (6-5, 185, FR) Portal: Karter Knox (6-6, 211, SO); DJ Wagner (6-3, 175, JR); Kaim Rtail (6-7, 205, FR); Elmir Dzafic (7-0, 285, FR) Returning (5): Maliq Ewin (6-10, 220, JR); Billy Richmond (6-5, 205, SO); Jaden Karuletwa (6-5, 185, SO); Isaiah Sealy (6-7, 200, FR); Paulo Semedo (7-1, 225, FR) Signed (3): Jordan Smith Jr. (6-2, 180); JaShawn Andrews (6-4, 195); Abdou Toure (6-6, 200)   AUBURN (22-16, 7-11 SEC): The Tigers will enter the 2026-27 season with the longest winning streak (five games) in the SEC after winning the NIT. The Tigers lose two seniors in Keyshawn Hall and Keyshawn Murphy, but they won the NIT without Murphy. Filip Jovic, who projected as a starter next season transferred to UCLA. The good news for Steven Pearl is that Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford return, giving him two scorers in the backcourt to build around. There are six scholarships available with a need for three bigs. Keep an eye on Flory Bidunga, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, who chose Kansas over Auburn out of high school.   Seniors (2): Keyshawn Hall (6-7, 250); Keyshawn Murphy (6-10, 245) Portal (2): Filip Jovic (6-8, 225, FR, to UCLA ); Kaden Magwood (6-2, 175, FR) Returning (7): Kevin Overton (6-5, 180, JR); Abdul Bashir (6-7, 195, JR); Tahaad Pettiford (6-1, 175, SO); Elyjah Freeman (6-8, 185, SO); Emeka Opurum (7-0, 205, SO); Sebastian Williams-Adams (6-8, 230, FR); Simon Walker (6-4, 195, FR) Signed (2): Caleb Williams (6-5, 195); Narcisse Ngoy (6-11, 220)   GEORGIA (22-11, 10-8 SEC): It’s back to square one for Mike White, who loses his big guy (Somto Cyril) and leading scorer (Jerimiah Wilkinson), plus son of the greatest player in UGa history (Jake Wilkins, son of Dominique). White has four returnees including starters Blue Cain, Marcus Millender and Kanon Catchings, but there is only one other returnee and no freshman signees. There are 11 scholarships available with needs everywhere.   Seniors (2): Justin Bailey (6-3, 195); Justin Abson (6-9, 235) Portal (6): Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 235, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jordan Ross (6-3, 175, JR); Jake Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR) Returning (4): Blue Cain (6-5, 190, JR); Marcus Millender (5-11, 180, JR); Kanon Catchings (6-9, 190, SO); Kareem Stagg (6-8, 230, FR)   KENTUCKY (22-14, 10-8 SEC): The Wildcats spent $22 million on a roster last year that gave them 14 losses. They will probably spend more this year but there are no guarantees they will be any better, which is the cause of much angst in the Big Blue Nation, which has been hit especially hard in the portal with five potential starters out the door. If Malachi Moreno stays in the NBA Draft folks will be thinking to leap off the nearest bridge. Four return, none of them starters and one freshman.   Seniors (1): Otega Oweh (6-5, 210) NBA (2): Jayden Quaintance (6-9, 225, SO); Malachi Moreno (7-0, 250, FR) Portal (7): Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-5, 180, FR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR); Andrija Jelavic (6-11, 225, FR); Collin Chandler (6-5, 202, SO) Returning (4): Reece Potter (7-1, 210, JR); Kam Williams (6-8, 190, SO); Trent Noah (6-5, 220, SO); Brayden Hawthorne (6-8, 190, FR) Signed (1): Mason Williams (6-2, 185)   LSU (15-17, 3-15 SEC): Almost the moment LSU named Will Wade head coach, the exit began. Five seniors leaving and seven in the portal, leaving two reserves on the roster. Two freshmen are incoming, neither one with any size. Wade has 11 scholarships to work with. He needs bigs, a point guard and shooters.   Seniors (5): Max Mackinnon (6-5, 205); Marquel Sutton (6-7, 205); Pablo Tamba (6-6, 210); Rashad King (6-6, 198); PJ Carter (6-5, 175) Portal (7): Dedan Thomas Jr. (6-1, 178, JR); Jalen Reed (6-10, 230, SR); Mazi Mosley (6-5, 169, FR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR); Marcus Vaughns (6-8, 221, FR); Mike Nwoko (6-10, 245, JR, to Xavier ) Returning (2): Robert Miller III (6-10, 220, JR); Jalen Reece (6-0, 185, FR) Signed (2): Kevin Thomas (6-6, 195); Herly Brutus (6-5, 180)   MISSISSIPPI STATE (13-19, 5-13 SEC): Three seniors and six in the portal leave very little talent to work with for Chris Jans. So far, Josh Hubbard hasn’t gone into the portal. If he leaves the Bulldogs are in deepest and darkest. Five returnees and three freshmen mean seven scholarships are available.   Seniors (3): Jayden Epps (6-2, 190); Ja’Borri McGhee (6-0, 200); Quincy Ballard (6-11, 240) Portal (6): Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-10, 240, FR); Dellquan Waren (6-1, 160, FR); Sergej Macura (6-9, 220, FR, to UCLA ); Amier Ali (6-8, 185, SO); Brandon Walker (6-8, 255, SR); Achor Achor (6-9, 222, SR) Returning (5): Josh Hubbard (5-10, 185, JR); Gai Chol (6-11, 245, JR); King Grace (6-5, 195, FR); Cameren Paul (6-7, 210, FR); Tee Bartlett (6-11, 290, FR) Signed (3): Tristan Reed (6-9, 230); Jalyn Collingwood (6-5, 190); Willie Burnett III (6-4, 175)   MISSOURI (20-13, 10-8 SEC): Best player Mark Mitchell is gone and so are most of the experienced players. Big rebuild ahead for Dennis Gates, who brings in three freshmen to go with Trent Pierce and five other returnees. Six scholarships available. Point guard and someone who can score in the paint are a requirement.   Seniors (5): Mark Mitchell (6-8, 220); Jayden Stone (6-4, 180); Jacob Crews (6-7, 210); Shawn Phillips (7-0, 245); Jevon Porter (6-11, 220) Portal (3): Anthony Robinson II (6-2, 175, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 195, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, SO) Returning (6): Trent Pierce (6-10, 210, JR); Luke Norweather (6-11, 232, JR); Trent Burns (7-5, 235, SO); Annor Boateng (6-6, 215, SO); Nicholas Randall (6-9, 240, FR); Aaron Rowe (6-2, 155, FR) Signed (3): Jason Crowe Jr. (6-3, 170); Aidan Chronister (6-7, 180); Toni Bryant (6-9, 215)   OKLAHOMA (21-16, 7-11 SEC): The Sooners came on strong at the end of the year, too late to make the NCAA Tournament. Porter Moser lost leading scorer Nijel Pack and his experienced inside guys so this is going to be quite a rebuild. Among the five returnees, Xzayvier Brown is back to play the point along with shooter Dayton Forsythe. There is no experienced size. One scholarship freshman, so Moser has nine scholarships to fill and help is needed everywhere.   Seniors (6): Nijel Pack (6-0, 180); Tae Davis (6-9, 204); Mohamed Wague (6-10, 225); Jadon Jones (6-5, 190); Kirill Elatontsev (6-11, 240); Jeff Nwankwo (6-6, 220) Portal (3): Andreas Holst (7-0, 200, FR); Kuol Atak (6-9, 190, FR); Jake Hansen (6-0, 170, FR) Returning (5): Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 165, JR); Dayton Forsythe (6-2, 187, SO); Derrion Reed (6-8, 220, SO); Kai Rogers (6-10, 247, FR); Alec Blair (6-7, 192, FR) Signed (1): Gage Mayfield (6-7, 200)   OLE MISS (15-20, 4-14 SEC): Chris Beard didn’t get things going until the SEC Tournament and by then it was too late. There has been housecleaning. Three seniors gone and eight in the portal. Guard Patton Pinkins is solid, but every place else requires tons of help. Counting the incoming freshmen, four return so 11 scholarships are available.   Seniors (3): AJ Storr (6-6, 200); Malik Dia (6-9, 240); Kezza Giffa (6-2, 165) Portal (8): Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 190, SO, to Butler ); Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, JR); Hobert Grayson IV (6-4, 205, SR); Corey Chest (6-8, 210, RSO); Koren Johnson (6-2, 175, RJR); Augusto Cassia (6-8, 220, JR); Tylis Jordan (6-9, 215, FR); Travis Perry (6-1, 188, SO) Returning (3): James Scott (6-11, 210, JR);  Patton Pinkins (6-5, 200, FR); Niko Bundalo (6-10, 215, FR) Signed (1): Yohance Connor (6-2, 170)   SOUTH CAROLINA (13-19, 4-14 SEC): As if the situation in Columbia weren’t bleak enough, five seniors move on and seven are in the portal. Lamont Paris, who barely escaped the axe last year, has two returning players and one signed freshman. There are 12 available scholarships. How many good players want to sign in a lame duck situation. Seniors (5): Meechie Johnson (6-2, 175); Mike Sharavjamts (6-8, 180); Kobe Knox (6-5, 185); Myles Stute (6-7, 215, SR); Nordin Kapic (6-8, 245) Portal (7): Eli Ellis (6-0, 192, FR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 225, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 253, FR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 240, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 285, RJR); Abu Yarmah (6-6, 209, FR); Cam Scott (6-6, 170, RFR) Returning (2): Grant Polk (6-6, 197, FR); Hayden Assemian (6-6, 230, FR) Signed (1): Marcus Johnson (6-2, 180)     TENNESSEE (25-12, 11-7 SEC): Graduation, the NBA and the portal have wiped out Rick Barnes, who has only two returning players from last year’s Sweet 16 team. He’s got to bring in size and shooters. Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris (6-7, 200, SO, 21.4 points and 6.5 rebounds) is a must get for the Vols, who already have Belmont transfer Tyler Lundblade (15.6 points, 40.3 percent on threes) signed. There are 11 open scholarships of which half will probably be spent on front court players.    Seniors (3): Ja’Kobi (6-0, 175); Felix Okpara (6-11, 220); Amaree Abram (6-4, 190) NBA (1): Nate Ament (6-10, 205, FR) Portal (7): Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, JR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 192, FR); JP Estrella (6-11, 241, RSO, to Michigan ); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 245, JR); Troy Henderson (6-1, 186, FR); Amari Evans (6-5, 220, FR) Returning (2): Ethan Burg (6-3, 199, SO); DeWayne Brown II (6-8, 251, FR) Transferred in (1): Tyler Lundblade (6-5, 195, SR, from Belmont) Signed (3): Ralph Scott (6-8, 180); Manny Green (6-6, 205); Marquis Clark (6-1, 175)   TEXAS (21-15, 9-9 SEC): Sean Miller loses his three scorers in Dailyn Swain, Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope but unless there is a change of heart, 7-footer Matas Vokietaitis returns and that’s who the Longhorns will build around. Finding a point guard, a backup to Vokietaitis and shooters on the perimeter will be the priority. Five return and there are four incoming freshmen so six scholarships are open.   Seniors (4): Tramon Mark (6-5, 190); Jordan Pope (6-2, 165); Chendall Weaver (6-3, 164); Lassina Traore (6-9, 215) NBA (1): Dailyn Swain (6-7, 200, JR) Portal (3): Nic Codie (6-8, 200, SO); Simeon Wilcher (6-4, 180, JR); Camden Heide (6-7, 205, JR); Returning (5): Matas Vokietaitis (7-0, 245, SO); Declan Duru Jr. (6-8, 235, FR); Anthon McDermott (6-4, 200, FR); John Clark (6-8, 200, FR); Lewis Obiorah (7-0, 250, FR) Signed (4): Austin Goosby (6-5, 186); Bo Ogden (6-5, 195); Joe Sterling (6-4, 180); Coleman Elkins (6-10, 240)   TEXAS A&M (22-12, 11-7 SEC): Bucky Ball will be in a total rebuild as the top 10 scorers are all departing. The Aggies have to find some size, some shooters and open court defenders who can press for a full 40 minutes. Bucky McMillan has four returnees and a freshman so there are 10 scholarships to fill.   Seniors (7): Rashaun Agee (6-7, 210); Rylan Griffen (6-5, 180); Marcus Hill (6-4, 185); Zach Clemente (6-10, 225); Jacari Lane (6-0, 178); Federiko Federiko (6-11, 220); Ali Abdou Dibba (6-5, 185) Portal (3): Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR); Pop Isaacs (6-2, 170); Ruben Dominguez (6-6, 213, FR) Returning (4): McKenzie Mgbako (6-8, 217, JR); Jamie Vinson (6-11, 225, SO); Chris McDermott (6-7, 225, SO); Jeremiah Green (6-3, 189, FR) Signed: Josh Irving (6-10, 200)   VANDERBILT (27-9, 11-7 SEC): If Tyler Tanner declares for the NBA, which is entirely possible, Vanderbilt is going to be rebuilding from the ground up. Six seniors and five transfers have left the Commodores in dire straits. Should Tanner go it could be a very long year in Nashville unless Mike Byington can work some magic in the portal. The Commodores have signed three. Depending on Tanner there are either seven or eight scholarships remaining. Emphasis will be on big guys and shooters.   Seniors (6): Duke Miles (6-2, 175); Tyler Nickel (6-7, 200); AK Okereke (6-7, 220); Devin McGlockton (6-7, 220); Jalen Washington (6-10, 225); Mason Nicholson (6-10, 280) Portal (5): Frankie Collins (6-1, 185, SR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR); Tyler Harris (6-8, 190, JR); George Kimble III (6-2, 184, SO); Mike James (6-5, 198, RSR) Returning (4): Tyler Tanner (6-0, 170, SO); Chandler Bing (6-5, 211, FR); Jayden Leverett (6-11, 245, FR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR) Signed: Ethan Mgbako (6-6, 215); Anthony Brown (6-1, 160); Jackson Sheffield (6-9, 240)

If Condon (21), Chinyelu (9) and Haugh (10) return the Gators would likely project No. 1 (Photo by Chris Spears) Despite their earlier than anticipated exit from the NCAA Tournament, the Gators finished ninth in both the Associated Press and Coaches final top 25 polls. Florida’s 27-8 record also concluded the third best 3-year run of any team in school history – 87-24. The 2005-2007 teams, which included back-to-back national champions, hold the record at 92-19 followed by the 2012-14 teams that went 91-19.   With speculation growing that national Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon will be returning, the Gators made the top five in four prominent too early top 25 polls that predict next season. The Gators are No. 3 in both the ESPN and Sports Illustrated polls, No. 4 in polls for USA Today and The Athletic. If All-American Tommy Haugh forgoes the draft to return, Florida will likely project as the No. 1 team for next season. That is unlikely since Haugh projects in the lottery, but it is possible. It is far more reasonable that Condon and Chinyelu would return since both are projected second rounders.   If Condon and Chinyelu return instead of leaving for the NBA, Todd Golden will have 11 on scholarship and four that can be filled through the transfer portal and/or international players.   Here is a projected starting lineup: Alex Condon (6-11, 236, SR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, SR); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, JR); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, JR) and Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, SR)   Reserves: AJ Brown (6-5, 210, RJR); CJ Ingram (6-7, 210, SO); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, JR); Alex Lloyd (6-4, 180, SO); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RJR); and Jones Lay (7-0, 230, FR)   Based on these projections, it’s probable that Golden would try to bring in two bigs, a perimeter shooter and a point guard. The Gators have already been linked to New Mexico big man Tomislav Buljan (6-9, 250, FR) and Santa Clara point guard Christian Hammond (6-4, 190, SO). Buljan averaged 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds, while Hammond was good for 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and shot 39.3 percent from three.   Associated Press top 25: 1. Michigan 37-3; 2. UConn 34-6; 3. Arizona 36-3; 4. Duke 35-3; 5. Illinois 28-9; 6. Purdue 30-9; 7. Houston 30-7; 8. Iowa State 29-8; 9. FLORIDA 27-8; 10. St. John’s 30-7; 11. Michigan State 27-8; 12. Tennessee 25-12; 13. Arkansas 28-9; 14. Nebraska 28-7; 15. Iowa 24-13; 16. Alabama 25-10; 17. Virginia 30-6; 18. Gonzaga 31-4; 19. Vanderbilt 27-9; 20. Kansas 24-11; 21. Texas Tech 23-11; 22. Texas 21-15; 23. Louisville 24-11; 24. Miami 26-9; 25. Wisconsin 24-11   Coaches top 25: 1. Michigan 37-3; 2. UConn 34-6; 3. Arizona 36-3; 4. Duke 35-3; 5. Illinois 28-9; 6. Houston 30-7; 7. Purdue 30-9; 8. Iowa State 29-8; 9. FLORIDA 27-8; 10. St. John’s 30-7; 11. Michigan State 27-8; 12. Tennessee 25-12; 13. Arkansas 28-9; 14. Nebraska 28-7; 15. Virginia 30-6; 16. Alabama 25-10; 17. Vanderbilt 27-9; 18. Gonzaga 31-4; 19. Iowa 24-13; 20. Kansas 24-11; 21. Texas Tech 23-11; 22. Miami 26-9; 23. Louisville 24-11; 25. Texas 21-15   PROJECTING NEXT SEASON ESPN: 1. Michigan; 2. Duke; 3. FLORIDA; 4. UConn; 5. Arizona; 6. Michigan State; 7. Arkansas; 8. Illinois; 9. Virginia; 10. Houston; 11. St. John’s; 12. Iowa State; 13. Texas; 14. Purdue; 15. Saint Louis; 16. TCU; 17. Southern California; 18. Nebraska; 19. North Carolina; 20. Alabama; 21. Gonzaga; 22. BYU; 23. Missouri; 24. Vanderbilt; 25. Iowa   USA Today: 1. Michigan State; 2. Duke; 3. Michigan; 4. FLORIDA; 5. Arizona; 6. Illinois; 7. Alabama; 8. Houston; 9. Arkansas; 10. Virginia; 11. Gonzaga; 12. UConn; 13. Iowa State; 14. St. John’s; 15. BYU; 16. Purdue; 17. Miami; 18. Nebraska; 19. Iowa; 20. Kansas; 21. Tennessee; 22. North Carolina; 23. Louisville; 24. Wisconsin; 25. VCU   The Athletic: 1. Illinois; 2. Michigan; 3. Arizona; 4. FLORIDA; 5. Duke; 6. UConn; 7. Michigan State; 8. Iowa State; 9. Arkansas; 10. Nebraska; 11. Iowa; 12. Gonzaga; 13. Purdue; 14. Houston; 15. Kansas; 16. Saint Louis; 17. TCU; 18. Texas; 19. Kentucky; 20. Virginia; 21. Miami; 22. St. John’s; 23. Vanderbilt; 24. North Carolina; 25. Tennessee   Sports Illustrated: 1. Michigan; 2. UConn; 3. FLORIDA; 4. Arizona; 5. Michigan State; 6. Duke; 7. Virginia; 8. Illinois; 9. Arkansas; 10. Houston; 11. Alabama; 12. Gonzaga; 13. St. John’s; 14. Iowa State; 15. Vanderbilt; 16. Nebraska; 17. Texas; 18. Purdue; 19. Kansas; 20. Saint Louis; 21. Iowa; 22. UCLA; 23. Texas Tech; 24. TCU; 25. Southern California   SEC IN THE PORTAL Alabama: Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO); Jalil Bethea (6-5, 190, SO)   Arkansas: Karter Knox (6-6, 211, SO); DJ Wagner (6-3, 175, JR); Kaim Rtail (6-7, 205, FR); Elmir Dzafic (7-0, 285, FR)   Auburn: Filip Jovic (6-8, 225, FR)   FLORIDA: Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR); Micah Handlogten (7-1, 260, SR)   Georgia: Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 235, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jordan Ross (6-3, 175, JR); Jake Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR)   Kentucky: Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-5, 180, FR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR); Andrija Jelavic (6-11, 225, FR)   LSU: Dedan Thomas Jr. (6-1, 178, JR); Jalen Reed (6-10, 230, SR); Mazi Mosley (6-5, 169, FR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR); Marcus Vaughns (6-8, 221, FR); Mike Nwoko (6-10, 245, JR)   Mississippi State: Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-10, 240, FR); Dellquan Waren (6-1, 160, FR); Sergej Macura (6-9, 220, FR); Amier Ali (6-8, 185, SO)   Missouri: Anthony Robinson II (6-2, 175, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 195, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, SO)   Oklahoma: Andreas Holst (7-0, 200, FR); Kuol Atak (6-9, 190, FR); Jake Hansen (6-0, 170, FR)   Ole Miss: Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 190, SO); Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, FR); Hobert Grayson IV (6-4, 205, SR); Corey Chest (6-8, 210, RSO); Koren Johnson (6-2, 175, RJR); Augusto Cassia (6-8, 220, JR)   South Carolina: Eli Ellis (6-0, 192, FR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 225, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 253, FR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 240, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 285, RJR); Abu Yarmah (6-6, 209, FR)   Tennessee: Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, JR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 192, FR); JP Estrella (6-11, 241, RSO); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 245, JR); Troy Henderson (6-1, 186, FR); Amari Evans (6-5, 220, FR). Incoming: Tyler Lundblade (6-5, 195, SR, from Belmont)   Texas A&M: Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR); Ruben Dominguez (6-6, 213, FR)   Vanderbilt: Frankie Collins (6-1, 185, SR); Jaylon Dean-Vines (6-4, 181, FR); Tyler Harris (6-8, 190, JR); George Kimble III (6-2, 184, SO)

(Photo by Chris Spears) Micah Handlogten, whose decision to burn his redshirt was essential in Florida’s national championship run in 2025, is entering the NCAA transfer portal. While the move probably caught Gator fans by surprise, it doesn’t shut the door on a return to UF.   A 7-1, 260-pound senior, Handlogten averaged 4.1 points and 5.9 rebounds this past season while playing in 34 games with two starts. A starter as a sophomore when he transferred to UF from Marshall, Handlogten fractured his leg in the 2024 Southeastern Conference Tournament championship game. He was planning to redshirt the 2024-25 season when he responded to a rash of injuries in February by electing to play out the season, becoming a critical piece in the big man rotation that helped the Gators to the NCAA title.   From an eligibility standpoint, last season was Handlogten’s fourth but he has appealed to the NCAA, asking for a waiver that will grant another year since he missed Florida’s NCAA Tournament game in 2024 and the first 24 games of 2024-25. Given the seemingly erratic responses the NCAA has to waiver requests it is thought that Handlogten has a better than 50 percent chance to get approved.   When Handlogten put his name in the portal it raised speculation that some or all of the NBA draft eligible Gators might be returning. Tommy Haugh is projected as a first rounder who could be taken in the last third of the lottery, but he has a season of eligibility remaining so he could come back to play one more season for the Gators. Both national Defensive Player of the Year Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon are projected as second rounders. They may choose to return for their senior seasons where, thanks to NIL, they stand to make more money than they would as second rounders.   If two of the three elect to return, it would mean another year of coming off the bench for Handlogten, whose size alone makes him an NCAA prospect. He needs more playing time, therefore transferring out makes sense if perhaps Chinyelu and Condon return.   Handlogten does have time to make a decision about what’s next. Due to his size and experience, he has plenty of options available if he remains in the portal. However, if Haugh, Chinyelu and Condon all elect to stay in the draft, the door remains wide open for Handlogten to return as the only Florida big with experience.   Handlogten is the third departure from last season’s team which finished 27-8, losing to Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Xaivian Lee is out of eligibility. Handlogten and Olivier Rioux have placed their names in the portal.   Here is a preview of the Florida roster as it stands without any declarations of future intentions by Haugh, Chinyelu or Condon.   Bigs: Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, JR); Alex Condon (6-11, 236, JR); Viktor Mikic (6-11, 260, SO)   Perimeter: AJ Brown (6-5, 210, RJR); Urban Klavzar (6-1, 195, JR); Alex Kovatchev (6-5, 195, RSO); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, SO); Isaiah Brown (6-5, 210, SO); CJ Ingram (6-7, 205, FR); Alex Lloyd (6-3, 180, FR)   Signed: Jones Lay (7-0, 230)   With 12 scholarships accounted for, Todd Golden has three available for the portal, international players or freshmen who opt out of scholarships due to coaching changes. Whether or not Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu decide to return, Golden has to prioritize bringing in big guys. Should they all three stay in the draft, Handlogten could return but Golden would still need to bring in at least two more big guys, preferably with size and college experience. Since Fland is the only true point guard on the roster, adding another point guard is a necessity.   Here are a few transfers the Gators might have an interest in recruiting:   Ben Defty (7-0, 255, SO, Boston University): German native who played high school basketball at a New England prep school. Legitimate size, serious rim protector. Averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots per game.   Christian Hammond (6-4, 195, SO, Santa Clara): There is a lot of talk that Florida is already in the mix. As a sophomore he averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for an NCAA team while shooting 39.3 percent from the 3-point line.   Andrew McKeever (7-3, 285, SO, Saint Mary’s): You can’t teach tall (7-3) and he’s got aircraft carrier size. Averaged 8.2 points and 9.2 rebounds. Will he follow Randy Bennett to Arizona State?   Sam Orme (6-9, 220, SO, Belmont): First and foremost, Florida’s last transfer from Belmont (Will Richard) turned out pretty well, didn’t he? Averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and shot 39.7 percent on 3-pointers as a sophomore.     Neoklis Avdalas (6-9, 215, FR, Virginia Tech): He can play all three wing positions quite well, but is most comfortable at the point. As a freshman, he averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He’s 20 years old and from Greece.   Flory Bidunga (6-9, 220, SO, Kansas): The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game. Declared for the NBA Draft but doesn’t have a jumper and is No. 44 on the ESPN board.   Oswin Erhunmwunse (6-10, 225, SO, Providence): Raw offensive skills but rebounds and blocks shots. Averaged 6.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game.   Acaden Lewis (6-2, 180, FR, Villanova): Pure point who averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Overall shot 58.3 percent, but only 27 percent from three. Played AAU ball with Team Durant out of DC.   Bryson Tiller (6-10, 240, FR, Kansas): Played extensively as a freshman, averaging 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. From Atlanta, he was a top 100 recruit out of high school in Atlanta.   Shon Abaev (6-8, 210, FR, Cincinnati): He’s a Fort Lauderdale kid who played at Calvary Christian where he was a 4-star recruit. Averaged 7.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game. Had an offer from the Gators out of high school.   SEC IN THE PORTAL Alabama Taylor Bol Bowen (6-10, 195, JR); Aiden Sherrell (6-10, 240, SO)   Arkansas Karter Knox (6-6, 211, SO); DJ Wagner (6-3, 175, JR)   Florida Olivier Rioux (7-9, 305, RFR ); Micah Handlogten (7-1, 260, SR)   Georgia Jeremiah Wilkinson (6-1, 185, SO); Dylan James (6-9, 235, JR); Somto Cyril (6-11, 260, SO); Jackson McVey (7-1, 240, FR); Jordan Ross (6-3, 175, JR); Jake Wilkins (6-9, 185, FR)   Kentucky Jaland Lowe (6-2, 170, JR); Brandon Garrison (6-11, 245, JR); Jasper Johnson (6-5, 180, FR); Mouhamed Dioubate (6-7, 215, JR); Denzel Aberdeen (6-5, 190, SR)   LSU Dedan Thomas Jr. (6-1, 178, JR); Jalen Reed (6-10, 230, SR); Mazi Mosley (6-5, 169, FR); Matt Gilhool (6-11, 213, FR); Ron Zipper (6-5, 209, FR)   Mississippi State Jamarion Davis-Fleming (6-10, 240, FR); Dellquan Waren (6-1, 160, FR)   Missouri Anthony Robinson II (6-2, 175, JR); Sebastian Mack (6-3, 195, JR); T.O. Barrett (6-4, 200, SO)   Ole Miss Eduardo Klafke (6-5, 190, SO); Ilias Kamardine (6-5, 185, FR); Hobert Grayson IV (6-4, 205, SR); Corey Chest (6-8, 210, RSO)   South Carolina Eli Ellis (6-0, 192, FR); Elijah Strong (6-8, 225, JR); EJ Walker (6-7, 253, FR); Jordan Butler (7-0, 240, JR); Christ Essandoko (7-0, 285, RJR)   Tennessee Tyler Lundblade (6-5, 195, SR, from Belmont); Cade Phillips (6-9, 212, JR); Clarence Massamba (6-5, 192, FR); JP Estrella (6-11, 241, RSO); Bishop Boswell (6-4, 203, SO); Jaylen Carey (6-8, 245, JR)   Texas A&M Josh Holloway (6-1, 178, JR)   Vanderbilt Frankie Collins (6-1, 185, SR)

Keagan Rothrock pitched an outstanding game of her own and was able to work around a lead-off single in the 7th to shut the door on the Bulldogs and get the win. The Florida Gator softball team did just enough this past weekend to take the series from a scrappy Mississippi State Bulldog team 2-1.  MSU pitcher Peja Goold tossed a complete game one hitter and lost! The Gator offense was held hitless through the first 5 innings on Friday night after a two-hour weather delay. In the bottom of the sixth both Taylor Shumaker and Gabi Comia had grounded out. Goold walked Jocelyn Erickson on four straight pitches. With a 1-2 count on her, Kenleigh Cahalan delivered a day early birthday present to herself when she blasted the pitch from Goold over the right-center field wall for the only Gator hit of the game to give them a 2-0 lead. Keagan Rothrock pitched an outstanding game of her own and was able to work around a lead-off single in the 7th to shut the door on the Bulldogs and get the win. The Gators dropped the Sunflower Saturday game by a score of 9-5 to even the series. Katelynn Oxley suffered her first loss of the season. She gave up 2 runs through 4 innings. Allison Sparkman and Leah Stevens were unable to keep the Bulldog offense in check giving up 3 runs each. Olivia Miller finishedthe game with the last 1.2 innings and also gave up a run. The Gators failed to score in the first four innings. They pulled to within 2 runs with a four spot in the fifth but were unable to rally after giving up three runs in the top of the sixth.  The Gators jumped on Bulldog starter Leila Ammon early in the rubber game of the series scoring 4 runs, three earned, in the first two innings. Florida led 1-0 after Taylor Shumaker scored on a Kenleigh Cahalan double in the first. MSU tied the score of a home run in their half of the second. A single from Ava Brown, who returned from injury to play in this series, started the Gator offense in the second. A walk and an error allowed Kalie Matsuno who had entered as a pinch runner for Brown to score. A Comia bunt single marked the end of the day for the Bulldog starter. Saturday’s starter for the Bulldogs, Alyssa Faircloth entered the circle. Shumaker singled to right to score Grover. Erickson delivered a sac fly to score Wesolowski who had reached on the error. Strike outs of Cahalan and Madison Walker would end the inning. Rothrock would give up home runs number 2 and 3 on the day in the top of the 3rd inning to cut the score to 4-3. The score would remain the same until the top of the 7th. A lead-off walk and a wild pitch put the tying run at second with no outs. A ground ball to the second baseman allowed that runner to move to third with one out. A sac fly allowed the Bulldogs to tie the game at 4 each. Taylor Shumaker was hit by a pitch with the count full to start the bottom of the seventh. Erickson was out on a fly to the left fielder. Cahalan singled to center field to move Shumaker to second. Giula Desiderio was inserted as a pinch hitter to replace Madison Walker. She delivered a single to left field to load the bases. Townsen Thomas hit a two hop ground ball to the left of the Bulldog shortstop who caught the ball and fired to the plate. Shumaker was just quick enough to beat the throw by inches. The call of safe was challenged and ultimately upheld to secure the walk-off victory by the Gators. The Gators did just enough to win the series. Give the Bulldog pitchers some credit. They have great records and very low eras coming into the series and much the same as they head back to the Magnolia state. Some weekends are just like that. Especially in the middle of the conference season. To win the championship, you have to find a way to battle through and get the wins when you don’t play your best softball. That Gators did just that this past weekend.

(Photo by Chris Spears) A few thoughts to jump start your Monday morning: Spring football enters its final phase this week leading to the Orange and Blue Game on Saturday. This will be the first opportunity the public will have a chance to see how the Gators are adapting to Jon Sumrall and his coaching staff. Based on solid reporting from several sources including Zach Goodall of the Swamp247 site, here is a look at the offense that took the field in a scrimmage Saturday.   Sumrall has stated in interviews and press conferences that spring football will not guarantee a starting job when fall practice begins, but here is a position-by-position look at the offense that took the field on Saturday.   QB: Aaron Philo (6-1, 208, RSO); Tramell Jones Jr. (6-0, 199, RFR) RB: Jadan Baugh (6-1, 228, JR); Duke Clark (6-2, 202, RFR); Evan Pryor (5-10, 190, RSR) WR: Vernell Brown III (5-11, 177, SO); Eric Singleton Jr. (5-10, 182, SR); Bailey Stockton (5-10, 182, RJR); Kahliel Jackson (6-3, 220, GR); Micah Mays Jr. (6-1, 195, RJR); TJ Abrams (5-10, 194, RSO) TE: Luke Harpring (6-3, 236, RSO); Lacota Dippre (6-3, 255, RJR); Evan Chieca (6-4, 257, RJR) LT: Eagan Boyer (6-8, 300, RSO) LG: Knijeah Harris (6-3, 317, SR) C: Harrison Moore (6-4, 300, JR); Jason Zandamela (6-3, 304, RSO) RG: TJ Shanahan Jr. (6-4, 311, RJR) RT: Emeka Ugorji (6-4, 311, SO)   THE STATE OF THE SEC A day after UCLA put a whomping on Dawn Staley and South Carolina for the NCAA women’s basketball championship, Michigan is heavily favored (7.5 or more points) to make it a clean sweep for the Big Ten by taking out UConn in the men’s NCAA championship game. UCLA’s national championship was the first for the Big Ten since Purdue in 1999. Should Michigan handle UConn, it will be the first championship for the Big Ten since Tom Izzo and Michigan State beat Florida in 2000.   Back in January, Indiana beat Miami to win the Big Ten’s third consecutive national championship.   The Big Ten’s recent dominance in football should be a major concern for Greg Sankey and the 16 schools that make up the Southeastern Conference. While it can be argued that the SEC is stronger from top to bottom than the Big Ten, nobody pays attention to how many 8-4 or 7-5 teams played in the Foghorn Leghorn or Chobani Greek Yogurt bowls. Public perception is formed by who’s at the top and for three straight years it’s been a Big Ten team. Making matters worse, no SEC team has even made it to the national championship game since Georgia annihilated TCU for the 2022 title.   Because there has been such a gap in basketball championships, it’s easy to write this off as merely a phase, but ESPN columnist Dan Wetzel warns that the Big Ten might be poised to dominate college basketball for years to come.   Writes Wetzel: “ Now that every school can pay players. – either through direct revenue share or via name, image and likeness dollars – Big Ten schools are no longer disadvantaged in recruiting by everything from booster bag men to shoe company AAU connections. ”   And let’s face it, the Big Ten is rolling in money these days starting with that massive media rights contract that involves Fox, CBS, NBC and the Big Ten Network. Although the SEC had more revenue for the 2024-25 fiscal year than the Big Ten – $1.03 billion to $928 million – the Big Ten is surging. It is estimated by some experts that we’re not far from a time when the Big Ten will be distributing more than $100 million per year to its 18 schools. Can the SEC, with its exclusive contract with ABC/Disney/ESPN/SEC Network keep up?   The demographics favor the Big Ten. Although the country is undergoing a significant population shift that sees the  states that make up the SEC growing rapidly, the Big Ten is coast-to-coast, stretching from metro New York City (Rutgers) to the left coast (UCLA, Southern Cal, Washington and Oregon). The combined population of the states that actually house a Big Ten school is approximately 138 million. The 11 states that make up the SEC have a combined population of approximately 107 million.   The living alumni base tilts significantly in the Big Ten’s favor. The five largest alumni bases in the country are Big Ten schools – Indiana, Penn State, Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State. Thirteen of the largest alumni bases are Big Ten schools. Only three SEC schools crack the top 25 – No. 6 Texas, No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 8 Florida.   So, how can the SEC at least stay on an eye-to-eye level with the Big Ten? It is possible, but it starts with putting winning products on the field that win championships in the most visible sports. The SEC will produce plenty of champions in the non-revenue sports, but the ones that matter most to the viewing public are football and men’s and women’s basketball. Winning championships will increase viewers and television ad revenues but Sankey and the SEC’s school presidents better bring in more corporate sponsorships.   If the SEC is to compete, it’s the only way.   ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Remember not all that long ago when we had this rather Pollyanna notion that college sports were the last bastion of amateur athletics? The NCAA, in its infinite wisdom, tried to perpetuate the notion that because athletes were getting scholarships they shouldn’t get paid for the entertainment value they bring to campuses, communities, states and even the entire nation. Even though it got clobbered in court when it comes to paying athletes, the NCAA still tries to convince us that this amateur concept is what matters most.   Don’t believe it? Then watch tonight’s national championship game broadcast and more than once you’ll see the NCAA advertisement that goes something like this: 99 percent of all the college athletes will go pro in something other than sports. In other words, the elite athletes will get professional contracts but the bulk of the athletes are still amateurs.   That may be true down in Division II and Division III, but you probably were dropped on your head way too many times when you were an infant if you believe Division I players aren’t getting paid. They’ve always been paid only now it’s not under the table like it used to be. Now it’s legal.   The problem with today’s college sports isn’t so much that players are getting paid, it’s that there aren’t any guardrails in place. We hear that term “the wild, wild West” and it’s true. Athletes are for sale to the highest bidder which is why you have lawsuits like the one Trinidad Chambliss launched against the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. When the NCAA denied his request for a waiver, Chambliss went to court locally in Oxford and won. When the case moved to the Mississippi Supreme Court, Chambliss won again. The fight might continue in the courts, but odds are that Chambliss will be playing for Ole Miss in the fall, making more money as the Rebels starting quarterback than he would as a late round NFL backup … if that. Chambliss is listed at 6-1. Maybe in his cleats. Bare feet he’s maybe 5-10.   Mohammed Toure, a linebacker at Miami, will be back for an eighth season of college football in the fall. Somewhere in the Big Sky Conference there is a player who will be in his ninth year.   Eight years? Nine years?   Back in 1984 when Brigham Young won its only national championship in college football, the youngest player on its starting offensive line was 23 years old. Most were 25 or 26, married and with children. BYU gets a waiver for athletes who go on a 2-year Mormon mission. It’s strange that in 1992 the NCAA denied Florida defensive lineman Bill Gunter another year of eligibility because he spent a year working a local Christian mission that provided food and shelter for migrant farm workers.   Selective enforcement of rules has always been a staple of the NCAA. We could go on and on about the abuses and problems to which the NCAA has turned a blind eye, but we live in the here and now, and now prominent coaches are begging for something to be done. By and large, coaches aren’t against athletes being paid. They understand that at the Division I level, sports are a full time job. The kids should be paid. How much? That’s another story for another day, but they should be compensated for their time and work, particularly when considering many of the lingering injuries that shorten lifespans and affect long term quality of life.   It’s the transfer and eligibility rules that have turned so many players into hired guns, ready to bolt to the highest bidder. This also has changed recruiting. Instead of staking their livelihoods on young kids fresh out of high school, coaches are instead trying to cherry pick experienced players from the transfer portal.   On College Game Day Saturday, John Calipari said, “ I look at all this. I don't care the kids are making money. We just got to do a better job of transfers. Yeah, if a coach leaves or gets fired, you can leave without penalty. You can leave one time. I mean, I may even say two times, but you can't leave four times. You're not going to graduate. You're not going to create anything. You're a mercenary. Now, they'd say, well, they should be able to make money. Go pro! Let's worry about 17, 18, and 19-year-old kids. Just one thing. If it were your son, and he practiced, and he was a gym rat, he was all conference. He's not a top 50 player, but he's a Division I player. Right now, that kid is not getting contract or scholarship offers because we're all waiting on older players. The game is better because it's older – 25, 26. I laugh and say the guy got two kids and his wife and he's on his second wife. It's being a pro. It's what being a pro basketball player is.”   Last week Donald Trump signed an executive order that caps college eligibility at five years and allows one free transfer, the second transfer requiring an athlete to sit a year. The order also makes an effort to reel in collectives that are offering outrageous sums of money to athletes and it requires money being spent to further women’s and Olympic level sports.   This is a good start which is why coaches and administrators have hailed its significance. The next step needs to be a college sports commissioner because the NCAA has proven it's incapable of governing.

Not much but that’s not necessarily bad news     News was a little skimpy coming out of the Gator football scrimmage Saturday,  which is not necessarily a bad thing just a week before the spring game. If there was anything disastrous we would have heard about it. Otherwise there were the usual dribs and drabs about the quarterback competition. Next up will be how the squad is split and which injured players are back on the field for the Orange and Blue game. We do know that dazzling WR Dallas Wilson is back to running and expected to be seen on the field and limited action. His return has been widely anticipated ever since his first career game, when Wilson logged six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns against No. 9 Texas before being injured. However, as Coach John Sumrall says “I already know what he can do.“ It will also be our first look at wide receiver transfer sensation, Eric Singletary and will get to see cornerback Dijon Johnson back in action. There are not expected to be a ton of surprises, but we will see some wrinkles that we like, or maybe don’t like, and experience the overall operation of this new coach, and his coaching staff with new players, which has already creating a buzz around the SEC. There’s a lot of curiosity, and not just by the Gator nation.   SHORT STUFF: Left Over Hoopla   —If accurately quoted this sounds promising and it makes you wonder what he knows that he hasn’t told us yet: Todd Golden projects Florida to be ranked in the top 15 at the start of next season, but a top 10 team if “some things swing our way.”   —Say what you will about the previous basketball coach, but he had an eyeball for coaching talent. Dusty May was a assistant at Florida under Mike White from 2015 to 2018 then he takes a team to the national championship game in his 2nd year. Plus took FAU to the final 4 .   —Rueben Chinyelu is the first Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award winner born outside the United States.   —Coach Todd Golden praised his time on @coachbrucepearl's staff. "You can't fake caring about people."     Tough Gator Baseball Loss Ole Miss scored five in the ninth to beat No. 14 Florida in Gainesville after having the Rebels in the ropes after the heretofore strong bullpen fell apart and won the series. Florida hasn't won back-to-back series Kennesaw State and Miami in late February.   Yeah, It Was Classless By Geno.   And This Is Insane:   In order for NFL fans to watch every football game next season you will need TEN different streaming subscriptions. • Netflix • Prime Video • NFL Network • Peacock/NBC • FOX • CBS • ESPN+ • Paramount+ • YouTube TV • NFL Sunday Ticket   Agree with this guy on TwitterX: I will die on the hill that major sports championships belong on broadcast TV. Put early round leftovers on whatever the hell truTV is. The Final Four belongs on CBS where the entire country can watch. And Finally, From Scott on Twitter: I miss the days where the Final Four was "play the first semifinal, let teams warm up for the second one and let's play ball." This between games concert stuff now is stupid and pointless. Me: Amen Scott

Florida gymnastics stays hot as the Gators put up another massive 198+ score for the fifth time in five meets. #3 Florida, # 6 Georgia, # 11 Michigan State and #14 California were looking to finish in the top two to advance to Nationals and UF brought it again scoring a 198.050. With Georgia advancing with an impressive 197.750 advancing for the first time since 2019. It’s on to Fort Worth April, 16th in the evening session. With the top four scores of the day will advance to the Final Four on Saturday April, 18th. LSU and Oklahoma are the favorites but the Gators have something to say about who will hold the trophy. LSU advanced with a 197.225 out of the Lexington Regional. Big news out of that meet was the loss of star Konnor McClain from a Bars injury Six gymnasts competed, with Florida having the choice of rotation of Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor Routine. The Five highest scores count. On to the recap: Vault: Regional Semifinals: 49.600. Average: 49.256, 9th in the Nation. Georgia: Average: 49.323, 5th in the nation. Michigan State: 49.264, 7th in the nation. California: 49.055, 21st in the nation. -Anya Pilgrim: Yurchenko 1 1/2. Hop forward.- 9.850 (The dropped score) -Skylar Drasser: Yurchenko 1 1/2. Step forward.- 9.850 -eMjae Frazier: Yurchenko Double. Twisting to face the Vault. Small hop.- 9.850 -Kayla DiCello: Yurchenko 1 1/2. Hop forward- 9.90 -Danie Ferris: Yurchenko 1 1/2. Hop on landing- 9.875 -Selena Harris-Miranda: Yurchenko 1 1/2. Small hop.- 9.90 49.375 - Above average here. Only Georgia with a 49.425 on Vault outscored the Gators. UGA-49.525 on a nice Bars routine, MSU-49.375 and Cal-49.025. Puts Florida tied for second after the first rotation. Uneven Bars: Regional Semifinals: 49.625. Average, 49.586, 1st in the Nation. Georgia: 49.345, 7th nationally. Michigan State: 49.233, 13th nationally. California: 49.332, 8th nationally. -eMjae Frazier: Low bar mount. Legs slightly separated. Double layout dismout. Stuck- 9.875 -Anya Pilgrim: Low bar mount. Legs together. Full twisting double tuck dismount. Stuck- 9.925 -Skye Blakely: Springboard mount. Extra long handstands. A little crooked on her motions. Inverted grip to a double half twist dismount. Stuck.- 9.950. Almost back-to-back 10’s! -Kayla DiCello: Springboard high bar mount. Legs together. Twisting layout dismount. Hop- 9.850 (The dropped score) -Selena Harris-Miranda: Top bar mount.High bar to low bar into a handstand. Pointed toes! Double layout dismount. Stuck- 9.90 Riley McCusker: Low Bar mount. Smooth routine. Great low to high bar transition. Double tuck dismount. Stuck- 9.925 49.575 - Again, Florida just pulls away from teams in the Bars. Highest total on Bars tonight. Florida takes first place. 98.950, UGA-98.775, MSU-98.700 and Cal-98.450 after two rotations. Beam: Regional Semifinals: 49.450. Average: 49.536, 1st in the Nation. Georgia: 49.286, 8th nationally. Michigan State: 49.208, 13th nationally. California: 49.070, 19th nationally. -Skylar Drasser:  Double series. 360 turn. Twisting front dismount 1 1/2 twist. Stuck- 9.90 -Alyssa Arana: Double back handspring. Wobble Front leap. Gainer Full side dismount. Takes a step - 9.725 (The dropped score) The only sub 9.8 of the whole weekend for the Gators. That’s good folks! -Skye Blakely: Triple wolf turn. Front to back handspring. Gainer full twisting side dismount. Stuck - 9.90 -eMjae Frazier: Springboard mount. Front flip to back flip arial. 360 turn. Split jumps. Cartwheel to twisting dismount. Stuck.-9.90 -Kayla DiCello: Springboard candle mount. Wolf turn. Double back a handspring. Front arial. Side dismount. Stuck.- 9.925 -Selena Harris-Miranda: Side split mount. Triple series back handspring. 360 turn. Front twisting dismount. Stuck.- 9.925 49.550 - Florida has the top five scores on Beam for the competition. Florida leads 148.500. UGA-148.325, MSU-148.075 and Cal-147.600 after the third rotation. Floor: Regional Semifinals: 49.450. Average: 49.436, 6th in the Nation. Georgia: 49.493, 3rd nationally. Michigan State: 49.394, 10th nationally. California: 49.230, 20th nationally. -Gabby Disidore: 1st pass (The long runs from corner to corner)- Double layout into a leap. Hop. 180 degree jumps. 2nd pass- Front twisting layout. Stuck.- 9.850 -Danie Ferris: 1st- Double tuck flip layout. Foot adjustment. 2nd- Combination twisting layout into a jump. Knees buckled on landing-9.80 (The dropped score) -Amelia Disidore: 1st- Front double layout. Foot slide. 2nd- Front twisting jump into a leap. Stuck- 9.850 -eMjae Frazier: 1st- Front double tuck flip. Foot slide. 2nd- Double front flip. Stuck.- 9.925 Skye Blakely: 1st- Front handspring. Double flip to stag leap. 2nd-Huge leaps. Front twisting combination pass. Stuck- 9.950 -Selena Harris-Miranda: 1st- Front double tuck. Stuck. 2nd- Combination pass to stag leap- 9.975. When will they score Selena a 10? Come on! Maybe Nationals? 49.450- The 198 streak was in jeopardy until eMjae, Skye and Selena closed out with huge scores on the floor.  Florida is first at 198.050. Georgia is second at 197.750. Michigan State is third at 197.00 and California is fourth at 196.975 Lily Bruce and Selena Harris-Miranda celebrate a Gator 198 score. (Photo UAA) Event winners: Vault:     CaMarah Williams, Georgia- 9.925 Bars:      Autumn Reingold, UGA, Nikki Smith, MSU- 9.975 Beam:    Kayla DiCello, Florida and Selena Harris-Miranda, Florida- 9.925 Floor:     Selena Harris-Miranda, Florida- 9.975 All-Around:         Nikki Smith, MSU 39.725. Selena Harris-Miranda, 2nd- 39.700 After the meet eMjae Frazier about being a Gator for her Senior season: “I could just say coming here has been such a change in my life and I have my built-in best friends, built-in sisters on this team and it’s just amazing to go out here and compete freely with so much fun and confidence in each other. We stay present with each other. We just go out there and be us and do everything that we do in practice and you can see it this week. "Our word was unbreakable and I think we can show you just now we did today and on Thursday the Gators are unbreakable and honestly, they’ve changed my life so much. I feel so valued. I feel so just blessed and honored to be a part of Gator Nation, the Gator community in general. It’s so great. I love being a Florida Gator.” . There’s no argument the top gymnast in the nation is LSU’s Kaitlin Chio. It’s hard to argue that the Gators are not the top team right now, when it counts.

Is it possible that Tommy Haugh could be back for one more year (Photo by Chris Spears) A few thoughts to jump start your Sunday morning: What Patric Young suggested last week on Jacksonville radio station 1010XL should not only send shivers up and down the spine of every coach in the Southeastern Conference but every coach whose team might have to face the Florida Gators on the basketball court next season.   Young, formerly the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year and now a basketball analyst for the SEC Network, suggested that Todd Golden might not have to replace his entire front line after all. Tommy Haugh is projected to go somewhere between 12 and 16 in the NBA Draft. Neither Alex Condon nor Rueben Chinyelu have elbowed their way into first round talk. Additionally, Micah Handlogten continues to wait for the NCAA to rule on his waiver request that will grant him one more season of collegiate eligibility.   When asked about Florida’s front line next season, Young offered this response: “Very likely you can see all three guys come back … High chance that all three of these guys make a decision and you know I think it's obvious more likely that you see Condon and Chinyelu back. But Tommy Haugh, a great chance that he's back. I mean he loves being a Gator. He's being compensated well … I don't think he can hurt his draft stock. He's going to be a professional. He's going to be in the NBA regardless.”   Young spoke in a casual but rather matter-of-fact manner. Is he in the know or was it simply speculation or wishful thinking on his part?   It has been expected that Condon and Chinyelu might be returning. As second round selections in the NBA Draft it’s unlikely they would get multi-year contracts with guaranteed money. If they were to return to Florida to play their senior seasons, they would, in all probability, make more money than they would as a second rounder on an NBA roster or with a 2-way contract that would involve the bulk of their time playing in the G-League. At Florida Condon and Chinyelu would likely make in excess of $2 million each.   The wild card in this scenario is Haugh, who is currently projected to go in the lottery. Would he turn down life-changing money to return to Florida? That’s what it would take if he were to return to UF, but it wouldn’t be the first time future Gator lottery picks said no to the NBA for one more season in Gainesville. After the Gators won their first NCAA title back in 2006, Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer were all projected to go in the NBA Draft lottery. All three said no, returned to Florida to play one more season with Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey in the starting lineup. After winning the 2007 NCAA title, Noah, Horford and Brewer all left for the NBA and all three were taken in the lottery.   “I’m so proud of that group,” Noah said Saturday while appearing on College Game Day. “We won the first one, had an opportunity to go to the NBA and we decided to come back because we loved playing with each other and our group was so tight.”   It was a group decision to return for a chance to win a second straight NCAA title. The decision was made, Noah said, after visiting Brewer at his home in Portland, Tennessee. Noah and Horford were from families with means, but Brewer was from more modest circumstances and his father suffered long term effects of diabetes.   “When I went to Portland, Tennessee and I saw where Corey was from and when he said, ‘I’m coming back to school and I want you guys to come with me,’ and we’ve got to do this together … When I saw where he was from and for him to say no to the money, it said everything. Even our press conference (in 2007) when we declared for the draft, it was a sad day. That’s how much we loved hooping with each other … People always underestimate chemistry and loving to hoop with each other. It’s rare.”   The chemistry among Florida’s big guys is rare, too. Haugh, Condon and Handlogten have been together for three years. Haugh and Condon were rather obscure recruits coming out of high school (Haugh in Pennsylvania; Condon in Australia). Handlogten was a transfer from Marshall. Chinyelu became an indispensable member of the group a year later when he transferred in from Washington State.   If Haugh, Condon and Chinyelu left for the NBA and Handlogten’s waiver request was rejected, Todd Golden would have a massive front court rebuild on his hands. If all four return, Florida will almost certainly be in everybody’s preseason top 10 and Haugh, a second team All-America selection, would be a candidate for SEC and national player of the year. Chinyelu is the 2026 Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year and Condon will be a 3-year starter. Handlogten is working to return to the form he displayed as a sophomore when he was a starter prior to fracturing his leg in the SEC Tournament championship game with Auburn.   If only Condon and Chinyelu return, Florida will be formidable next season, but all four? If that were to happen a lot of experts would pencil Florida in as a team that could win its second NCAA title in three years.     GATORS ADVANCE TO NCAA GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS It’s off to Fort Worth for the NCAA Championships after Florida’s 3 rd -ranked gymnastics team won the Tempe Regional Saturday night with a score of 198.050, a full .300 ahead of second place Georgia (197.750). It marked the fifth consecutive meet in which the Gators have scored 198 or better, a school record.   Ensuring victory for Florida was the final three in the floor rotation. After eMjae Frazier scored a 9.925, Skye Blakely followed with a 9.95 and Selena Harris-Miranda closed things out with a 9.975, a career-best on floor. Harris-Miranda had 9.9s for both the vault and bars and a 9.925 on the balance beam leading up to her floor routine.   Harris-Miranda competed in the all-around, scoring a 39.70 while Frazier scored 39.55   It marked the 23 rd regional championship for the Gators who are seeking to win their first NCAA title since the third of the 2012-14 three-peat.   UCONN, MICHIGAN WILL PLAY FOR NCAA TITLE MONDAY NIGHT Based on their total destruction of Arizona in the Saturday night semifinals, Michigan is already established as 7.5-point favorites to win the Big Ten’s first NCAA basketball championship since Michigan State did it back in 2000. Even with Yaxel Lendeborg limited to 14 minutes due to an ankle sprain, the Wolverines demolished Arizona, 91-74, to advance to the championship game against UConn, which advanced to the championship game by beating Illinois, 71-62.   ONE FINAL PITHY THOUGHT: Although the NCAA transfer portal for college basketball doesn’t open until Tuesday, already 29 Southeastern Conference players have let it be known they’re shopping for a new place to play basketball. Once the clock strikes midnight after Monday’s NCAA championship game between UConn and Michigan, all hell is going to break loose and we can anticipate a couple thousand at a bare minimum will state their willingness to participate in what is nothing more than a glorified cattle auction.   The portal stays open for 15 days but the negotiations will go on long afterward. Let’s not fool ourselves here. Sure, there are players who will transfer out in search of playing time who aren’t in it for the money. We’ll know that because they’ll be transferring to a Division I school that lacks the financial resources to fork out money to pay players.   Then you have the power conferences. Last year Kentucky spent $22 million for a roster that lost 14 games and couldn’t get past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. All that money couldn’t turn the Wildcats into contenders. Rather than re-evaluate and try to piece together a new roster with more efficient use of money, it is rumored that Kentucky will throw stacks of money into the raging fire, raising the ante by another $2-3 million … more if necessary. Not only has it been 14 years since the last Kentucky national championship, it has been since 2019 that the Wildcats made it to the Elite Eight game and 2015 since making it to the Final Four.   Kentucky’s not alone. If you’re a power conference school and you aren’t buying players out of the transfer portal then you’re in danger of falling so far behind that your school will never compete for championships. This is why you’ll see schools desperate enough to sign players who are on their third or fourth transfer. John Calipari calls them mercenaries and for all practical purposes that’s exactly what they are.   You can’t really blame the athletes. They’re taking advantage of a spineless NCAA which (a) has very few rules or guardrails in place and (b) lacks the fortitude to enforce what rules there are. Rather than come up with a set of rules that can be enforced to put an end to all this nonsense, the NCAA’s solution is to go to Congress hat in hand begging for people who can’t keep the government open and pay employees essential to our safety to put some antitrust legislation in place that will protect their billion-dollar industry.   On College Game Day Saturday, Jay Bilas said, “If we want players to stay, then sign them to long-term contracts and put buyouts in them, but the NCAA doesn't want to do that because they don't want them to be employees. They want to beg Congress for an antitrust exemption. And they're not going to get it. What other multibillion dollar industry is getting an antitrust exemption from Congress? There isn't one. What the NCAA should do is make rules that don't violate federal law. The rest of the rest of American business has to do it. They can do it, too.”   Although this is basketball’s big weekend, the same questions and circumstances ring true with football and to a lesser extent the non-revenue sports. Miami played for the college football championship with a $4 million transfer QB (Carson Beck). Are you naïve enough to think the money isn’t flowing to baseball, softball and other sports? Texas Tech softball pitcher NiJaree Canady was paid more than a million dollars to bolt Stanford for scenic Lubbock and its many thousands of rattlesnakes and scorpions. Canady got Texas Tech to its first Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City last year.     The NCAA could put an end to this nonsense but when has it ever come up with practical solutions that are legal? The NCAA is what happens when you put academics in charge of running a business that rakes in billions. College sports are in the process of being destroyed by clueless people who have never run a business their entire lives. What have they given us?  No rules. No solutions. Just chaos, which is what is about to be unleashed once again within an hour or so of the UConn-Michigan game.