Florida head coach Todd Golden sits down with Jon Rothstein to discuss all things Gators for the 2026-27 season, as well as reflecting on last season and the NCAA tournament loss to Iowa.
Additionally, they discuss which players could impact Florida the most this season - and why there's no awkwardness with Denzel Aberdeen in his return.
0:00 Intro & The Golden’s vacation destination for 2026
0:28 On this being the first offseason he’s had to gather himself
0:58 What he’s learned to help make Florida an elite program again
2:05 Does the Iowa loss usurp the loss to Colorado in the NCAA tournament?
3:10 On remembering last season’s success but also NCAA tournament loss to Iowa
4:20 What it was like to watch the Final Four after winning the natty the year prior
5:04 On being a head coach in the current CBB climate
6:00 What Denzel Aberdeen adds to Florida if deemed eligible
7:17 Was there any awkwardness in the reunion with Denzel?
8:04 The biggest reason Florida is able to retain players in the current CBB climate
9:59 How this year’s team compares to the previous two Florida squads
11:01 Which returners will make the biggest impact for Florida?
12:04 Depth of Florida’s rotation this season
12:30 Where does Alex Condon fit within this Gators squad?
14:17 Todd Golden thinks the SEC will return to being the best league in America
15:14 What it will be like getting to host Duke in Gainesville
16:31 Does he have any interest in coaching in the NBA?
17:51 Why having success at Florida makes it harder to leave
18:45 How Todd’s relationship with Billy Donovan has grown
20:09 How Billy helped him understand the Florida fanbase, expectations
21:09 On knowing his team will be defined by what happens in March Madness
22:33 How often does he think about winning a second national championship?
23:21 Keys for Florida to win its second national title in three years
