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Alabama-Florida Basketball Matchup Fueled by Coach's Viral Comments
Florida coach Todd Golden's 'we're gonna beat 'em anyways' remark adds extra intrigue to Sunday's game against Alabama.
Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm
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Florida coach Todd Golden insists he wasn't being disrespectful when he said 'we're gonna beat 'em anyways' in response to Alabama center Charles Bediako's return to college basketball. However, Golden's viral comment has become a major storyline ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between No. 19 Florida and No. 23 Alabama on Sunday.
Why it matters
The comments have added extra intrigue to the game, which features Bediako's ongoing court case to regain college eligibility after leaving school and entering the NBA draft. The case has been a contentious topic among college coaches, with Golden being one of the most outspoken critics.
The details
Golden said he has since questioned whether his comment was 'a good thing to say or a bad thing to say.' He maintains that it was simply his belief that Florida would win the game, not a sign of disrespect. Bediako, a 7-footer, provides an inside presence that Alabama had been missing, and his return has the potential to change the dynamics of the game.
- Last week, Golden made the 'we're gonna beat 'em anyways' comment during the school's weekly radio show that was broadcast in front of a live audience.
- Last week, a Tuscaloosa judge granted a temporary restraining order that allows Bediako to play for the Crimson Tide - at least until an injunction hearing is held.
The players
Todd Golden
The head coach of the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
Charles Bediako
A 7-foot center for the Alabama Crimson Tide who is suing the NCAA in an attempt to regain college eligibility despite leaving school and entering the NBA draft.
Nate Oats
The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball team.
Thomas Haugh
A star forward for the Florida Gators men's basketball team.
What they’re saying
“We're gonna beat 'em anyways.”
— Todd Golden, Head Coach, Florida Gators
“It's definitely not right. This dude literally was at college, left and then came back. ... We'll play them with or without him. It doesn't matter.”
— Thomas Haugh, Star Forward, Florida Gators
What’s next
An injunction hearing will be held to determine if Bediako can continue playing for Alabama while his lawsuit against the NCAA is ongoing.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing debate around player eligibility rules in college basketball, with coaches like Todd Golden speaking out against what they see as loopholes being exploited. Regardless of Bediako's status, Sunday's matchup between Florida and Alabama promises to be an intense and highly anticipated contest.
