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Tense atmosphere ahead of showdown between No. 19 Florida, No. 23 Alabama
Gators coach Todd Golden isn't happy about Alabama coach Nate Oats' controversial roster move involving 7-footer Charles Bediako.
Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:31am
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The atmosphere is tense as No. 19 Florida hosts No. 23 Alabama in a Southeastern Conference matchup. Gators coach Todd Golden is unhappy that Alabama was able to get a temporary restraining order allowing 7-footer Charles Bediako to rejoin the Crimson Tide after being released by three NBA teams. Bediako will be playing in his third game since the court decision. The defending national champion Gators have won the past four meetings with Alabama by an average of 14.8 points.
Why it matters
This game features two ranked SEC teams with a history of intense matchups. The controversy surrounding Bediako's eligibility has added extra drama and tension to the rivalry. The outcome could have implications for the SEC standings and NCAA Tournament seeding.
The details
Alabama coach Nate Oats made the controversial decision to allow Bediako to rejoin the team after the 7-footer went undrafted in 2023 and was released by three NBA teams. A Tuscaloosa judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing Bediako to play, which has angered Gators coach Todd Golden. Florida has won the past four meetings with Alabama by an average of 14.8 points. The Crimson Tide (14-6, 4-3 SEC) are tied for seventh in the conference, while the Gators (15-6, 6-2) are tied for second.
- The game between No. 19 Florida and No. 23 Alabama will take place on Sunday afternoon.
The players
Todd Golden
The head coach of the Florida Gators basketball team.
Nate Oats
The head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team.
Charles Bediako
A 7-foot center who was released by three NBA teams before seeking college eligibility through the courts and being granted a temporary restraining order to play for Alabama.
What they’re saying
“They were able to finagle the situation where they got a judge in Alabama that is actually a donor at Alabama to write a temporary restraining order to let this guy play games at Alabama.”
— Todd Golden, Florida Gators head coach
“We're going to beat them anyways. If he plays, we'll beat him anyways.”
— Todd Golden, Florida Gators head coach
“They're the defending national champs. They should be planning on beating us. That's how it's supposed to look. I wouldn't expect anything less. He should be trying to kick our butt whether we have Charles or not.”
— Nate Oats, Alabama Crimson Tide head coach
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Charles Bediako to continue playing for Alabama.
The takeaway
This game highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies in college basketball, with coaches clashing over player eligibility issues and the high stakes of conference and national title races. Regardless of the outcome, the matchup between the two ranked SEC teams is sure to be a hard-fought and intense affair.
