Todd Golden expects Nate Oats didn’t care about ‘we’ll beat them anyways’ comments on Alabama with Charles Bediako
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Florida head coach Todd Golden caught the attention of the SEC basketball community when he brushed off concerns over facing Charles Bediako by saying the No. 19 Gators would still beat No. 23 Alabama. Days away from the game, Golden is downplaying any concerns over upsetting Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats.
A week ago, Golden confidently said “we’re gonna beat them anyways” when he was asked during his radio show about potentially facing Alabama with Bediako. At that time, Bediako’s status was uncertain for the Florida game. With his injunction hearing rescheduled for Feb. 6, Bediako is confirmed to be available on Sunday in Gainesville.
Todd Golden on the Charles Bediako situation:
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 23, 2026
“They were able to finagle it where they got a judge that’s actually an Alabama donor to write a temporary restraining order… We’re gonna beat them anyways. If he plays, we’ll beat them anyways.” pic.twitter.com/VHQb66zUil
Golden recently appeared on the Field of 68 podcast and discussed numerous topics, including facing Alabama and Bediako. While Golden hasn’t spoken directly to Oats in the last week, he doesn’t expect the Alabama coach to take issue with expecting victory.
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“I don’t think Nate cared at all that I said that,” Golden said. “And I think, would expect us to expect that we’re going to win when we play him. I know that he’s expecting the same thing when he comes out on Sunday; he’s going to expect to kick our ass.”
ICYMI: Todd Golden with @GoodmanHoops on his Charles Bediako comments
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) January 29, 2026
"I love Nate Oats. A lot of people are trying to do this. I don't hold it against him… I don't think he cared at all that I said that. He's gonna expect to kick our ass, too"
: https://t.co/ItYAlCmJQO pic.twitter.com/vWec6RpoGi
Alabama and Florida both lost this past Saturday, but picked up bounce-back blowout wins in midweek action. The Crimson Tide defeated Mizzou 90-64 to improve to 14-6 overall and 4-3 in SEC play. The Gators beat South Carolina 95-48 on Wednesday to improve to 15-6 overall and 6-2 in conference contests.
Sunday’s showdown is set for 1 p.m. ET on ABC.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
