There will be a lot of opinions shared about Alabama and the eligibility of Charles Bediako. The former-turned-current Crimson Tide center was granted a Temporary Restraining Order against the NCAA by a Tuscaloosa County Judge on Wednesday, allowing him to be eligible for at least one game: Saturday's showdown with Tennessee in Tuscaloosa.
His eligibility for the remainder of the season will be determined on Tuesday during a preliminary injunction hearing, one that many expect to go Alabama's way as well. If that's granted, Bediako will be eligible to play the remainder of the season for the Crimson Tide, much to the chagrin of the national media, opposing fans, and coaches left on the Alabama schedule.
That includes Florida and head coach Todd Golden, who will host Alabama on Sunday, February 1st in Gainesville. Golden didn't hold back when asked for his opinion on the situation on his radio show on Thursday night.
“They were able to finagle it where they got a judge that’s actually an Alabama donor to write a temporary restraining order," Golden said. "...We’re gonna beat them anyways. If he plays, we’ll beat them anyways.”
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
Todd Golden is confident in Florida's ability to beat Alabama no matter what
One thing Oats has to understand is that adding Bediako puts an even bigger target on Alabama's back. They are going to get everyone's best shot now, if they weren't already.
Golden has earned the confidence in beating Oats and Alabama head-to-head. The Gators are 4-2 against the Crimson Tide under Golden, and that includes winning the last four meetings. Florida has knocked Alabama out of the last two SEC Tournaments, using a distinct edge in the paint to their advantage in doing so.
Oats had Florida at least partially in mind when adding Bediako to the roster. The Gators have overwhelmed the Crimson Tide in the paint and on the glass over the last two seasons.
If Bediako is able to continue to play after Saturday, there's no team he'll provide more of a lift for Alabama against than Florida, and Golden knows that. But he's a confident coach, and his defending National Champions are looking more and more like the SEC's best yet again with every passing game.
He's earned the right to be confident and downright cocky. Oats will probably even appreciate that kind of response, while undoubtedly using it to fire up his team when Alabama travels to Gainesville next weekend.