Jackson Castellano

Jackson Castellano is a second-year sports journalism student and the assistant sports editor at the Alligator. In the past, he has covered UF basketball and baseball for the Alligator and was an associate editor at ClutchPoints.

Florida head coach Billy Napier looks on during the Gators game against South Florida Sept. 17, 2022. His team has dropped its first two conference games this season.

Rae Riiska

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida overwhelmed by defensive shortcomings, still winless in SEC

By Jackson Castellano | 10:00am

Mistakes made by defensive coordinator Patrick Toney’s unit were too much to overcome as the Gators were sent home from Knoxville still winless in the Southeastern Conference. Now-unranked Florida fell to now-No. 8 Tennessee 38-33. Despite the close score, the game seemed all but over heading into the fourth quarter. The Volunteers held a three possession lead over head coach Billy Napier.

Florida head coach Billy Napier during the No. 18 Gators narrow victory over the South Florida Bulls Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Rae Riiska

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators escape upset with narrow victory over South Florida

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 17

No. 18 Florida defeated South Florida 31-28 to avoid a disastrous upset Saturday night. Despite allowing more than 400 yards in offense, the Gators would survive to see an above .500 record once more. The Bulls missed a 48-yard field goal which would've sent the game into overtime.

Junior safety Jadarrius Perkins during Florida's upset of Utah Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

Rae Riiska

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Kentucky poses new threat to Gators in week two

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 9

After exceeding expectations week one, the Gators must prove they aren’t a one-hit-wonder against No. 20 Kentucky.

Florida sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson during the Gators game against Utah Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. He led UF with 274 total yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Rae Riiska

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Yes, Anthony Richardson is him

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 5

To just say Richardson delivered would almost be disrespectful. He had a career night. The redshirt sophomore totaled 274 yards through the air and ground and recorded a career high of three rushing touchdowns. Every play was a highlight waiting to happen.

Olysha Magruder discusses polling reports with watch party attendees at the Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant Tuesday, August 23, 2022. Olysha Magruder is running as district 22's democratic candidate for the Florida House of Representatives.

Sophia Abolfathi

ELECTION | STATE

Clemons takes District 22 Republican race, Democratic primary yet to be called

By Omar Ateyah and Jackson Castellano | Aug. 24

In Tuesday night’s District 22 primary election, State Rep. Chuck Clemons comfortably secured victory in the Republican race, but Democrats Olysha Magruder and Brandon Scott Peters were considerably closer to one another, with no clear winner despite all precincts in Alachua, Gilchrist and Levy Counties reporting their results.

Florida Football Coach Billy Napier arrives with his family at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for his first day on the job on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

Lauren Witte

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Napier lays out foundation for Gators season at SEC Media Days

By Jackson Castellano | July 20

Wednesday marked Napier’s first ever address at the annual Southeastern Conference Media Days. His half hour in front of SEC media marked his first impression on many fans across the country.

Florida football coach Billy Napier greets fans during his first day on the job Dec. 5, 2021 in Gainesville.

Lauren Witte

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

What to expect from Florida at SEC Media Days 2022

By Jackson Castellano | July 18

SEC Media Days in Atlanta begin Monday and end Thursday. Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier, redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, senior linebacker Ventrell Miller and junior offensive lineman Richard Gouraige will all take the mic Wednesday

UF gymnastics alum Megan Skaggs will return to the program as an assistant to head coach Jenny Rowland.

Samantha Harrison

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Megan Skaggs joins Florida gymnastics coaching staff

By Jackson Castellano | July 7

Florida Gators gymnastics star Megan Skaggs will join UF’s coaching staff for the upcoming season.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson throws a pass in a spring practice April 5, 2022.

Samantha Harrison

NEW STUDENT EDITION | CAMPUS

The new student’s guide to Gators football

By Jackson Castellano | June 27

First-year students, particularly those coming to UF from other states, may be unfamiliar with the institution that is UF football. The Gators’ history and culture can be intimidating and disorienting. However, once acclimated, it is an incredibly fun and rewarding fan experience.

Florida's 2021-22 men's basketball team, pictured during a Nov. 14 game against Florida State

Catherine McCarthy

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida transfers Kyle Lofton, Trey Bonham ready for new challenge

By Jackson Castellano | June 15

Tuesday, Florida introduced Bonham and Lofton to the media, which provided a look at UF’s trajectory this season.