Florida HC Had Heartfelt Message For Jadan Baugh Before Season Opener

Before the Florida Gators' season opener against Florida Atlantic this past weekend, head coach Jon Sumrall spoke directly to running back Jadan Baugh.

"Thank you for staying here," Sumrall said.

Baugh could have entered the transfer portal after a breakout 2025 season, but the running back decided to return to Gainesville for another season. Last season, Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

Through the air, Baugh caught 33 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns. And so far, his return has gone very well.

While it's only been one game, Baugh put the Gators on his shoulders. Baugh rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns, helping Florida grab the season-opening victory.

The Florida star is one of the best players in the country, and he has started to generate some NFL buzz. If he can put together another strong year for the Gators, getting selected in the first round of the draft isn't out of the question.

Sumrall has been impressed with the running back, while showing his excitement to coach him this season. The new leader of Florida was quick to praise Baugh following the game, showing love to his player.

"Man, he is a powerful, sudden, violent runner who can stick his foot in the ground," Sumrall said. "He just runs with such conviction. The way he runs, you feel his runs."

Baugh is earning around $1.3 million for the season,which is one of the highest amounts on the roster. But he is worth every penny, and likely could have gotten more if he had left Florida.

But Baugh wanted to stay, to finish what he started with the Gators. While Florida may not be a true title contender this season, if Baugh has any say in things, that could change.

The Gators have a lot of talent on the roster, with Baugh being at the center of it all. If he were to keep up this type of performance week-in and week-out, the sky could truly be the limit for this Florida program this season.

The Sumrall era got started on a high note, and they have a big game against Campbell coming up. Florida hasn't started a year 2-0 since 2021, but this team has a good chance to break that trend this weekend.

Kickoff between the Gators and Campbell is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. ET from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.