Explosive Florida running back Jadan Baugh emerges as a potential first-round fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, offering the elite size and speed needed to revitalize San Francisco’s backfield.
Entering his first season with Florida, head coach Jon Sumrall has star power at wide receiver and in the backfield.
Receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson should be key playmakers for the Gators this fall, though their numbers will depend on how the winner of the quarterback battle between Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are able to play this fall.
The offensive line is another question mark for the Gators. Sumrall wanted the unit to become more physical during the offseason, something that could help running back Jaden Baugh be more effective.
UF will lean on Baugh to keep the offense on track with a suspect situation at quarterback.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports thinks Baugh will do enough this year to go in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft. He has the San Francisco 49ers taking Baugh with the No. 23 pick.
"Jadan Baugh is the kind of size-speed athlete Kyle Shanahan has historically loved at running back," Renner wrote.
"At 231 pounds, he's a load to bring down once he gets rolling. Just ask Florida State, which watched him rush for 264 yards in last season's finale."
Baugh has bought into the new coaching staff with Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. He told Sports Illustrated that the 4-8 finish last season has motivated him to become a better player for the upcoming season.
"It gives me a lot of drive. Honestly, it makes me want to come into the facility to work a lot more," Baugh said. "... I feel like last year, we weren't too urgent with going through the weight room and on the field. So they ain't doing this halfway, they really helped me."
The 49ers would be an interesting team for Baugh to end up with. Running backs and the running game are a key part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. The 49ers are set at running back with Christian McCaffrey.
In the 2026 draft, the 49ers took Indiana running back Kaelon Black in the third round. If he doesn't pan out this season, San Francisco could look for Baugh in next year’s draft.