After shattering records against rivals, the dynamic playmaker secures Preseason All-American honors. Now the focal point of Florida’s offense, Baugh prepares to dominate the SEC rushing landscape.
The 2026 college football season is right around the corner, which means the Florida Gators and head coach Jon Sumrall will begin to prepare for the highly anticipated season.
One of the primary contributors for the Gators this season will be star running back Jadan Baugh. The dynamic rusher is coming off an incredible sophomore season with Florida, and will look to make a significant impact on offense. For Baugh, however, the junior offensive weapon is already gaining recognition from the national media ahead of what could be his final season in Gainesville.
Earlier this offseason, college football analyst Phil Steele released his Preseason All-American teams for the 2026 season, with Baugh reaching the fourth team behind multiple SEC standouts.
Baugh's Outlook For 2026 Season
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) runs against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn ImagesBaugh, a former four-star recruit out of the state of Georgia, has been nothing short of impressive throughout his time with the Gators.
During his freshman season, the talented running back made a name for himself with an electric 106-yard rushing performance and five touchdowns against the Kentucky Wildcats in 2024. And despite playing second fiddle to Montrell Johnson to kick off the year, Baugh ended his freshman year with a team-high 673 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
With the backfield to himself last season, Baugh was able to continue his dominance on the ground, recording 1,107 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries in 2025. Baugh ended the year on a high note, as he tallied an absurd 266 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Florida State Seminoles.
Now, with plenty of experience under his belt, heading into the upcoming college football season, Baugh is primed for another massive year under the likes of newly hired offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Still, for the highly-touted rusher to compete against multiple SEC stars for the Doak Walker Award, including Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy and Missouri's Ahmad Hardy.
Both playmakers made Steele's first-team Preseason All-American team, but with Baugh likely becoming the focal point of the Gators' offense this year, it's clear he will produce big-time numbers in 2026.
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