As quarterback questions linger in Gainesville, Florida looks to anchor their offense behind an elite playmaker poised to dominate the ground game and ignite the backfield.
The Florida Gators have several worries about the offense coming into the season.
After leaving Georgia Tech for more resources at Florida, new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has his work cut out for him with a suspect offensive line and a quarterback battle.
Much of the attention this spring was put on the battle between Tramell Jones Jr. and Aaron Philo. Jones appeared to have the upper hand at the end of the spring, but Philo, who transferred from GT, should have the advantage for training camp as he's familiar with Faulkner's offense.
Florida's quarterback battle left a lot to be desired this spring, and the team will need to lean on its running game this season. UF running back Jaden Baugh is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and should be one of the best playmakers on the offense this year.
During his show "Always College Football" on Monday, Greg McElroy ranked Baugh as the No. 3 running back in the country behind Ole Miss' Kewan Lacey and Missouri's Ahmad Hardy.
McElroy thinks Baugh will fit perfectly in Faulkner's system.
“The phrase that’s being used inside the program is ‘Run The Baugh,'” McElroy said. “Look at what Buster Faulkner did the last couple of years at Georgia Tech. They run the ball unbelievably well. He creates run lanes.
"And there is a little uncertainty at quarterback right now... The one thing that’s not-- when it comes to the Florida backfield--that’s Jaden Baugh.”
Baugh is determined to have a strong final season at Florida after going 4-8 last year.
"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 Gators should have a strong running game this fall if the offensive line can become more physical in training camp. If Baugh gets going, that should help open passing lanes for Jones or Philo.
