Florida's Jadan Baugh Makes Heisman Case in Win Over Ole Miss

Florida Gators star running back Jadan Baugh only made his Heisman case stronger in the win over the Ole Miss Rebels.

Baugh led the Gators' offense, rushing for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. Florida came away with a 52-28 victory, and Baugh has proven that he should be one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

He has been the best player on the field for the Gators and has helped them get off to a 4-0 start with a big win over one of the best teams in the country.

He has been explosive all season long and continues to find the end zone multiple times every game. Through four games in the 2026 season, Baugh has rushed for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns. That is the second-most rushing yards in college football and the most rushing touchdowns.

Baugh chose to stay at Florida under their new head coach, Jon Sumrall, rather than transfer after the Gators went 4-8 in 2025.

He has continued to progress as a player each season of his career. In his freshman campaign, Baugh rushed for 673 yards and seven touchdowns while catching four passes for 33 yards and a touchdown. 

He took on a bigger role and improved in 2025, rushing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns, while hauling in 33 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

Baugh has already rushed for more touchdowns than he did last year through four games and has established himself as the best running back in the nation. He excels at breaking tackles and staying balanced after contact to pick up additional yards.

He has eased the pressure on quarterback Aaron Philo, allowing him to be efficient on play-action passes set up by the run. Through four games, Philo has completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 917 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions.

With Baugh setting the tone, Philo hasn't had to be a star and take over, which has allowed him to grow more comfortable and help Florida get off to a hot start.

Baugh has been the catalyst for the Gators' offense and has helped them become one of the top teams in college football just a year after winning only four games last season. If Baugh continues to play at this level, he could win the Heisman and be the first running back selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.