A Season of Recognition
The University of Florida’s football program has seen a wave of national attention as several of its standouts earned spots on prestigious watch lists for the upcoming award season, highlighting both on‑field excellence and off‑field contributions.
Linebacker Myles Graham, who led the Gators with 76 tackles and added eight quarterback hurries, seven tackles for loss, four pass breakups and two sacks, was selected for the Butkus Award preseason watch list, an honor that celebrates the nation’s top linebackers across high school, college and professional levels.
Graham’s impact extended beyond statistics; his 48 hours of community service across 24 events highlighted a commitment to education, housing and youth support, a factor that the Wuerffel Trophy has previously emphasized.
Running back Jadan Baugh, who amassed 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns while also catching 21 passes for 185 yards and two scores, earned dual inclusion on the Paul Hornung and Maxwell Award watch lists, positioning him among the SEC’s most versatile threats.
Freshman wide receiver Vernell Brown III, who topped the Gators with 40 receptions for 512 yards and served as the team’s primary punt and kick returner, accumulating 261 return yards on 18 attempts, was also named to the Hornung Award watch list, a testament to his all‑purpose contributions.
Kicker Patrick Durkin, boasting an 89.3% field‑goal conversion rate (25‑of‑28) and 41‑of‑42 extra‑point accuracy, received a spot on the Lou Groza Award watch list, reflecting his reliability between the uprights.
Center Harrison Moore, the anchor of an offensive line that permitted only nine sacks all season, earned a place on the Rimington Trophy watch list, underscoring the importance of stability at the line of scrimmage.
The recognition extends to the program’s broader narrative, as the Butkus Award Selection Committee — composed of coaches, scouts, former players and media members — will announce semifinalists on October 28, with finalists to be revealed on November 20 and the ultimate winner announced in December 2026.
Such accolades not only spotlight individual excellence but also reinforce the Gators’ aspirations as they look to build on a season that combined on‑field dominance with meaningful community engagement.