Pro Football Focus has placed Florida’s standout running back Jadan Baugh at No. 37 on its list of the top 2026 college football players, a placement that underscores both his past production and the expectations that will follow him into the upcoming season.
Baugh’s 2025 campaign was marked by an 87.7 overall grade, 1,168 rushing yards and 65 missed tackles forced, numbers that positioned him third among SEC backs and highlighted his ability to break tackles and generate explosive plays.
A New Offensive Vision
Under new coordinator Buster Faulkner, Florida plans to feature Baugh more prominently than in previous years, a shift that head coach Jon Sumrall has said will be reflected in the play‑calling.
The coaching staff’s emphasis on getting the ball to Baugh more often is not just a tactical tweak; it also reflects a broader strategy to diversify the attack and keep defenses guessing.
Competition and Depth Chart
The competition for carries will also be fierce. Baugh will be the fourth back on the depth chart behind Ahmad Hardy, Kewan Lacy and Caleb Hawkins, but his proven track record of forcing missed tackles and maintaining a single fumble in 354 career carries suggests he could quickly ascend.
Defensive Adjustments
Because Faulkner’s system is relatively untested with this personnel, opposing defenses will have limited film to study early in the season, giving Baugh a potential edge as he looks to build on his 35 explosive runs from a year ago.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, knowing that the Gators’ success this fall may hinge on whether Baugh can translate his preseason hype into consistent on‑field production.
If he does, the ripple effect could reshape Florida’s offensive identity and provide a focal point for a team eager to rebound after a challenging previous season.