1 hr. ago
Florida running back Jadan Baugh ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the Gators' season-opening win over FAU on Saturday night.
He spoke to the press after the game and discussed his 61-yard run, the benefits of playing at a lighter weight and the importance of Florida's perimeter blocking. He also explained the Heisman poses he struck after scoring and what he saw while breaking into the open field.
The junior also shared his thoughts on Aaron Philo's first start, Florida's faster offensive operation and his growing role as a leader.
Here's everything Baugh had to say.
It felt great to me, honestly. Just being in The Swamp, seeing the fans and hearing how loud it gets. Early in the game, it got very loud, and I looked back at the stands like, "Wow, that's crazy."
#back #game #jadan #saturday
He spoke to the press after the game and discussed his 61-yard run, the benefits of playing at a lighter weight and the importance of Florida's perimeter blocking. He also explained the Heisman poses he struck after scoring and what he saw while breaking into the open field.
The junior also shared his thoughts on Aaron Philo's first start, Florida's faster offensive operation and his growing role as a leader.
Here's everything Baugh had to say.
It felt great to me, honestly. Just being in The Swamp, seeing the fans and hearing how loud it gets. Early in the game, it got very loud, and I looked back at the stands like, "Wow, that's crazy."
#back #game #jadan #saturday
5 hours ago
Florida scored 66 points in Jon Sumrall's first game as head coach on Saturday night and gave up 396 yards and 25 first downs in the same game. Florida Atlantic ran 90 plays inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, converted half of its third downs and four of seven on fourth down, and still lost by 45.
Jul 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
"Our defense was atrocious at times, quite honestly," Sumrall said afterward. "So we had a hard time keeping pace with them. It was that way, in my opinion. Like, I watch that play, I'm a little bit frustrated about how we played defensively at times. I don't think we're as good as we think we are. I think we got some guys who feel like, you know, we've arrived in some spots and that will be addressed. We have got a lot of room to grow on defense. If it doesn't happen real fast we're going to get embarrassed and exposed handily in some spots, because that wasn't a great performance by us."
Aaron Philo completed 16 of 21 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns with an interception in his first start since transferring from Georgia Tech, and added a rushing score. Jadan Baugh carried 14 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns and was out of the game early in the third quarter with Florida up 45-14. The Gators scored on their first six possessions, went six of six in the red zone and piled up 624 yards. The 66 points were their most in a season opener since 1994.
The team that heard the "arrived" line went 4-8 last season, watched Billy Napier get fired in Oct and has three preseason All-SEC selections on the roster. Sumrall came from Tulane on a defensive resume, having played linebacker at Kentucky and coached the position there and at Ole Miss, so the side of the ball he singled out is the side he is measured on.
#gators
Jul 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
"Our defense was atrocious at times, quite honestly," Sumrall said afterward. "So we had a hard time keeping pace with them. It was that way, in my opinion. Like, I watch that play, I'm a little bit frustrated about how we played defensively at times. I don't think we're as good as we think we are. I think we got some guys who feel like, you know, we've arrived in some spots and that will be addressed. We have got a lot of room to grow on defense. If it doesn't happen real fast we're going to get embarrassed and exposed handily in some spots, because that wasn't a great performance by us."
Aaron Philo completed 16 of 21 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns with an interception in his first start since transferring from Georgia Tech, and added a rushing score. Jadan Baugh carried 14 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns and was out of the game early in the third quarter with Florida up 45-14. The Gators scored on their first six possessions, went six of six in the red zone and piled up 624 yards. The 66 points were their most in a season opener since 1994.
The team that heard the "arrived" line went 4-8 last season, watched Billy Napier get fired in Oct and has three preseason All-SEC selections on the roster. Sumrall came from Tulane on a defensive resume, having played linebacker at Kentucky and coached the position there and at Ole Miss, so the side of the ball he singled out is the side he is measured on.
#gators
18 hours ago
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jadan Baugh ran for 160 yards and three touchdowns, juking defenders nearly every time he touched the ball, and Florida opened the Jon Sumrall era with a 66-21 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday night.
Aaron Philo added 275 yards passing and four total scores as the Gators won their seventh consecutive home debut for a new coach. This one was the highest-scoring season opener for Florida since 1994.
Sumrall entered the sold-out Swamp amid fire, smoke and strobe lights. He delivered a fiery pregame speech on the field and then really showed what he's about with a dominant win that was never in doubt. He even had his team throwing — and scoring — in the final minute, reminding some of Hall of Famer Steve Spurrier.
Florida scored on its first six possessions. Philo connected with Vernell Brown III for a 49-yard score and then found former Georgia Tech teammate and current roommate Bailey Stockton for a 12-yarder.
Philo scrambled for a score on fourth down to make it 24-7. Brown finished with 117 yards on six receptions.
#baugh
Aaron Philo added 275 yards passing and four total scores as the Gators won their seventh consecutive home debut for a new coach. This one was the highest-scoring season opener for Florida since 1994.
Sumrall entered the sold-out Swamp amid fire, smoke and strobe lights. He delivered a fiery pregame speech on the field and then really showed what he's about with a dominant win that was never in doubt. He even had his team throwing — and scoring — in the final minute, reminding some of Hall of Famer Steve Spurrier.
Florida scored on its first six possessions. Philo connected with Vernell Brown III for a 49-yard score and then found former Georgia Tech teammate and current roommate Bailey Stockton for a 12-yarder.
Philo scrambled for a score on fourth down to make it 24-7. Brown finished with 117 yards on six receptions.
#baugh
19 days ago
The preseason accolades keep coming for Florida football junior running Jadan Baugh,
On August 18, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Baugh was named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, given to college football's best running back.
Baugh, entering his third year with the Florida Gators, started all 12 games for UF in 2025 and led the team with 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 185 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Baugh's 10 total TDs on the season also led the Gators in 2025, while his 1,170 rushing yards ranked third in the SEC, 14th in the FBS, and the sixth most in a season in UF history.
In the 2025 season finale against Florida State, Baugh ran for 266 yards, the second-most in a game in program history and most against Florida State, to surpass 1,000 yards.
#gators #running
On August 18, the 6-foot-1, 228-pound Baugh was named to the Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, given to college football's best running back.
Baugh, entering his third year with the Florida Gators, started all 12 games for UF in 2025 and led the team with 1,170 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 185 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Baugh's 10 total TDs on the season also led the Gators in 2025, while his 1,170 rushing yards ranked third in the SEC, 14th in the FBS, and the sixth most in a season in UF history.
In the 2025 season finale against Florida State, Baugh ran for 266 yards, the second-most in a game in program history and most against Florida State, to surpass 1,000 yards.
#gators #running
21 days ago
College football's opening kickoff lies just beyond the horizon as teams across the country prepare for the 2026 edition of the gridiron grind.
Ahead of the first matchup of the fall on Sunday, Aug. 29, between UNC and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer put together his ranking of the top 150 players in the sport — a list that included three Florida Gators.
"My goal for the last few years has been simple: Identify the 150 best players in college football entering the 2026 season and the value they bring to their teams," he stated.
So who cracked the list for the Orange and Blue? Checking in at No. 41 is junior running back Jadan Baugh, who is one of the best backs in the SEC, if not the country. Also included at No. 78 is senior wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who arrived in Gainesville via the transfer portal during the offseason and adds a speedy dynamic to the receiver corps.
The third Gator to land among the top 150 players in the nation at No. 126 is junior linebacker Myles Graham, who was named to the **** Butkus Award Preseason Watch List as well as the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List this summer.
#receiver
Ahead of the first matchup of the fall on Sunday, Aug. 29, between UNC and TCU in Dublin, Ireland, CBS Sports writer Blake Brockermeyer put together his ranking of the top 150 players in the sport — a list that included three Florida Gators.
"My goal for the last few years has been simple: Identify the 150 best players in college football entering the 2026 season and the value they bring to their teams," he stated.
So who cracked the list for the Orange and Blue? Checking in at No. 41 is junior running back Jadan Baugh, who is one of the best backs in the SEC, if not the country. Also included at No. 78 is senior wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., who arrived in Gainesville via the transfer portal during the offseason and adds a speedy dynamic to the receiver corps.
The third Gator to land among the top 150 players in the nation at No. 126 is junior linebacker Myles Graham, who was named to the **** Butkus Award Preseason Watch List as well as the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List this summer.
#receiver
1 month ago
How will the Jon Sumrall era live on in Florida football history? With about a month to go before the Gators kick off the 2026 season, the biggest hope for now is that it's at least an improvement over the Billy Napier one.
The plug got pulled on Napier seven games into his fourth season, a barrier that no UF coach has crossed since Urban Meyer. The Gators haven't been in the College Football Playoff rankings since Dan Mullen coached them to the 2020 SEC championship game.
To turn that around, maybe a coach freshly removed from leading Tulane to the CFP will help. He knows he's got a stud at running back in Jadan Baugh, he of 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns in what was otherwise a dismal 4-8 campaign. Who starts at quarterback is a whole different manner: Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo is one of six transfers projected as starters at Ourlads, but redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. could just as easily win the job.
There's still time to decide who best fits in new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner's Air Raid scheme. The first two games of the season will (barring disaster the likes of the South Florida loss last season) serve as mere tune-ups for the SEC opener at Auburn and former USF two-way QB Byrum Brown. Then it's the big early test: a showdown with Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy and an Ole Miss team fresh off a CFP semifinal appearance.
If the Gators can tread water through the gauntlet of Texas, Georgia (in Atlanta as Jacksonville updates its stadium) and Oklahoma, there's hope they could lock down a solid bowl résumé against Florida State on Black Friday. And hey, maybe UF can end the year back in the CFP rankings.
#Florida #gators #season #Football
The plug got pulled on Napier seven games into his fourth season, a barrier that no UF coach has crossed since Urban Meyer. The Gators haven't been in the College Football Playoff rankings since Dan Mullen coached them to the 2020 SEC championship game.
To turn that around, maybe a coach freshly removed from leading Tulane to the CFP will help. He knows he's got a stud at running back in Jadan Baugh, he of 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns in what was otherwise a dismal 4-8 campaign. Who starts at quarterback is a whole different manner: Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo is one of six transfers projected as starters at Ourlads, but redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. could just as easily win the job.
There's still time to decide who best fits in new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner's Air Raid scheme. The first two games of the season will (barring disaster the likes of the South Florida loss last season) serve as mere tune-ups for the SEC opener at Auburn and former USF two-way QB Byrum Brown. Then it's the big early test: a showdown with Trinidad Chambliss, Kewan Lacy and an Ole Miss team fresh off a CFP semifinal appearance.
If the Gators can tread water through the gauntlet of Texas, Georgia (in Atlanta as Jacksonville updates its stadium) and Oklahoma, there's hope they could lock down a solid bowl résumé against Florida State on Black Friday. And hey, maybe UF can end the year back in the CFP rankings.
#Florida #gators #season #Football
1 month ago
Florida football will enter the 2026 season with one of the best running backs in the SEC, if not the country.
Gators junior Jadan Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 TDs last season, ranking third in the SEC and becoming UF's first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015.
What can Baugh do for an encore? Under new Florida coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, the possibilities are limitless. Faulkner recruited Baugh out of Columbia High in Atlanta when he was at Georgia Tech and understands the strengths of the 6-foot-1, 228-pound running back who began his high school career as a linebacker.
"He always told me these are the things we can do with you, play can play running back, quarterback, receiver, whatever you want to do," Baugh said, "Being with an offensive coordinator like that, to have so much creativity and being able to put players in great positions, I feel like it's very exciting."
At 1,843 career rushing yards, Baugh has a chance to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards with a big junior season. That would put him among the top five UF rushers of all time, a list that includes Fred Taylor, Earnest Graham, Neal Anderson, Emmitt Smith and Errict Rhett.
#baugh
Gators junior Jadan Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 TDs last season, ranking third in the SEC and becoming UF's first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015.
What can Baugh do for an encore? Under new Florida coach Jon Sumrall and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, the possibilities are limitless. Faulkner recruited Baugh out of Columbia High in Atlanta when he was at Georgia Tech and understands the strengths of the 6-foot-1, 228-pound running back who began his high school career as a linebacker.
"He always told me these are the things we can do with you, play can play running back, quarterback, receiver, whatever you want to do," Baugh said, "Being with an offensive coordinator like that, to have so much creativity and being able to put players in great positions, I feel like it's very exciting."
At 1,843 career rushing yards, Baugh has a chance to surpass 3,000 career rushing yards with a big junior season. That would put him among the top five UF rushers of all time, a list that includes Fred Taylor, Earnest Graham, Neal Anderson, Emmitt Smith and Errict Rhett.
#baugh
2 months ago
Yahoo Sports' new college fantasy football platform allows followers of the sport to draft players from their favorite programs. With a revamped roster, featuring more than 50 additions, the Gators may have more uncertainty than established star power for owners to consider. However, there are a number of surefire producers to target in the draft's initial rounds.
Star running back Jadan Baugh is the clear No. 1 option for the Gators under new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. The returning 1,000-yard rusher is likely to sustain his productive level from 2025 as the junior becomes more of a focal point for the Orange and Blue. Inexperience at the quarterback position makes Baugh the centerpiece for Jon Sumrall and company in 2026. The All-SEC playmaker will see an increased workload with plenty of red zone opportunities. Baugh projects as a potential high-end fantasy starter.
Behind Baugh is last year's breakout freshman Vernell Brown III. He led Florida in receiving yards last season in his first year with the Gators, making history by becoming the first true freshman in program history to earn All-SEC honors at three different positions in a single season. Brown enters 2026 as one of the team's most important players; the Gainesville, Florida, native's 773 all-purpose yards ranked second among all true freshman wide receivers, highlighting his versatility and impact — a big reason many feel he'll continue improving.
Auburn transfer Eric Singleton Jr. provides a more experienced option and is the only receiver on Florida's roster who has eclipsed 600 yards in a single season. Dallas Wilson also deserves attention after showing flashes of elite potential during an injury-shortened freshman season.
Florida's eventual starting quarterback will no doubt have fantasy relevance, but managers should be wary of both Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., treating the pair as valuable backup options.
Star running back Jadan Baugh is the clear No. 1 option for the Gators under new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. The returning 1,000-yard rusher is likely to sustain his productive level from 2025 as the junior becomes more of a focal point for the Orange and Blue. Inexperience at the quarterback position makes Baugh the centerpiece for Jon Sumrall and company in 2026. The All-SEC playmaker will see an increased workload with plenty of red zone opportunities. Baugh projects as a potential high-end fantasy starter.
Behind Baugh is last year's breakout freshman Vernell Brown III. He led Florida in receiving yards last season in his first year with the Gators, making history by becoming the first true freshman in program history to earn All-SEC honors at three different positions in a single season. Brown enters 2026 as one of the team's most important players; the Gainesville, Florida, native's 773 all-purpose yards ranked second among all true freshman wide receivers, highlighting his versatility and impact — a big reason many feel he'll continue improving.
Auburn transfer Eric Singleton Jr. provides a more experienced option and is the only receiver on Florida's roster who has eclipsed 600 yards in a single season. Dallas Wilson also deserves attention after showing flashes of elite potential during an injury-shortened freshman season.
Florida's eventual starting quarterback will no doubt have fantasy relevance, but managers should be wary of both Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., treating the pair as valuable backup options.
2 months ago
Pro Football Focus ranked Florida running back Jadan Baugh the 37th-best college football player heading into the 2026 season.
The list mixed "proven performance and future projection" to identify the 50 most valuable players in the sport. Baugh earned an 87.7 overall grade in 2025 and figures to be the focus of Florida's offense in 2026.
"Baugh is a physical runner who should post huge numbers in Buster Faulkner's creative rushing attack this season," the PFF staff wrote. "Last year, Baugh finished third among SEC running backs with 1,168 rushing yards, 65 missed tackles forced and 35 explosive runs. He's also fumbled just one time across 354 career carries. Baugh could be a Doak Walker Award candidate this season if all goes well in Florida's new offense."
Baugh is the fourth running back on the list, behind No. 6 Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), No. 10 Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) and No. 36 Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State).
The question is how opposing defenses will adjust now that Baugh is a proven threat. He emerged as the star of the offense over time last season, benefiting from the focus being on DJ Lagway and the passing game. One of the first things Jon Sumrall said when he took over the program was, "How can I get No. 13 the ball a few more times?"
The list mixed "proven performance and future projection" to identify the 50 most valuable players in the sport. Baugh earned an 87.7 overall grade in 2025 and figures to be the focus of Florida's offense in 2026.
"Baugh is a physical runner who should post huge numbers in Buster Faulkner's creative rushing attack this season," the PFF staff wrote. "Last year, Baugh finished third among SEC running backs with 1,168 rushing yards, 65 missed tackles forced and 35 explosive runs. He's also fumbled just one time across 354 career carries. Baugh could be a Doak Walker Award candidate this season if all goes well in Florida's new offense."
Baugh is the fourth running back on the list, behind No. 6 Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), No. 10 Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss) and No. 36 Caleb Hawkins (Oklahoma State).
The question is how opposing defenses will adjust now that Baugh is a proven threat. He emerged as the star of the offense over time last season, benefiting from the focus being on DJ Lagway and the passing game. One of the first things Jon Sumrall said when he took over the program was, "How can I get No. 13 the ball a few more times?"
2 months ago
EA Sports College Football 27, the highly anticipated video game from Electronic Arts, is set for its official release on July 9. Ahead of the launch, EA revealed the individual player ratings for every student-athlete who opted into the game.
Topping the list for the Florida Gators is running back Jadan Baugh at 91 overall, while wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. earned a 90 overall rating, representing the team's two players above the 90 mark. Safety Bryce Thornton (87), wide receiver Vernell Brown III (87) and linebacker Myles Graham (85) round out the top five players according to their overall ratings.
In total, 28 UF players were rated 80 overall or better.
As a team, Florida is ranked No. 19 with an 84 rating overall, while the offense earned an 84 rating and the defense earned an 83 rating. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is rated as the game's seventh toughest place to play, behind LSU's Tiger Stadium, Ohio State's Ohio Stadium, Penn State's Beaver Stadium, Georgia's Sanford Stadium, Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Oregon's Autzen Stadium, respectively.
Player
Topping the list for the Florida Gators is running back Jadan Baugh at 91 overall, while wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. earned a 90 overall rating, representing the team's two players above the 90 mark. Safety Bryce Thornton (87), wide receiver Vernell Brown III (87) and linebacker Myles Graham (85) round out the top five players according to their overall ratings.
In total, 28 UF players were rated 80 overall or better.
As a team, Florida is ranked No. 19 with an 84 rating overall, while the offense earned an 84 rating and the defense earned an 83 rating. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is rated as the game's seventh toughest place to play, behind LSU's Tiger Stadium, Ohio State's Ohio Stadium, Penn State's Beaver Stadium, Georgia's Sanford Stadium, Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Oregon's Autzen Stadium, respectively.
Player
