Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh has signed a new deal to return to UF for the 2026 season, according to Pete Nakos of On3.
The 6’1, 231 pound running back will be a junior in 2026.
As a sophomore, Baugh was selected to the All-SEC Second Team after rushing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry. Baugh also tallied 31 receptions for 185 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Baugh became the first Gator since Kelvin Taylor in 2015 to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. He also ranked third in the SEC in rushing yards and 14th in all of FBS.
The defining moment of Baugh’s 2025 season came against in-state rival FSU, as the Atlanta, Georgia native exploded for 266 rushing yards, the second-most in a single game in program history.
This performance caught the attention of new head coach Jon Sumrall.
“I watched that game Saturday before I went and played Saturday, and I’m like, hey, can I give the ball to No. 13 ten more times because if an offensive coordinator doesn’t know what to do, that’s a pretty good choice,” Sumrall said during his introductory press conference.
Retaining Baugh was top priority for Sumrall and Florida’s general manager David Caldwell.
“Very important, yeah. Jadan’s a really good player and, man, a tough mindset,” Caldwell told Gator Country on December 1st.
Baugh will enter the 2026 season as one of the nation’s top running backs. His return significantly strengthens Sumrall’s chances of winning in his first year in Gainesville.