Jon Sumrall suddenly looks different to Gator fans after one key return

Jadan Baugh will be a Gator in 2026!

The 1,100-yard running back has signed a deal to return to Florida in 2026. Retaining Baugh was a high priority for new head coach Jon Sumrall and there were rumors about the status of the sophomore running back daily for much of December. With the return of Baugh, the Gators have the centerpiece of their running game in house for new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. 

Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns this season, but it was his 266-yard effort against Florida State in the season finale that left a lasting impression with Gator fans. That performance made retaining Baugh as important as anyone on the roster. 

Although Baugh never officially entered the transfer portal, there were a lot of major programs ready to pounce on him if he did (Texas among others) and that probably played a big part in negotiations. The fact that Baugh never entered the portal and kept everything pretty close to the vest throughout this process is a big indicator that his preference was to stay in Gainesville. 

This is a big win for Sumrall, who has seen a lot a movement in the transfer portal with the other teams in the SEC. With the Gators looking at a chance in quarterback for 2026, having Baugh in the backfield is a major sign of stability. 

Things are looking up in Gainesville

Baugh was the last major piece of business in terms of retention. He joins Dallas Wilson, LJ McCray and Vernell Brown as players that decided to stay at Florida.

Now Sumrall and the staff will likely focus all their attention on the transfer portal. Phil Trautwein was officially named the Gators offensive line coach today and a young prospect, redshirt freshman Eagen Boyer, will be following him from Penn State.

Boyer is a 6-foot-8 tackle prospect that made one start in 2025 and looks like someone that will have an opportunity for a major role on the Gators offensive line this season.

The transfer portal window opened on January 2 and will last through January 16.