PFF's top-50 rankings lend additional buzz to a special season for Jadan Baugh

Jadan Baugh could go where no Florida Gators running back has gone before.

Given the quality of running backs that have come through Gainesville over the years, like Fred Taylor, Earnest Graham and Errict Rhett, you would think that one of these Gator greats would have taken home a Doak Walker Award as the best running back in the country, but in the 36-year history of the honor, it hasn't happened. However, Baugh could change all of that this season.

PFF released their list of the top 50 college football players for the 2026 season and Baugh made the list at No. 37. He is the fourth-highest running back ranked on the list behind Missouri's Ahmad Hardy (6), Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy (10) and Oklahoma State's Caleb Hawkins. The only other running back that made the cut was BYU's LJ Martin, who was No. 48. 

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In regard to the season Baugh is expected to have, PFF writes:

"Baugh is a physical runner who should post huge numbers in Buster Faulkner’s creative rushing attack this season. 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."

PFF mentions Jadan Baugh as a potential Doak Walker Award candidate

As the site suggests, Baugh is going to be driving the bus for the Gators' offense, at least early in the season. There's some real question marks about what Florida has at quarterback with Aaron Philo or Tramell Jones Jr. and there could be some issues up front, especially at tackle. But the interior offensive line is solid and Baugh is the type of back that can punish defenses between the tackles with his physical style. He is also a very good pass catcher, so expect Buster Faulkner to utilize Baugh as a receiver as a way to get him in space.

Baugh emerged as the Gators' top back during the second half of his freshman season and took things to the next level as a sophomore with 1,170 rushing yards and 33 catches for 210 yards. With his usage expected to increase in 2026, there's no reason to think that Baugh won't challenge Emmit Smith for the single-season rushing record of 1,599 yards. He should also join Smith and Rhett as the only Florida running backs to have multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons. 

One of Jon Sumrall's biggest recruiting victories was retaining Baugh for his junior season despite other programs (Texas) offering him a boatload of money to transfer. If the Gators are going to be as good as some in the college football media are predicting, they're going to get it done behind an All-American type of season from Baugh. If his first two years with Florida are any indication, Baugh will live up to the billing. 

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