Florida's star running back Jadan Baugh began the 2026 campaign as a dark-horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. However, after three games, the galloping Gator has inserted his name into the thick of the conversation for college football's most coveted award.
Baugh has taken things to the next level under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, whose schemes have created ample opportunities for the third-year back. After another standout performance against Auburn to open the SEC schedule, the Atlanta, Georgia, native is averaging 8.5 yards per carry while ranking second nationally in rushing yards and tied for 19th in carries.
In USA TODAY Sports writer Austin Curtright's latest Heisman Trophy momentum meter, Baugh has finally broken through
and made his first appearance on the list, checking in at No. 5 after Week 3.
"Run. The. Baugh. That has become Florida’s offensive game plan this season, and it’s working wonders. The third-year running back ran 26 times for 162 yards with three touchdowns in Florida’s 44-39 win over Auburn, raising his season totals to 54 carries for 458 yards (second nationally) with eight rushing touchdowns (tied for first nationally).
JADAN BAUGH ON FOURTH DOWN 🔥
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 20, 2026
53 yards to the house 😤 pic.twitter.com/I1IKpXq4AY
"Baugh is averaging a ridiculous 8.5 yards per carry this season and has rushed for over 135 yards in each of Florida’s three wins in 2026. He’s emerging as arguably the nation’s best running back."
Baugh trails current frontrunner Trinidad Chambliss, Darian Mensah, Jeremiah Smith and Kamario Taylor, respectively, in the award's rankings with plenty of time left to gain ground.
USA TODAY Sports' Heisman Trophy momentum meter
- Trinidad Chambliss
- Darian Mensah
- Jeremiah Smith
- Kamario Taylor
- Jadan Baugh
- Malachi Toney
- Josh Hoover
- CJ Carr
- Jayden Maiava
- Gunner Stockton
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Jadan Baugh enters USA TODAY Sports' Heisman Trophy rankings top 10
