Paul Finebaum Touted Jadan Baugh as Heisman Candidate
The Florida running back has emerged as a top contender following his strong start to the college football season.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Analyst Paul Finebaum has identified Florida running back Jadan Baugh as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender. Baugh currently shares the national lead with eight touchdowns.
Why it matters
A victory against the Ole Miss Rebels could significantly bolster Baugh's profile in the national Heisman race. Ole Miss has shown defensive vulnerability against the run, recently surrendering 172 rushing yards to LSU.
Jadan Baugh has recorded 458 rushing yards this season, placing him second nationally. He currently shares the national lead with eight total touchdowns for the 3-0 Florida Gators.
The players
Paul Finebaum
He is a prominent sports media personality and analyst who specializes in college football.
Jadan Baugh
He is a standout running back for the Florida Gators who is currently gaining national recognition for his performance.
Derrick Henry
He is a professional football player who holds the distinction of being the most recent running back to win the Heisman Trophy.
Corey Bryant
He is the father of Jadan Baugh who supports his son's athletic ambitions and Heisman aspirations.
The details
Baugh has benefited from the play of his offensive line, wide receivers, and quarterbacks throughout the season. His father, Corey Bryant, has actively encouraged him to pursue the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Timeline
Derrick Henry was the last running back to win the Heisman Trophy in 2015.
Trinidad Chambliss led the On3 Heisman Trophy poll during Week 4.
Paul Finebaum discussed Jadan Baugh's candidacy on September 26, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Baugh's potential rise to the Heisman stage signals a rare shift for a position that has struggled to capture the award since the 2015 Heisman Trophy win by Derrick Henry. His performance against ranked opponents like Ole Miss will likely determine his standing in the final playoff picture.
With Ole Miss allowing 159 rushing yards per game, Baugh is positioned to capitalize on a defensive weakness that could impact Florida's AP ranking of 21. A successful performance against the fourth-ranked Rebels would significantly enhance Baugh's statistical resume.
The takeaway
Running backs face a difficult path to the Heisman due to the modern game's emphasis on passing statistics. Baugh must continue to dominate the ground game in high-stakes environments to remain a viable candidate for the award.
Further reading
For more on the Gators' current season, visit Florida Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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