Florida Gators RB Jadan Baugh Entered Heisman Race
The junior running back has anchored a 3-0 start for the Gators behind elite rushing production.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Football
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Florida Gators junior running back Jadan Baugh has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate after an explosive start to the 2026 season. Baugh currently leads all FBS running backs in missed tackles forced as he looks to break an 11-year drought for the position.
Why it matters
Running backs have struggled to capture the Heisman Trophy since Derrick Henry won the award in 2015. Baugh is now leveraging his physical style and consistent production to test whether voters will again favor a ground-heavy offensive star.
Jadan Baugh has forced 30 missed tackles and gained 265 yards after contact across three games. The Florida Gators currently hold an undefeated 3-0 record in the 2026 season.
The players
Jadan Baugh
He is a junior running back for the Florida Gators who received All SEC Second Team honors in 2025.
Derrick Henry
He is an NFL running back who remains the last player at his position to win the Heisman Trophy, an achievement he reached in 2015.
Ashton Jeanty
He is a college running back who finished second in Heisman Trophy voting in 2024 after recording 2,601 rushing yards.
The details
Baugh utilizes a distinct combination of power and elusiveness to navigate through opposing defensive fronts. Teammates and media analysts have begun to endorse his candidacy, citing his mentality and physicality as the primary drivers of his current success.
Timeline
2015 marked the year Derrick Henry became the last running back to win the Heisman Trophy.
2024 saw Ashton Jeanty rush for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while placing second in voting.
2025 was the year Jadan Baugh earned recognition as an All SEC Second Team recipient.
2026 is the current season where Baugh has recorded 458 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Big Picture
The story follows the pattern set by the 2015 Heisman Trophy win by Derrick Henry, which established the high statistical bar required for a running back to capture the award.
Baugh's high usage rate and reliance on yards after contact indicate he will remain the focal point of the Florida offense as long as he stays healthy. His continued production is essential for maintaining the team's current undefeated 3-0 standing throughout the season.
The takeaway
Baugh has successfully forced his way into the national spotlight by dominating physical defensive fronts. His success suggests that elite running back play remains a viable path to individual awards if sustained through a full schedule.
Further reading
For more on the current college football landscape, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wruf.
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Should college football awards prioritize running backs equally with other positions like quarterbacks?
