Florida's Jadan Baugh cracks ESPN's top 100 players list

Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh was listed at No. 19 by ESPN in its preseason player rankings, making the 2025 All-SEC selection one of the highest-rated rushers in the nation. Baugh is the only Florida player included in the top 100.

ESPN, along with CBS Sports, named Baugh a first-team preseason All-American last week.

Baugh was unranked on ESPN’s 2025 preseason list, but a breakout sophomore campaign catapulted the Atlanta, Georgia, native to national relevance. The recognition continues a summer of acknowledgment for Baugh, who has also been tapped for the Maxwell, Doak Walker and Paul Hornung award watch lists.

Last season, Baugh ran for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns on 220 touches, while snagging 31 receptions for 185 yards and two scores through the air. He became UF’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015 after a 266 -yard performance against Florida State to close out the year — it was the second-highest single-game total in Florida history and the most ever by a Gator against FSU.

The NFL prospect decided to remain at Florida following Billy Napier’s firing, largely due to the influence of new head coach Jon Sumrall. The belief around Gainesville is that new offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner could further unlock Baugh’s production in 2026, with Faulkner viewing him as the centerpiece of Florida’s scoring attack.

“Baugh made the decision to return to Florida after the Gators fired Billy Napier and hired Jon Sumrall, a decision that should pay massive dividends this year,” said senior college football reporter Andrea Adelson.

“Baugh has been highly productive in his two years with Florida — and his ability to make plays out of the backfield is a huge asset (31 catches, 185 yards, two receiving TDs last year). Now, with Buster Faulkner calling plays, Baugh should be in line for his best year yet.”

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida’s Jadan Baugh cracks ESPN’s top 100 players list