RB Jadan Baugh re-signs with Florida Gators for 2026

Florida running back Jadan Baugh is returning to the Gators for his junior year. He announced a new deal with Florida Victorious on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

“Being a Gator means everything to me," Baugh said in a statement through Florida Victorious. "I still remember the first time I walked into The Swamp in uniform for my first spring game. It just felt different—almost like a heartwarming feeling—and I knew right then that this was the place for me.”

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Retaining Baugh is a major victory for Florida head coach Jon Sumrall and his staff. The Gators have now re-signed three of their top offensive weapons in Baugh, Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson. Baugh was impressed by Sumrall's strong yet caring demeanor during the first team meeting, and he was already familiar with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who recruited him at Georgia Tech.

Baugh became the 10th 1,000-yard rusher in Florida Gators history last season — and the first since Kelvin Taylor in 2015 — running for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns on 220 carries. He added 210 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 33 receptions out of the backfield. Baugh capped off his big year with a 266-yard performance against Florida State.

“I just want to thank the fans for everything they did last year," he said. "Their support meant a lot, and we definitely needed it. Going into this year, I’d say it feels like a revenge tour. There’s a lot of motivation, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

Florida players who have re-signed with the Gators

While Florida has lost more than two dozen players to the transfer portal, several notable names have publicly announced their intention to re-sign with the Gators.

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Quarterback Tramell Jones Jr., wide receivers TJ Abrams, Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson, offensive linemen Caden Jones, Roderick Kearney and Fletecher Westphal, defensive linemen Joseph Mbatchou and Jeramiah McCloud, edges Kamran James and LJ McCray, linebackers Aaron Chiles and Myles Graham and defensive backs Lagonza Hayward, Dijon Johnson, Cormani McClain, Drake Stubbs, and Bryce Thornton have also announced new deals with Florida Victorious.

Tight end Amir Jackson also reversed his decision to enter the transfer portal. Offensive lineman Jason Zandamela is expected to return as well.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators football RB Jadan Baugh re-signs for 2026 season