After weeks of speculation, Florida football running back Jaden Baugh officially announced his decision to return to Gainesville on January 6.
“Being a Gator means everything to me,” Baugh shared with 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.”
Baugh was previously in discussions with Texas, particularly after the Longhorns brought in former UF running back Jabbar Juluke. However, he ultimately decided to stay with the Gators, marking a significant victory for new Florida football coach Jon Sumrall, who emphasized the importance of retaining Baugh during his introductory press conference shortly after the team’s game against rival Florida State.
Sumrall expressed his admiration for Baugh’s performance, stating, “I watched that game Saturday before I went and played Saturday, and I’m like, hey, can I give the ball to No. 13 ten more times? If an offensive coordinator doesn’t know what to do, that’s a pretty good choice.”
This past season, Baugh emerged as a standout player, becoming Florida’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2015. His remarkable performance in the season finale against Florida State, where he rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns, set a record as the second-most rushing yards in a single game by a Gator. Baugh finished the season with a total of 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns, in addition to 33 catches for 210 yards and three scores. As a true freshman, he had an outstanding season as well, rushing for 673 yards and adding seven touchdowns.
Expressing gratitude to the fans, Baugh noted, “I just want to thank the fans for everything they did last year. 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.”
As Baugh prepares for the upcoming season, Gator fans can look forward to a promising year fueled by his determination and the team’s collective drive to improve.