After a breakout 2025 campaign, CBS Sports is predicting Baugh will continue ascending in 2026. The outlet forecasted next season’s major award winnings and believes the Second-Team All-SEC selection from a year ago will capture the Doak Walker Award.
Analyst Tom Fernelli commended Baugh’s rare fusion of size, power and athleticism, punctuated by his historic 266-yard performance against Florida State, which serves as proof of his potential. The Atlanta, Georgia, native finished the 2025 campaign ranked 19th in the nation in total rushing yards.
Florida’s new offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, brings a renewed offensive philosophy that can elevate Baugh’s production this fall.
“Last year, even on a bad Florida team, Baugh piled up 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground while amassing 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air,” Fernelli notes. “Now, just imagine what Baugh could do on an offense that averages more than 21.6 points per game.”
He also mentions that Texas heavily pursued Baugh with an aggressive NIL effort but was spurned by the junior’s return to Gainesville.
“There’s a reason Texas tried to throw a boatload of cash at Baugh in the offseason, and there’s a reason Florida ponied up to keep him. At 228 pounds, Baugh has no business moving as well as he does, and that’s what makes him so special.”
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida’s Jadan Baugh predicted to win Doak Walker Awad by CBS Sports
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
