Florida running back powers the Gators to an SEC road victory
Florida running back Jadan Baugh has been named the Sportsvival Impact HVAC Player of the Week for Week 3 of the college football season.
Baugh carried the football 26 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns in Florida’s 44-39 victory at Auburn. He produced 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns during the second half, helping the Gators survive a wild SEC game and improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2019.
This was more than another impressive statistical performance. Florida went into Jordan-Hare Stadium, faced a determined Auburn team and needed its best offensive player to take control. Baugh answered every time the Gators needed him.
He provided power between the tackles, enough quickness to get outside and the ability to finish runs through contact. His 33-yard touchdown run was one of the biggest plays of the game, but his overall workload was just as important. Twenty-six carries in an SEC road game showed how much Florida trusts him to carry its offense.
Baugh was the stabilizing force in a game that could have gotten away from the Gators. Auburn kept answering, but Florida continued putting the football into the hands of its most dependable player.
That player was Jadan Baugh.
A Tremendous Beginning to the Season
Through three games, Baugh has rushed for 458 yards and eight touchdowns. Florida has started 3-0, and Baugh is quickly establishing himself as one of the most productive running backs in college football.
His Week 3 performance also reinforced the idea that Baugh is not simply piling up numbers against overmatched competition. He delivered on the road against an SEC opponent in a close game where nearly every possession mattered.
Baugh was at his best when Florida needed him the most. That is what separates an excellent statistical performance from an Impact HVAC Player of the Week performance.
The Path to Florida
Baugh came to Florida from Columbia High School in Decatur, Georgia. During his senior season, he rushed for 1,583 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 28 receptions for 508 yards and seven more scores.
He originally committed to Arkansas before reopening his recruitment and choosing Florida. His combination of size, balance and versatility made him an intriguing prospect, but he has continued to develop into a much more complete running back.
Baugh broke out during the 2025 season, carrying the football 220 times for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, finishing with 33 receptions for 210 yards and two touchdowns.
He became Florida’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Kelvin Taylor in 2015. Baugh ended the season with a memorable 266-yard, two-touchdown performance against Florida State.
That game showed what Baugh could become. His start to the 2026 season shows that performance was not an isolated breakout.
What Makes Baugh Special?
Baugh runs with the physicality of a bigger back, but he possesses better footwork and short-area movement than his build might suggest. He can press the line of scrimmage, identify the opening and make a decisive cut without wasting movement.
His contact balance might be his best trait. Defenders rarely bring him down with an arm tackle, and he consistently falls forward at the end of runs. Baugh also has enough acceleration to turn a crease into an explosive gain.
The Florida back is particularly effective when the Gators allow him to build momentum. He becomes more dangerous as the game progresses, punishing defenders and wearing down the opposing front seven.
That was evident at Auburn, where he produced most of his yardage during the second half.
Baugh also provides value in the passing game. He is not limited to checkdowns and screens, and Florida can move him around enough to create favorable matchups against linebackers.
NFL Draft Outlook
Baugh has legitimate early-round ability for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Running back value is always difficult to predict, but Baugh has the size, production, vision and contact balance to become an NFL starter. His ability to handle a substantial workload should appeal to teams looking for a back who can contribute immediately.
The biggest areas for scouts to continue evaluating will be his long-distance speed, pass protection and ability to create when the blocking breaks down. He does not need to become a home-run threat on every carry, but showing that he can consistently generate explosive plays will strengthen his draft position.
Baugh already runs with the toughness and balance required at the next level. His vision continues to improve, and his receiving ability gives him a chance to remain on the field in passing situations.
If he continues producing against SEC competition, Baugh could enter the discussion as one of the first running backs selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
For now, Florida has one of the best running backs in college football, and Week 3 belonged to Jadan Baugh.
WEEK 3 RUNNERS-UP
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
33-of-48 passing, 363 yards, two passing touchdowns, one interception, one rushing touchdown
Trinidad Chambliss delivered one of the defining performances of Week 3, leading Ole Miss to a 32-24 victory over LSU.
Ole Miss built an early lead, watched LSU fight back and then turned to Chambliss when the game had to be won. He responded with a 14-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter and finished with 399 total yards and three touchdowns.
Chambliss showed poise, toughness and playmaking ability in one of the weekend’s biggest games. His performance kept Ole Miss undefeated, moved the Rebels closer to the top of the national rankings and placed Chambliss directly into the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Kenny Minchey, QB, Kentucky
252 passing yards, two passing touchdowns
Kenny Minchey helped Kentucky pull off one of the biggest upsets of the weekend, leading the Wildcats to a 31-21 road victory over No. 9 Texas A&M.
The victory ended Texas A&M’s regular-season home winning streak and marked Kentucky’s first victory over the Aggies since 1952.
Minchey remained composed in a difficult environment and helped the Wildcats score 21 unanswered points during the third quarter. His statistics were not as overwhelming as some other quarterbacks, but his performance came in a massive road upset against a Top 10 opponent.
The Impact Player of the Week award is not only about producing huge numbers. It is also about making the plays necessary to change the direction of a game. Minchey did exactly that in College Station.
Kendrick Raphael, RB, SMU
24 carries, 197 rushing yards, three touchdowns
Kendrick Raphael was outstanding despite SMU’s 41-31 loss to Louisville.
Raphael consistently created explosive plays and nearly carried the Mustangs to an important ACC road victory. He finished with 197 rushing yards and three touchdowns against a ranked conference opponent.
The final result prevented Raphael from seriously challenging Baugh for the award, but his performance could not be ignored. He showed vision, burst, balance and the ability to finish drives.
Raphael was one of the most dangerous offensive players anywhere in the country during Week 3.
SPORTSVIVAL’S WEEK 3 IMPACT HVAC HONOREES
Winner: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Runner-up: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Runner-up: Kenny Minchey, QB, Kentucky
Runner-up: Kendrick Raphael, RB, SMU
BROUGHT TO YOU BY IMPACT HVAC
Sportsvival would like to thank Impact HVAC for its continued sponsorship and support.
The Sportsvival Impact HVAC Player of the Week recognizes the college football player who combines outstanding production with leadership and the ability to make the biggest difference for his team.
Just as the best players in college football make an impact when their teams need them the most, Impact HVAC is ready to make a difference when its customers need dependable heating and cooling service.
If you need an air conditioner or furnace, you need to call Impact HVAC!
412-297-1852
Support the businesses that support Sportsvival. For all your heating and cooling needs, call Impact HVAC at 412-297-1852.
Reminder to all you college football fans, get your College Football Notebook today!!! Go to www.sportsvival.com.