Florida’s Jadan Baugh puts together historic day as Gators spoil FSU’s bowl hopes
By David Wasson
Published:
The Florida Gators finished off an otherwise-disappointing 2025 schedule in style by thumping in-state rival Florida State 40-21 in large part due to a historic performance by sophomore running back Jadan Baugh.
Baugh gashed the Seminoles for 266 rushing yards on 38 carries and 2 touchdowns – the second-most rushing yards in a single game by a Florida player, the first 200-yard rushing performance by a Florida player since 2004 and just the 7th 200-yard effort in Gators history.
Only Emmitt Smith rushed for more yards in a single game than Baugh, going off for 316 yards against New Mexico in 1989. Smith was also second on the Gators’ list of 200-yard single-game rushers before Saturday (having gashed Alabama for 224 yards in 1987).
Baugh’s rushing outburst was the most ever by a Gators sophomore. His previous single-game best came Oct. 18 against Mississippi State, when he rushed for 150 yards on 23 carries with a TD. Baugh now has 5 100-yard rushing efforts in his 2-year career in Gainesville and previously had eclipsed the 1,000-yard milestone for a single season earlier against the Seminoles.
Baugh’s 2 touchdown runs against Florida State came via a 22-yard run in the third quarter and a 12-yard run late in the 4th quarter. The Florida State loss also dropped it to 5-7 and eliminated the Seminoles from bowl eligibility.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
