Florida running back Jadan Baugh just landed on The Sporting News’ Heisman Watch, and believe me, he earned that spot after absolutely shredding Ole Miss. Baugh was unstoppable, tearing through the Rebels defense for 142 yards and three touchdowns, propelling the Gators to a massive 52-28 win on Saturday. Talk about taking advantage of a big stage, right?
Baugh’s Heisman Blitz
This isn’t some one-off performance, folks. Baugh has been on an absolute mission all season long. Through just four games, he’s already stacked up an incredible 83 carries for 600 yards. And get this: a nation-leading 11 touchdowns! He’s rushed for three scores in three different games already this year. When the Gators needed him most against Ole Miss, he answered the bell with 29 carries for those 142 yards and three scores. Heisman Trophy voters Cliff Brunt and Jeff Hauser, who’ve been deep in college football coverage for The Sporting News since 2017 and 2015 respectively, clearly took notice. They’ve compiled this watch list for players they’d strongly consider for their top three, and Baugh is right there, highlighted as one of their top five. It’s a huge statement about his early season dominance.
Offensive Fireworks All Over the Heisman List
While Baugh’s ground game is electrifying, the Heisman Watch is loaded with other playmakers lighting up the scoreboard across the country. Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith made a massive impression just last week, hauling in 12 catches for a ridiculous 217 yards and four touchdowns in a crushing 42-19 win over Illinois. That’s next-level stuff. Then you’ve got quarterbacks like Miami’s Darian Mensah, who boasts an insane 88.7% completion rate, 1,211 yards, and 14 touchdowns with zero picks in four games, rocking a 228.0 passer rating. He even completed 23 of 27 passes against Central Michigan for 338 yards and three scores, plus a rushing touchdown in a 52-3 win, and his completion percentage still *dropped*. That’s how surgical he’s been!
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss, despite the loss to Florida, still threw for 298 yards and a touchdown, completing 25 of 34 attempts, showing he can still put up numbers. He’s got 1,222 yards and eight TDs on the season. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier led his team to a 41-23 win over Colorado State, hitting 12 of 16 passes for 227 yards. Indiana’s Josh Hoover has been super efficient with 80 passes without an interception, throwing 11 TDs and a 204.4 passer rating. Even Arch Manning from Texas squeezed out a tight win against Tennessee.
It’s clear the Heisman race is wide open early, with players making huge statements every week. For Jadan Baugh and the Gators, the next challenge is massive. Florida visits Missouri on October 3. Can Baugh keep this incredible run going and solidify his spot right at the top of the Heisman conversation? You know we’ll be watching every snap.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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