College Football

JADAN BAUGH HEISMAN TROPHY CONTENDER 2026 WEEK 2 RANKING: FLORIDA RB HOLDS TOP 10 SPOT AFTER HOT START

Jadan Baugh Heisman Trophy contender 2026 Week 2 ranking has Florida’s junior running back holding firm in the top 10 after two dominant games.

The Heisman race is starting to take shape. And Baugh is right in the middle of it.

After debuting at No. 10 in the On3 Heisman poll last week, Baugh now sits at No. 8 entering Week 3. He is one of just four non-quarterbacks in the top 10.

It’s earned, not given.

BY THE NUMBERS: BAUGH’S HOT START

Through two games, Baugh has been one of the most efficient backs in college football:

296 rushing yards – 4th in FBS
5 rushing touchdowns on 28 carries
10.6 yards per carry
160 yards, 3 TDs vs Florida Atlantic in Week 1
136 yards, 2 TDs in Florida’s 52-3 win over Campbell in Week 2

Florida has leaned on him early. He has delivered every time.

WHY HE STANDS OUT IN A QB-HEAVY RACE

The 2026 Heisman field is loaded with quarterbacks. Six of the top 10 spots belong to QBs.

Baugh is breaking that trend. As an All-SEC back, he gives Florida a different kind of Heisman threat – one who controls tempo, finishes drives, and forces defenses to stack the box.

That matters in September. It matters even more in SEC play.

ON3 HEISMAN TROPHY POLL AFTER WEEK 2

WR Malachi Toney, Miami
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
QB Darian Mensah, Miami
QB Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State
QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
QB Arch Manning, Texas
QB Jayden Maiava, USC
RB Jadan Baugh, Florida
QB Gunner Stockton, Georgia
RB Nate Sheppard, Duke

Baugh is currently the highest-ranked SEC running back in the poll.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FLORIDA

The early schedule was light. The real test is coming.

If Baugh keeps this efficiency against SEC defenses, his Heisman case gets louder. A 1,300-yard, 15-touchdown season with signature wins would put him squarely in New York contention.

For now, Florida has an identity. And it runs through No. 8.

FAQ

Is Jadan Baugh a real Heisman contender in 2026?
Yes. He is No. 8 in On3’s Week 2 Heisman poll with 296 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 10.6 yards per carry.

What are Jadan Baugh’s stats this season?
28 carries for 296 yards and 5 touchdowns. He had 160 yards and 3 TDs vs FAU, then 136 yards and 2 TDs vs Campbell.

Where does Jadan Baugh rank among Heisman Trophy contenders?
He ranks No. 8 nationally in the On3 Heisman poll after Week 2, up from No. 10 last week.

Two weeks in, the numbers, the tape, and the poll all say the same thing – Jadan Baugh Heisman Trophy contender 2026 Week 2 ranking is legit.

About this article

Follow Beatrice Nshum:Instagram

Last updated: 16 September 2026


Discover more from ElitePressLine

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Share
Written by

Beatrice Nshum

I am a passionate sports content creator and digital storyteller with a strong focus on Florida Gators athletics. I… Read full bio →

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *