Jadan Baugh Tops The Contingent Of Stars Ready To Lead The 2026 Gator

Also in a report on Saturday’s scrimmage (below), unsubstantiated, Jones Shines At Quarterback

By EDDIE GILLEY

GatorBaitMedia.com

Very few teams can overcome key injuries and stay in the chase for championships. That’s even more true in the era of college football that exists today. The transfer portal and NIL hasushered in an era where the #3 guy usually bolts for playing time or a few more dollars and a chance to start at a lesser program. But it’s not just the injury bug that you have to worry about. 

Key players need to perform like the stars you think they are for your team to be successful. Here are some of those key players from my perspective for the Gators on both sides of the ball.

#1 – Jaden Baugh. I know Buster Faulkner has said he wants to throw it all around the yard, but I’m just not sure you have a QB that can be trusted to do that well. I am confident in turning around and handing it to #13 or pitching it to him. I’m also hopeful that if we have the lead late in the game, he’s going to be unstoppable on three carries in a row to get the first down to seal the game. He’s a beast and if he stays healthy, he should repeat his 1170-yard season.

#2 – Dallas Wilson. We saw glimpses of his talent last year. If he can stay healthy, that production for an entire season should make him an all-SEC receiver. The production from him would be enough to help make the offense scary for the Gators. However, the bigger impact is what that does for the rest of the receiving corp. It makes the second-best cover guy have to cover Eric Singleton on the other side. It forces a safety or the third best DB to cover Vernell Brown III. The domino effect makes all of the receivers more effective and takes a lot of pressure off whoever is the starter at QB.

#3 – Cormani McClain. If this guy can ever find the field and stay there, the talent is phenomenal. All he does is make plays, well and give up big plays too! If that can stop this year, the Gators will be much tougher on defense. He has the potential to lock down one side of the field by himself, allowing Brad White the freedom to do some creative things with blitzes and coverages. 

#4 – Myles Graham. He may not be the best linebacker in the league, or even on the team, but he is the heart of that defense. He bleeds Orange and Blue. He’s vocal. He’s a hitter. If he can become even more of a physical presence in the middle of that defense, look out! 

#5 – LJ McCray. Can he be the dominant alpha guy on the defensive line? He’s versatile enough to move around to create blocking mismatches, especially on throwing downs. He’s big enough to play tough inside and fast enough to be an edge guy. Can he make the jump to be a dominant force on the defensive front?

Those are my five. I’m sure you have your own key players. I didn’t name a QB because as of this date, neither has Coach Sumrall. Obviously, whoever that is will be a key player and maybe the #1 key player overall. Two weeks and counting until GameDay! Time will tell if these guys and other key players exceed our expectations this season. 

Scrimmage Report 

By GatorBait Sources

Unconfirmed scrimmage report from several sources: (We were not able to confirm these eye witness reports)

Closed Scrimmage

Quarterbacks

Tramell Jones Jr.:

• Threw a long touchdown pass to Bailey Stockton — described as one of his best throws.

• On the same throw: the pass arguably should have been picked off despite the pretty result.

• Followed the TD with a fumbled snap and a bad interception thrown back across his body.

• Box score (per one report): 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 lost fumble.

• Conflicting report: a second account has the fumble occurring but NOT lost (recovered by the offense). Needs to be reconciled/confirmed.

Aaron Philo:

• Consistent and steady directing the offense.

• Rushing stat line: 1 rushing TD, 0 INTs.

Running Backs

• Clark: 2 TDs

• Pryor: 1 TD

• Baugh: 1 TD

Pass Catchers

• TE Amir Jackson: A 20-yard catch and run.

• Heze Kent: Impressive touchdown catch.

• Bailey Stockton: Jones’s long touchdown

Offensive Line

• Bryce Lovett worked at left tackle and reportedly looked good there.

• Group overall got a lot of push and looked solid up front.

Defense

• Cormani McClain had another interception.

• Other standouts at times: J. Woods, and Myles Graham  LJ McCray — Graham big hit on WR TJ Abrams.

• Multiple DBs blew opportunities for interceptions.

Did Not Play

• Dallas Wilson did not play.

• Vernell and Eric both had good days (no additional stat detail given).

• The ran roughly 127 plays.

• Both quarterbacks (Philo and Jones) were described as competitive, with no clear separation.

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