Florida Gators Defeat Kentucky 48-20: Jadan Baugh Ties School Record with 5 Touchdowns in First Series Win Since 2020

Jadan Baugh

The Florida Gators secured a much-needed victory against Kentucky, dominating the Wildcats 48-20 and marking their first win in the series since 2020. Freshman running back Jadan Baugh had a standout performance, scoring five touchdowns and tying a school record held by legends Tim Tebow and Trey Burton. Filling in for the injured Montrell Johnson, Baugh rushed for 106 yards against one of the SEC's top defenses, showcasing his potential and resilience.

Making his first career start, quarterback DJ Lagway stepped in for Graham Mertz, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Lagway impressed with 259 passing yards on 7 of 14 completions, including five long completions over 40 yards. His performance highlighted a more explosive Florida offense, as coach Billy Napier praised Lagway’s ongoing development. This marked a significant shift for a team that had been struggling in recent weeks.

Florida’s offense was further bolstered by contributions from receivers Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike, who combined for over 200 receiving yards. The Gators finished with 197 rushing yards, effectively utilizing unbalanced lines to confuse the Kentucky defense. While Kentucky’s Barion Brown made notable plays, including a 45-yard touchdown and a 99-yard kickoff return, the Wildcats struggled overall, unable to keep pace with Florida’s offensive onslaught.

Defensively, Florida also made its mark, with cornerback Cormani McClain intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown in his debut. This victory not only alleviated some pressure on coach Napier but also set the stage for a crucial upcoming rivalry game against Georgia.

The Gators’ performance against Kentucky served as a confidence boost as they look to build momentum moving forward.

Florida Gators Defeat Kentucky 48-20: Jadan Baugh Ties School Record with 5 Touchdowns in First Series Win Since 2020