Florida Gators Running Backs: Building Depth and Talent for the 2026 Season
The Florida Gators recently wrapped up their first spring camp under head coach Jon Sumrall with the annual spring game, offering fans a preview of the team for the upcoming 2026 season. Sumrall used the camp to assess the roster, focusing on building depth and identifying starters at various positions. He plans to discuss individual player standings on the depth chart with the team in the post-spring offseason.
Moving on from the quarterback position, the spotlight now shifts to the running backs. Jadan Baugh, a rising junior, is a key player for the Gators after an impressive 2025 season. With nearly 1,200 rushing yards last year, Baugh is expected to lead Florida's offense in 2026. The new offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, aims to utilize playmakers like Baugh in multiple ways, including as a receiver and wildcat quarterback.
Florida bolstered its running back group through the transfer portal, adding veterans Evan Pryor from Cincinnati and London Montgomery from ECU. Pryor brings experience from Ohio State and Cincinnati, showcasing his ability to excel in open space. Montgomery, known for his relentless effort on offense and special teams, adds depth to the team. Redshirt freshman Duke Clark, recovering from a season-ending injury, is eager to make an impact alongside the experienced backs.
The running back room also includes redshirt freshman Byron Louis and walk-ons Anthony Rubio, Kelvin Jimenez, and Brian Case. While Baugh is the clear starter, the team is focused on developing the other backs, particularly Clark, Pryor, and Montgomery, to ensure depth and rotation options throughout the season. Clark and Pryor have shown promise in camp, with Clark impressing coaches with his progress and Pryor standing out for his speed and receiving skills.
As the Gators prepare for the 2026 season, the running back group is shaping up with Baugh leading the way and promising talents like Clark and Pryor emerging as key contributors. The team's focus on maximizing the potential of all backs highlights their commitment to building a strong and versatile running game for the upcoming season.