Three Gators Earn Preseason All-SEC Nods

A trio of Gators has secured spots on the preseason All-SEC teams, as voted on by media members who covered SEC Media Days earlier this week.

Junior Jadan Baugh leads the way for Florida as a running back on the second team and an all-purpose player on the third team. He is joined by two fellow Gators on the third team, Vernell Brown III as a return specialist and Jayden Woods as a defensive lineman.

The trio adds to the list of eight players who were selected for last year’s preseason All-SEC teams, many of whom are now playing professionally in the NFL.

Baugh returns after an impressive run in his sophomore season as a starter in all 12 games. He recorded 220 carries for 1,170 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, adding 185 receiving yards on 31 receptions. His season rush line ranks sixth-most in UF history and makes him the third underclassman to exceed 1,000 rushing yards in a season.

Brown served as the primary punt and kick returner in most games last season. His freshman year was highlighted by six starts across 10 games played at wide receiver, catching 40 passes for 512 yards and adding 261 yards in the return game. He was selected for three 2025 Freshman All-SEC honors: as a wide receiver, an all-purpose player and a return specialist.

Woods appeared in all 12 games last season, highlighted by two starts. He logged 28 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, an interception and five tackles for loss. He became the first true Gator freshman to lead or co-lead the team in sacks since 1992. Woods joined Brown as a 2025 Freshman All-SEC selection and carries that momentum into the preseason.

The Gators open the 2026 season with a home game against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 5.

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