The Florida Gators snapped a three-year losing streak against Kentucky in dominant fashion on Saturday night, riding the stellar performance of freshman running back Jadan Baugh to a 48-20 victory at home. Baugh, making his first career start in place of the injured Montrell Johnson, ran for 106 yards and five touchdowns, tying a school record held by Florida legends Tim Tebow and Trey Burton.
Facing one of the SEC’s toughest defenses, Baugh delivered a remarkable effort that left Kentucky (3-4, 1-4 SEC) scrambling. His five rushing touchdowns, including a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter that stretched the Gators’ lead to 14 points, were the key to a much-needed win for Florida (4-3, 2-2 SEC). The Gators had not beaten Kentucky since 2020, but Baugh’s ground game, complemented by an explosive passing attack, changed the tide.
Baugh’s breakout performance was especially timely with freshman quarterback DJ Lagway also making his first SEC start. Lagway stepped in for Graham Mertz, whose season ended with a knee injury suffered last week against Tennessee. Lagway showed poise, completing 7 of 14 passes for 259 yards. He capitalized on big-play opportunities, delivering five completions of more than 40 yards. This included key connections to Elijhah Badger, who hauled in three passes for 148 yards, and Chimere Dike, who added two receptions for 67 yards. Eugene Wilson III also made an impact with a 40-yard catch.
Despite Kentucky’s defense ranking 10th nationally against the run, Florida managed 197 yards on the ground, largely behind an unbalanced offensive line scheme that kept the Wildcats guessing. Baugh’s five touchdowns and the Gators’ 14-point cushion by the third quarter were too much for Kentucky’s offense to overcome.
While the Gators put together their most complete SEC game of the season, they still allowed two notable scores from the Wildcats—a trick-play touchdown and a kickoff return for a score—that could have made the victory even more decisive. Nonetheless, the win should relieve some pressure from head coach Billy Napier, who has been looking for a signature conference win.
With their bowl hopes still alive, Florida’s dominant performance against Kentucky will serve as a confidence booster for the remainder of the season.