2025 AFC South Preview: Tennessee Titans Football

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — The Tennessee Titans enter the 2025 NFL season on a clear mission: turn the page on a 3–14 campaign and usher in a new era with rookie quarterback Cam Ward at the helm and Brian Callahan entering Year Two as head coach.

Cam Ward Takes Center Stage

With the first overall pick in April’s draft, the Titans entrusted Ward — the former Miami signal-caller renowned for his playmaking and leadership — with the task of rebooting the franchise. Ward immediately assumed the starting role in training camp, showing poise, deep-ball ability, and energy that energized the locker room.

Coach Callahan is managing Ward’s progression with a day-by-day mindset, balancing structure with Ward’s aggressive instincts. His fiery competitiveness has already surfaced in camp, but it’s the maturity of his decision-making that will define his rookie year.

Brian Callahan’s Big Second Act

After a 3–14 debut, Callahan shoulders heavy expectations to develop Ward into a franchise quarterback and elevate a stagnant offense. Analysts peg the Titans as long shots in the AFC South, but offseason upgrades — especially to the offensive line — have given the club a more stable foundation.

Offense: All Eyes on the Elevation

The Titans retooled their offensive line in the offseason, aiming to give rookie quarterback Cam Ward time to operate and restore rhythm to a unit that sputtered in 2024. Running back Tony Pollard returns after a strong 1,079-yard season in 2024, serving as the team’s lead back once again while Tyjae Spears remains sidelined to start the season.

At receiver, veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett headline a group that blends proven production with upside. Rookie Elic Ayomanor, a fourth-round pick out of Stanford, brings size, physicality and contested-catch ability. Cam Ward’s college teammate Xavier Restrepo could emerge as a target in the slot, while Van Jefferson adds reliable depth as a rotational option.

This mix of veteran experience, youthful energy, and improved protection up front gives Ward a more complete arsenal than the Titans have fielded in recent years.

Defense: Anchors in Place, Depth Questioned

The defensive front remains anchored by Jeffery Simmons, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Arden Key. The secondary features L’Jarius Sneed, Roger McCreary, and veteran safety Quandre Diggs. While the starting lineup looks solid, depth remains a concern, particularly at linebacker.

The 2025 Regular Season Schedule

The Titans’ schedule features several early swing games and a late stretch against heavyweights.