Three Breakout Candidates for the Jaguars in 2026

Travis Etienne had a career season, rushing for 1107 yards, seven touchdowns, and catching another six. However, his play declined over the second half of the season. There have been no rumors of negotiations between Etienne and the Jaguars, and it appears he will not return to the team in 2026. Bhayshul Tuten would be the back to take his place heading into next season.

In 2025, Tuten rushed for just 307 yards on 3.7 yards per attempt. While these numbers are far from extraordinary, games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills showed his potential. He was also a great red-zone and goal-line threat, rushing for five touchdowns and receiving another two. Towards the end of the season, Etienne’s burst between the tackles seemed to decline. His lack of downhill speed made the running game a non-existent threat. While he suffered considerably less wear-and-tear, Tuten was able to attack a crease much quicker and open up the run game in his limited snaps.

When the Jaguars’ offense took off over the final 10 games, they were an extremely pass-heavy team, only using the running game when necessary. Tuten could provide another dynamic to the offense, opening the offense up and making it more unpredictable. As the starting running back, he has the potential to have a 1,000-yard season in 2026.

Ventrell Miller

Similar to Etienne, there has been no public discussion about negotiations between the Jaguars and Devin Lloyd. With no extension or franchise tag so close to free agency, Lloyd may have played his final game in Jacksonville. Linebacker Ventrell Miller would be the one to take his place. Miller has played in 32 total games in his two seasons with the Jaguars, averaging just 20 snaps per game. Despite his limited playing time, Miller has recorded three forced fumbles, seven defended passes, four tackles for loss, and an interception. His pass coverage skills have flashed as well, allowing a 65.5 passer rating and 62.8% completion rate when targeted.

Under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, Lloyd excelled in blitzing and dropping into coverage. Because of his threat to rush the passer, quarterbacks would anticipate this, but Lloyd would fool them and intercept them in a disguised coverage. Miller blitzed 12 times in 2025, despite playing just 20% of the defensive snaps. A mix of blitzing, along with his physicality and coverage skills could make for a productive season, and the perfect replacement for Lloyd.

Travis Hunter

Yes, the second overall pick is primed for a breakout season. Travis Hunter makes the list for a variety of reasons. His statistical production was disappointing in 2025, and he is coming off a season-ending injury. In his seven games as a rookie, Hunter played 67% of the offensive snaps, and just 36% of the defensive snaps. Heading into 2026, it appears this is going to change. Reports have come out that the Jaguars plan to use Hunter as a full-time defensive back with a mix of offensive snaps.

On defense, Hunter showed his potential. His quick instincts to read the quarterback’s eyes and break on routes were showcased in his limited snaps. In coverage, he allowed a 50% completion rate, zero touchdowns, and defended three passes. On a team that had consistent problems in the secondary, Hunter will be a massive addition.

On the offensive side of the ball, things were a bit clunky. Hunter was a more raw prospect as a wide receiver. There was a lack of chemistry between him and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, as well as there being a struggle to fully grasp two entire playbooks. Still, he showed potential to make plays in space and make contested catches. With 10 games on the sideline to learn, as well as an entire offseason dedicated to a new plan, Hunter should fit into the offense considerably better.

Once Hunter went down for the season, the Jaguars traded for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers shortly after. The offense took off with this addition, putting everyone in their proper roles in the offense. In such a talented wide receiver room, Hunter will be the fourth option and could get the defense’s worst cornerback. With While his snaps on this side of the ball may decrease, another year of experience within the system, as well as defenses not dedicating as much attention to him, Hunter could have a good season as a part-time offensive player.