While the Jacksonville Jaguars finished 2025 with a 13-4 record, many journalists still thought the season was a fluke. They got hot midway through the year and never looked back, becoming one of the AFC’s most dangerous teams.

While the roster faced significant turnover and a lack of early draft capital, the core of the group is centered around quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It is also anchored by a defense that led the NFL in run defense in 2025.

How will Jacksonville build on from their 2025 season?

Buildings for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2026
Jaguars Contending Outlooks

Trevor Lawrence is coming off a career-high year with over 4,000 yards and a franchise-record for touchdowns. His 2026 cap hit of $24 million is remarkably efficient. It ranks 19th among NFL starters and allows the team to keep more veteran talent.

The offense retains a deep receiver room that features Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington. These gave Lawrence plenty of options down the field. This was also despite receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter missing time due to injury.

The defensive front remains a strength with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, who formed one of the league’s top pass-rushing duos in football last year.

Critical Issues for 2026

However, despite the positives, Jacksonville and its quest to try to reach a deep postseason run, there are some legitimate concerns as they prepare.

The 2026 season marks the beginning of a major transition for the Jaguars. Due to renovations for their new stadium, the capacity in Jacksonville, Florida, will be reduced to 42,500. To accelerate the construction, the team will play two home games in London, England, back-to-back.

With over 27,000 seats offline and a ‘doughnut’ schedule designed to keep the team away from Jacksonville for long stretches, the Jaguars may lose the traditional home-field advantage they enjoyed during their 2025 run.

Due to the 2025 trade to land first-round draft pick Travis Hunter, the Jaguars do not have a first-round pick in 2026. Their first selection will not be until the 56th overall pick. Jacksonville also has the seventh-least effective cap space in the NFL. This has led to a quiet free agency period focused on resigning depth rather than adding star talent.

The team lost star running back Travis Etienne Jr. and linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency. They are expected to replace Etienne’s production with a committee approach featuring Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten.

Conclusion

The Jaguars enter 2026 with the best chances to win the AFC South. There are questions surrounding quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The inconsistencies with the Indianapolis Colts are genuine and ended with the loss of quarterback Daniel Jones. The Tennessee Titans are in rebuilding mode and may not be competitors for a while. 

With strong commitment, the Jaguars can make a deep push and get to the Super Bowl for the first time in their history. 

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