Chargers Underdog Story: Branson Taylor's Rise and Jim Harbaugh's Culture Shift

The battle for the Chargers' starting left guard job is heating up. See how Branson Taylor worked and earned an opportunity.

August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Branson Taylor (71) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Chargers are starting their third week of fall 2026 training camp. One of the most anticipated position battles at the left guard spot along the offensive line is heating up with at least three players battling for the job heading into the first preseason game.

One of the biggest surprises in the position battle is second-year player Branson Taylor. Taylor has received praise from nearly every corner of the team for the improvements he has made from year one until present day.

Taylor was a sixth-round pick out of Pitt in the 2025 draft. The coaching staff experimented with him throughout training camp in different roles last season but he ultimately failed to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. He spent the entirety of the 2025 season on the practice squad before being elevated to face the division champion Denver Broncos and start in place of starters who were resting heading into the playoffs.

Entering the 2026 offseason, Taylor was largely written off with the additions in free agency and the 2026 draft that the Chargers had brought on to the roster with the new scheme from offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. I did not have him on the initial 53-man roster in my first post-OTAs prediction.

What has changed? How do we explain how Taylor is firmly a contender to take the starting left guard job and also showing tackle flexibility? The short answer is simple: he worked his tail off.

Branson Taylor's noticeable change

Jim Harbaugh was asked about Branson Taylor getting reps with the first team at his pre-practice press conference before Saturday's padded practice and the growth he has seen from year heading into Year 2. "This offseason, just been a really incredible offseason," Harbaugh said in reference to Taylor's growth, "In the training environment, saw it there first and then on the field in OTAs and in minicamp."

Harbaugh also specifically mentioned the reports he was getting from the training staff and executive director of player performance Ben Herbert regarding Taylor's work in the offseason. "I mean, the reports coming back from Ben Herbert and staff were like, Branson, wow! Leveling up."

Quarterback Justin Hebert was also asked about Taylor getting work with the first team in his post-practice press conference after Monday's walkthrough. Herbert's response to the question was indicative of how much Taylor has changed from last season. "Branson's put in a lot of great work this offseason, he showed up a different man," Herbert said, "It's been fun to see and it's been cool for him to get the opportunities to run with the ones."

Jim Harbaugh's culture

May 11, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos (left) and coach Jim Harbaugh watch during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A sixth-round pick spending a year on the practice squad and one year later possibly pushing for a starting role, if not at least a roster spot, is a great story. The fact that Taylor is in a true battle for the job is a testament to the work that he put in this offseason and his dedication to becoming a professional.

Taylor's current resurgence is also a testament to the culture Jim Harbaugh has brought the Chargers, now in his third year with the franchise. Taylor's hard work got him the opportunity, but the coaching staff, starting with Ben Herbert noticed and rewarded that hard work.

Just before Justin Herbert, Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said at his press conference, "I really want the starter to earn it. I think the player will tell us. I think his teammates will tell us by the collective group execution," McDaniel said. "The best player for that position will be helping the whole group operate with great communication and decisiveness and style of play."

The collective mindset and culture from every corner of the Chargers' staff and roster appears to be something that Harbaugh has brought to Los Angeles.