Top 25 Jaguars of 2026: Ranking Every Player Based on Impact

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- If all goes right for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2026 season could be one of the most important seasons in franchise history. But first, all must go right.

For the Jaguars to see that happen, they will need their top players to come through when it matters the most. The Jaguars have gotten off to a quick start during OTAs, and the rest of the summer will be about seeing which Jaguars continue to stand out ahead of their journey to repeat as AFC South Champions.

Every day over the course of the next several weeks, we will unveil our latest submission in our ranking of the 25 most important Jaguars entering the 2026 season. These are the Jaguars who will really determine the ceiling and floor of this team.

Defensive Breakdown

The Jaguars' defense is set to be led by defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile once again this season. Campanile proved to be one of the best hires of last year's coaching cycles after elevating one of the league's worst units into one of the most improved in the entire league. For the first time since the 2023 offseason, the scheme is the same as the year before and the Jaguars' unit should take another leap beyond that.

The unit, as usual, will be led by star pass-rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, one of the best defensive end duos in the NFL who are each on $100+ million deals. The Jaguars do not have many new faces on the defensive side other than a handful of rookies, but they will see second-year defenders Caleb Ransaw and Travis Hunter take on bigger roles in 2026 after injuries limited them during the 2025 season.

Offensive Breakdown

trevor lawrenc — Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) scores a touchdown on a keeper during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It feels like there is a real chance the Jaguars' offense takes a massive leap this season after they ended the year on a hot streak last season. Liam Coen will once again lead the unit as its play-caller and chief decision-maker, and he will have the same cast of weapons at his disposal with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter, and tight end Brenton Strange.

The Jaguars' offense had special moments last year. The question now is whether the Jaguars can turn those flashes into consistent play week-in and week-out, and which Jaguars are going to be critical to making that happen. Lawrence will obviously be the top name, but he certainly will not be alone.

Special Teams Breakdown

cam littl — Jan 4, 2026; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars placekicker Cam Little (39) celebrates with head coach Liam Coen after kicking a sixty-seven yard field goal against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images | Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Heath Farwell's unit was terrific last season, with punter Logan Cooke on ce again having a terrific year, the return game performing even beyond expectations, and then Cam Little threatening to set a new NFL record every other week. The only massive question facing this unit entering 2026 is who will start at the returner spots since Parker Washington and Bhayshul Tuten are set to be even more important this year than last.

Top 25 rankings

No. 25: CB Jarrian Jones

Jones is set to enter 2026 as a significant piece of the Jaguars' secondary. If he can bring his penalties down, he has the chance to be one of their top defensive playmakers.

No. 24: DE Danny Striggow

An undrafted success story a year ago, Striggow should have an expanded role in his second season. He certainly looks like the clubhouse leader to be the No. 3 defensive end moving forward.

No. 23: DB Eric Murray

The leader of the Jaguars' secondary, Eric Murray made a massive impact when healthy last year. That shouldn't change in the slightest now.

No. 22: IOL Ezra Cleveland

The most consistent and durable offensive lineman on the roster last season, Ezra Cleveland should step back into the starting left guard role for another season.

No. 21: K Cam Little

The owner of several franchise and NFL records after a strong 2025 season, Cam Little could be what decides more than a few Jaguars contests during the 2026 season.

No. 20: OL Patrick Mekari

The Jaguars' biggest offseason signing a year ago, Patrick Mekari should be able to help the Jaguars all over the offensive line just like Cole Van Lanen did last year.

No. 19: LB Ventrell Miller

The replacement for former second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd, there will be big expectations on hand for the fourth-year linebacker. Ventrell Miller has flashed before, and now his time appears to be here.

No. 18: LB Foyesade Oluokun

With Miller set to enter a full-time starting role for the first time in 2026, the Jaguars will need veteran linebacker Foyesade Oluokun to be as reliable as always right next to him.

No.17: DL Ruke Orhorhoro

The new Jaguars defensive tackle will have to make an impact as a pass-rusher right away if the Jaguars are going to see their ability to impact the quarterback improve. If he can do that, he could help transform the entire unit.

No. 16: CB Montaric Brown

Montaric Brown has been a key piece of the Jaguars' defense for a few years now, and he could be the best version of himself yet in 2026 as the Jaguars' defense brings back its entire defensive staff.

No. 15: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.

The Jaguars' running game is going to have to take a considerable step forward in 2026 if they are going to meet their offensive potential, and Rodriguez is their biggest offseason addition to make sure that happens.

No. 14: OL Robert Hainsey

The leader and captain of the Jaguars' offensive line, Robert Hainsey was a solid veteran addition to the Jaguars' offense a year ago and should once again play a significant role in the middle of Liam Coen's offense.

No. 13: WR Jakobi Meyers

One of the reasons the Jaguars' passing game turned around in the first place in 2025, Jakobi Meyers will now have a full offseason his belt to learn the ints and outs of the Jaguars' offense. This year should be even better for the receiver room's leader.

No. 12: DL DaVon Hamilton

The MVP of the Jaguars' run defense a season ago, DaVon Hamilton is as critical to the Jaguars' defensive front and how they structure their run defense as anyone on the entire roster. He is still in his prime, too.

No. 11: RB Bhayshul Tuten

It remains to be seen who is the Jaguars' lead back in terms of volume, but Bhayshul Tuten offers enough value in both the run and pass game to edge out Chris Rodriguez Jr. on this list.

No. 10: DL Arik Armstead

The core piece of the Jaguars' interior pass-rush, Arik Armstead is set to be one of the most important faces the Jaguars have along their front once more.

No. 9: WR Parker Washington

A versatile inside/out target who exploded onto the scene a year ago, Parker Washington should be in for a career season now that he is set to be a full-time starter from Week 1 onward for the first time in his career,

No. 8: DB Antonio Johnson

After a true breakout season in 2025, Antonio Johnson is set to enter the starting lineup from Day 1 in 2026. He is the most versatile defensive back they have on the roster, and he is now also stepping into a leadership role due to the youth in the room.

jacksonville jaguar — Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) reacts to his tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 41-7, capturing the AFC South title. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

No. 7: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The biggest deep threat in the wide receiver room, Brian Thomas Jr. still has the same elite traits he had when he set records as a rookie. It seems like the Jaguars are approaching his role differently than they did a year ago, and he should set the ceiling of the passing game.

No. 6: OT Anton Harrison

Anton Harrison has a chance to finish 2026 as one of the NFL's truly elite right tackles if he takes another leap from his strong season a year ago. Harrison is in his money years and should be expected to be at his very best against a tough schedule of pass-rushers.

No. 5: CB/WR Travis Hunter

Regardless of how Hunter's snaps end up actually splitting between wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter is a uniquely talented player the likes of which can not be found anywhere else in the league. As long as he can stay healthy, it seems like a safe bet to say he will make a substantial impact.

No. 4: TE Brenton Strange

The new big-money player on the roster, Brenton Strange makes a massive impact for the Jaguars both in the run and the pass game, and nobody else on the roster's deep skill group can really say that.

No. 3: DE Travon Walker

One of the top run-defending defensive ends in football, Travon Walker has also shown he can rack up big sack numbers. A healthy Walker should hit all of the expected marks in 2026.

No. 2: DE Josh Hines-Allen

The best defender on the Jaguars' roster, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen has been among the most consistent and impactful pass-rushers in the entire NFL for several years running. He is the easy choice here.

No. 1: QB Trevor Lawrence

This goes without saying. Trevor Lawrence has turned into the franchise quarterback the Jaguars always hoped he would.

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