The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team on the rise. Following their 13-win 2025 season, where they won the AFC South and secured a home playoff game, the Jaguars are hoping to replicate similar success in 2026, albeit with a playoff victory or two. For the first time in many years, this franchise is on a true upward trajectory.
General manager James Gladstone will have his hands full this offseason with the possibility of having to replace a top cornerback in Montaric Brown and an All-Pro linebacker, Devin Lloyd, in free agency, while having to simultaneously create more money to open up the checkbooks in their current salary cap situation.
Gladstone may also have to replace running back Travis Etienne. However, the answer to that may not be through free agency or the NFL Draft this offseason, but on the roster with second-year running back Bhayshul Tuten ready to take the reins as the team’s top tailback.
Last year, the Jaguars featured four quality running backs in their backfield before the preseason: Etienne, Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Tank Bigsby. It was set to be fascinating to see how head coach Liam Coen would operate this much talent in the position room. It didn’t take long for that to be finalized as Etienne quickly became the clear-cut No. 1 tailback in 2025, with Bigsby being sent off to Philadelphia.
The Jaguars drafted Tuten and Allen with the expectation that they would be the future at running back for the team. The former may hold to that, as he was one of the best pairings in the entire draft with his vision, explosiveness, and balance as a runner that fit Coen’s zone blocking system to perfection. Here is what I wrote about Tuten in a summer draft review on the Virginia Tech standout:
Tuten also showcased quality pass protection flashes and, as a rookie, brought an impressive element of physicality, balance, and pass-catching ability to the table. He has all of the tools and the makings of a good starting running back in the NFL. His explosive capacity and speed were untapped last season, but his tape in college showcased a runner who could fly away from opposing defenders.
While the Jaguars should still consider signing another running back or drafting another, Tuten is likely to get a head start with the RB1 job, and he has shown himself to be the favorite for that role in 2026.
Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Jaguars when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW.
Read more on Sports Illustrated
