The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for the 2026 season with a roster that boasts significant depth and promising talent, despite some off-season moves that may have flown under the national radar. This year’s squad is a compelling mix of seasoned veterans in their prime and exciting young prospects poised to make their mark. While the team’s draft and free agency period in 2026 might have raised a few eyebrows, the underlying talent level suggests a high floor for their performance. Among the many players to watch, a few key additions and emerging talents are particularly poised to make a substantial impact. Here’s a closer look at four Jaguars players who could be pivotal in their 2026 campaign.
Rising Stars and Key Contributors for the 2026 Jaguars
Caleb Ransaw: A Safety Poised for a Breakout
Caleb Ransaw is a name that should be on every Jaguars fan’s watchlist for 2026. A highly touted prospect coming out of college, Ransaw demonstrated impressive versatility, capable of playing both cornerback and safety. His promising career, however, was derailed just a month before the 2025 season when a significant foot injury required surgery, abruptly ending his campaign before it even began. This unfortunate turn of events led to increased playing time for veteran safeties Eric Murray and Andrew Wingard.
With Andrew Wingard now playing for another team, Ransaw is presented with a golden opportunity to carve out a more substantial role. The safety position also sees aging veterans like Eric Murray and the recently injured Jourdan Lewis, further opening the door for Ransaw. He is expected to begin the 2026 season as a rotational piece in the defensive backfield, contributing at both safety and potentially cornerback, with the potential to earn a starting position as the season progresses and he regains full form. His development will be crucial for the Jaguars’ secondary.
Ruke Orhorhoro: An Interior Force to Be Reckoned With
In a move that garnered less national attention than some others, the Jaguars acquired defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro from the Atlanta Falcons. This trade, involving a 2024 second-round pick swap, brought a player who offers immediate and tangible improvements to the Jaguars’ interior defensive line. Orhorhoro is particularly noted for his ability to stop the run and his proficiency in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the inside.
During the 2025 season, Orhorhoro showcased his potential, recording 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, and 30 pressures despite playing only 54% of the defensive snaps. Now, he joins a formidable defensive front that includes talented edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Allen, alongside veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead. Orhorhoro enters a critical year in his career, and under a new system, he is well-positioned to become a significant force in the Jaguars’ pass rush, working alongside an already strong group of defensive linemen. His impact could be a game-changer for the team’s defensive capabilities.
Tanner Koziol: Adding a Red Zone Threat at Tight End
While Brenton Strange enjoyed a career year in 2025, achieving personal bests in yards, receptions, and touchdowns over 12 games, the Jaguars’ depth at the tight end position was exposed when he missed five games. During those absences, the backup tight ends provided minimal production, highlighting a clear need for another reliable pass-catching option.
The Jaguars addressed this by drafting Nate Boerkircher in the second round, who is expected to contribute to both run and pass blocking. However, Tanner Koziol, another recent acquisition, is set to provide crucial depth as the team’s second pass-catching tight end. Koziol demonstrated his playmaking ability in college, leading the Big-12 in receptions during the 2025 season and excelling in contested catches and jump balls. His imposing frame and knack for securing difficult passes will add a new dimension to the Jaguars’ offense, especially in the red zone, where his presence could translate into more scoring opportunities.
Anton Harrison: Solidifying the Right Side of the Offensive Line
The Jaguars have shown faith in right tackle Anton Harrison by picking up his fifth-year option for the 2026 season. Harrison has delivered a solid performance thus far, ranking 34th out of 89 tackles in his 2025 campaign. Over his three years in the league, he has proven to be a capable starting right guard, but the team is looking for him to elevate his game to the next level.
With his contract secured for the next two seasons, a strong 2026 season would position Harrison for a potential long-term contract extension. While the Jaguars have their left tackle position locked down for the foreseeable future, the long-term outlook for Harrison at right tackle remains a key question. The 2026 season is therefore a pivotal one for Harrison, offering him the chance to solidify his future with the team and potentially secure significant financial rewards if he can demonstrate consistent improvement and take that crucial next step in his development. His performance will be vital in protecting the quarterback and enabling the offense to function effectively.
