The Jacksonville Jaguars will soon be back on the grass of the Miller Electric Center in preparation for the 2026 NFL season. Training camp begins July 29, with rookies reporting on July 25 and veterans returning July 28.
The team was 13-4 in head coach Liam Coen’s first season, securing the AFC South Crown and the first playoff appearance since the 2022 season.
Now, they’re looking to improve on those efforts and push to become a mainstay as one of the league’s elite teams.
To do so, they will need their top players to step up. With that in mind, we ranked the top five players on the team, based on importance. There were several players just outside of the top five like tackle Anton Harrison, linebacker Foye Oluokun and cornerback Buster Brown.
Several others could see themselves rise on this list throughout the season. But as it stands, here are the most important Jacksonville Jaguars players.
5. Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
Coming off a sophomore slump, Brian Thomas Jr. had the best offseason of any player on the roster. He showcased an ability to get free from defenders and reel in deep passes that the team lacked last season. He looked like he was back in form after injuries might’ve played a hand in his drop-off in play in 2025. If Thomas can carry his momentum from the offseason into the regular season, the team will see success on offense as they unleash one of the best weapons in the NFL.
4. Travon Walker, defensive lineman
Speaking of injuries, pass rusher Travon Walker’s 2025 campaign was derailed by separate injuries. A wrist and knee injury hampered his play throughout the season. Still, the team signed him to an extension this offseason that’ll tie him to the club for the foreseeable future. Walker’s play will determine a lot of Jacksonville’s defensive success. If he can get back to double digit sack numbers and command attention from opponents, it’ll open up teammates along the defensive line. That’ll allow the pass rush to get flowing, which will certainly be an emphasis this year after the team struggled last season.
3. Travis Hunter, cornerback/wide receiver
There’s an argument that Travis Hunter is even more important than this ranking. As he continues to be featured on both sides of the ball, his performance and snap counts will dictate how important he is to the team. He’s projected to be featured heavily on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback is his natural position and he should thrive in the role. His usage on offense might be dwindled a bit, but he’ll still be featured. If Hunter can be the player the team thinks he can, it’ll mean they have All-Pro level corner and dynamic player on offense. That’s pretty important.
2. Josh Hines-Allen, defensive lineman
The leader of the defense, Josh Hines-Allen is as important as they come. He’s the franchise leader in sacks all time and has set a standard of elite play for himself and his teammates. We’ve seen his influence on the Jaguars throughout his career. When Hines-Allen has good seasons, the team typically finds success. When he has down years, the team typically struggles. That type of sway and significance is synonymous with how impactful Hines-Allen is to the Jaguars.
1. Trevor Lawrence, quarterback
Was there ever a doubt about who’d be in the top spot? Trevor Lawrence is coming off a career year that saw him land as an MVP and Comeback Player of the Year candidate. He got better and better as the season went on, having several standout performances down the stretch for the Jaguars. Now he has the chance to cement himself as one of the best players to ever wear teal and black. If Lawrence can continue to build on his success from last year, he’ll help push the team to the level that Coen and company are striving for.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 5 most important Jacksonville Jaguars for 2026 include the big names
Reporting by Juston Lewis, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Juston Lewis, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
