Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently ranked all eight NFL divisions entering the 2026 season, and the NFC South found itself at the bottom of the list.
The ranking was not aimed specifically at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Instead, it reflected how the division is viewed nationally. According to the article, the NFC South continues to battle the perception that it lacks the overall strength and depth found in divisions such as the AFC North, NFC North, and NFC East.
Part of that skepticism comes from last season. While the division has produced playoff teams, it has not consistently been viewed as one of the league’s strongest divisions. Bleacher Report pointed to projected win totals across the division as one reason the NFC South remains difficult to rank higher heading into the season.
The Buccaneers spent the offseason addressing multiple areas of need, particularly on defense. First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. was added to help improve the pass rush, while second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter and veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone were brought in to help reshape the middle of the defense.
Tampa Bay also enters 2026 as the defending NFC South champion, giving the Buccaneers another opportunity to prove they remain the team to beat within the division despite the lack of national respect.
Whether the NFC South deserves to be ranked last will ultimately be decided on the field. But heading into training camp and preseason action, it is clear that national analysts remain unconvinced that the division has closed the gap on the NFL’s stronger groups.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Where does the NFC South fit into pre-season divisional rankings?
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
