The Jacksonville Jaguars are stepping into a bold, new era. It’s an aggressive, confident time for the franchise — one defined by youth, innovation, and the belief that quarterback Trevor Lawrence can still become the superstar many projected when he went No. 1 overall in 2021.
But in 2025, it won’t just be about Lawrence.
That became clear in April when Jacksonville stunned the NFL world by trading up three spots to draft Travis Hunter No. 2 overall. Hunter, the two-way sensation out of Colorado and Florida State, is set to become the NFL’s first true two-way player in over half a century. The decision was bold, brash, and emblematic of the new Jaguars leadership team: head coach Liam Coen (39), general manager James Gladstone (34), and executive VP of football operations Tony Boselli.
“This was certainly a statement for how we plan to move, how we plan to operate,” Gladstone said on draft night. The message was clear: this team is all-in on maximizing Lawrence’s prime.
Offense: A McVay-Style Transformation
If bold is one Jaguars theme, youth is another. Coen and 29-year-old offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are installing an offense rooted in the principles of Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell — built on play-action, motion, and a physical ground game to set up explosive shots downfield.
Coen has proven results: in his one year as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator, the Buccaneers leapt from dead last in rushing (2023) to No. 4 (2024). That formula will be critical for Jacksonville, which has struggled to run the football with consistency.
The Jaguars attacked the offensive line in free agency, signing center Robert Hainsey (Bucs), guard Patrick Mekari (Ravens), tackle Fred Johnson (Eagles), and tackle Chuma Edoga (Cowboys). Third-round pick Wyatt Milum adds more competition. Projected starters include Hainsey, Mekari, Anton Harrison, Ezra Cleveland, and Walker Little — though Coen has promised open competition across the unit.
The passing game, meanwhile, will look vastly different. Second-year receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has star potential, while the addition of Hunter gives Lawrence a true game-breaking threat. The Jaguars also added former Washington wideout Dyami Brown, who brings more vertical speed. This trio is designed to stretch defenses, creating single coverage opportunities Lawrence must exploit.
Running back will be a fascinating storyline. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby return, but rookies Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse) could push for snaps. Coen is expected to rotate three backs heavily, leaning on speed and versatility to keep defenses off balance.
The key, however, remains Lawrence. Entering Year 5, the former No. 1 pick needs to find consistency and stay healthy after battling injuries in late 2023 and 2024. With improved protection and a more balanced scheme, this may be his best chance yet to fulfill the promise that once made him the face of the franchise.
Defense: Campanile’s New Blueprint
On defense, the Jaguars are also undergoing a transformation. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile (43), previously with Green Bay, inherits a unit that collapsed in 2024 — giving up explosive plays and failing to generate turnovers. His solution: a 4-3 base front with zone-heavy coverage designed to limit breakdowns.
The defensive line will once again be anchored by Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, one of the league’s most underrated edge duos. Veteran Arik Armstead moves back inside to defensive tackle, where he thrived with the 49ers. Second-year DT Maason Smith is expected to take on a bigger role as a disruptive interior rusher.
Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun remains the defense’s most reliable tackler, but shoring up run defense will be a top priority after years of inconsistency.
The secondary has been retooled around Tyson Campbell, now secured with a long-term deal. Veteran Jourdan Lewis brings steadiness in the slot, while safety Eric Murray provides leadership. Rookie Caleb Ransaw (third round) could push for a starting safety job in training camp.
And then there’s Travis Hunter. While the Jaguars plan to feature him full-time on offense, he’ll also rotate onto defense in critical passing downs. His elite ball skills could be a game-changer for a unit that ranked dead last in takeaways in 2024.
The Bottom Line
The Jaguars are young, aggressive, and unafraid to swing big. With Coen and Gladstone leading a new era, the team has surrounded Lawrence with speed, protection, and one of the NFL’s most electrifying rookies in Travis Hunter.
The offense should look sharper, more balanced, and more explosive. The defense, while still a work in progress, has the pieces to be disruptive.
Ultimately, 2025 will come down to Lawrence — and whether this bold new era finally unlocks his superstar ceiling.
If it does, the Jaguars won’t just contend for the AFC South. They might just redefine what their franchise — and perhaps even the sport — looks like moving forward.
