written by: Chuck George & Juan Moore/Outlook News
all photos by: Juan Moore/Outlook News
JACKSONVILLE, FL-In just a week, the Jacksonville Jaguars will report to one of the most important training camps in franchise history. On July 19, the rookies check in. Three days later, the veterans arrive. Then it’s on and popping. For the new-look Jaguars, this summer isn’t just about sweating it out in the Florida sun — it’s about setting a whole new tone for the Duval dynasty.
After a full organizational shakeup from the top down, the 2025 Jaguars enter camp under fresh leadership. Out are Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke. In are head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone, and EVP of Football Ops Tony Boselli, the Hall of Famer who helped build the blueprint. And with them comes a wave of energy that says: forget last season. This team is all gas, no brakes.
Gone are household names like Christian Kirk and Evan Engram. The Jaguars didn’t flinch. They let over a dozen free agents walk, including longtime starters, and reshaped the depth chart with ten new signings. The vibe now is younger, faster, and more competitive. And it’s going to make for a juicy training camp.
Travis Hunter Era Begins
Every camp has a centerpiece. This year, it’s Travis Hunter. The two-way sensation, plucked from Colorado, is expected to play both sides of the ball full-time — something the modern NFL hasn’t seen in decades. Think Deion Sanders energy with today’s athletic ceiling.
He’ll line up as a WR1/2 and as a starting cornerback. That means Hunter could be going head-to-head with the offense in practice, then flipping the script and catching bombs from Trevor Lawrence. It’s must-watch stuff. Hunter brings flash, but make no mistake: he’s here to change the culture.
Watch the Trenches: O-Line Rebuild
Jacksonville’s offensive line got bullied last season. Finishing bottom-10 in both run blocking and sacks allowed, the Jaguars hit reset. Three of the five Week 1 starters from last year are gone. Left tackle Cam Robinson was shipped out midseason. Mitch Morse retired. Brandon Scherff was released.
In their place: Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey, both expected to plug in and play from day one. Walker Little, who signed a late-season extension, is the early favorite at left tackle. On the right, former first-rounder Anton Harrison is on watch. The staff wants to see more consistency, more aggression. This is year three. The time is now.
Rookie Wyatt Milum, a college tackle, will push Ezra Cleveland at left guard. This group has been put on notice. When the pads come on, this camp battle gets real.
Etienne Still Leads, But The RB Room is Crowded
Travis Etienne Jr. is still that dude — but his grip on the top spot isn’t untouchable. After a tough 2024 campaign, he’s looking to bounce back. The team has his back, but the room got deeper and more competitive.
Bhayshul Tuten, the rookie from Virginia Tech, is shifty and explosive. The fourth-rounder has a nose for daylight and could push for a rotational role early. He showed flashes during OTAs and has a natural feel in space that fits Liam Coen’s outside zone system.
Make no mistake — Tuten isn’t just another rookie in the mix. He’s a force. Quick feet, powerful legs, and vision beyond his years. He hits the hole like he’s trying to bust down a door, and his burst into the second level is different. Through spring workouts and early install, Tuten has already climbed the depth chart, earning more first-team reps than some expected.
His ability to stay on the field in all three downs — blocking, catching, and running with violence — gives the Jaguars a dynamic new option. If Etienne is used more as a hybrid weapon, Tuten could lead the team in early-down touches sooner than later.
Tank Bigsby is entering year three, and he knows this is a make-or-break summer. Once considered the future power back for Jacksonville, Bigsby has struggled with consistency and ball security. But he’s still a downhill runner with burst who could carve out a short-yardage role if he proves reliable.
Then there’s seventh-round rookie LeQuint Allen. Underrated and hungry, Allen brings dual-threat value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. His tape out of Syracuse showed quick cuts and soft hands — two traits that could land him on the final 53-man roster, especially if he contributes on special teams.
Also in the mix are a few camp invitees and practice squad returners looking to steal a spot. With Etienne expected to take on more of a hybrid role this season — less pounding between the tackles, more motion and route-running — the No. 2 and No. 3 RB slots are very much up for grabs.
QB Room: Still Trevor’s World, But Eyes on the Backup
Trevor Lawrence is the face of the franchise. That much hasn’t changed. But what’s behind him has.
Lawrence is coming off a rollercoaster 2024 campaign. He showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with turnovers and rhythm under pressure. With a new playbook under Liam Coen, the expectations are sky-high. The scheme is designed to get the ball out faster, use tempo, and rely on spacing concepts that suit Trevor’s strengths. He’ll get every chance to flourish.
Behind him, the battle for QB2 could be one of camp’s most underrated storylines.
Seth Henigan, the rookie out of Memphis, brings sharp footwork, a clean release, and poise that belies his age. Coaches love his command and how quickly he picked up the system during rookie minicamp. If he keeps ascending, he could lock in the backup role early.
Pushing him is veteran journeyman Nick Mullens who offers experience and has bounced around a few systems. He’s solid in the room but needs to show he can still make plays under live pressure.
Also in the mix: John Wolford, a developmental project or camp arm who’ll need a lights-out preseason to earn a roster or practice squad spot.
The Jaguars likely keep two, maybe three quarterbacks. With the staff wanting a more dynamic offense that can adapt on the fly, whoever backs up Lawrence has to be more than just a clipboard holder. He has to be ready to step in and run this fast-paced scheme without missing a beat.
The Secondary: A New Look and a Job Up for Grabs
Out goes Andre Cisco. In comes Eric Murray, who brings veteran smarts and a calming presence to the safety room. But the other starting safety spot? That’s wide open.
Andrew Wingard is still around, a steady hand with leadership chops. Darnell Savage signed a $21 million deal last offseason but didn’t lock up the job. Then there’s Antonio Johnson and rookie Caleb Ransaw, who’s transitioning from corner to safety.
Coaches love Ransaw’s instincts, but this is a vet-heavy room. Wingard’s special teams value helps his case. If Savage shows up and balls out, he likely starts. But this one will go down to the wire. A few blown coverages or a preseason pick-six could swing everything.
Training Camp Battles to Watch
- LT: Walker Little vs. whoever steps up
- RG: Mekari locked in, but backup reps open
- Safety: Murray is set, but Wingard, Savage, Johnson and Ransaw are duking it out
- RB3: Bigsby, Allen, or a surprise vet cut from another team?
- WR5/6: With Hunter doing double duty, there are reps up for grabs
- Backup QB: Henigan vs. a journeyman vet to be named
Final Word: Duval’s New Groove
This isn’t a rebuild. It’s a remix. The Jaguars didn’t hit reset to play it safe. They tore the speakers out and built a new sound system.
With a young, hungry coaching staff, new front office leadership, and a roster full of high-ceiling prospects and chip-on-their-shoulder vets, Jacksonville’s ready to prove it’s more than just a team in transition. It’s a team ready to punch above its weight.
Camp starts in the heat. The pressure’s already there. Let the battles begin.