Despite a dominant 13-4 finish and Trevor Lawrence’s MVP-caliber surge, Jacksonville remains overlooked. Kay Adams challenges the disrespect as the Jaguars fight for recognition in a crowded AFC.
Finally, somebody out there is hyping up the 2026 Jacksonville Jaguars.
Even after a fantastic 2025 season in which they went 13-4, the Jaguars have been mostly an afterthought heading into the upcoming season. ESPN just ranked the Jaguars 17th in its Football Power Index, good for ninth out of the 16 teams in the AFC.
Meanwhile, the Jags' division rival, the Houston Texans, have become a very popular pick to reach their first Super Bowl.
So, what gives? How can a team that was so good only a year ago, and has so many young, talented players on both sides of the ball, fly under the radar like the 2026 Jaguars?
Prominent sports personality Kay Adams is wondering the same thing. On her "Up & Adams" show, Adams called the Jaguars "the least talked about 13-win team ever."
Adams Makes Solid Points
Adams is quick to point out that the Jaguars won eight straight games to end the 2025 regular season and beat the Denver Broncos, who would go on to earn the AFC's top seed in the playoffs, along the way.
Many analysts believe the Jaguars will struggle to replicate their 2025 season. Adams does not agree, saying
“This is not a one-year wonder, everybody. Liam Coen is building something special."
Whether Coen is building something "special" is yet to be determined. Jacksonville will need to start winning some playoff games before that can even be a conversation. However, it is undeniable that the Jaguars have what looks like a loaded roster, with premier talent on both sides of the ball.
At the top of that list is quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Still only 26, Lawrence finally started showing the tremendous talent that made him the top overall pick in 2021 over the second half of 2025. Entering his sixth season, Jacksonville's franchise QB is a legitimate MVP candidate in 2026.
Adams also points out that the Jaguars' second-half surge last season happened without Travis Hunter on the field. Hunter was injured after only seven games as a rookie, but is expected to have a breakout sophomore season. Hunter is one of the most talented and marketable players in the NFL. Having him healthy for a full season takes the Jaguars to another level.
You can also add Adams to the long list of people expecting a bounce-back year from wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is coming off a disappointing, drop-filled season. If BTJ can revert to his 2024 form, the Jaguars' offense can be elite. Early reports suggest Thomas Jr. has looked excellent so far during OTAs.
On defense, the Jaguars also have a former number one overall pick, Travon Walker. Fresh off signing a massive contract extension, Walker is also expected to be fully healthy in 2026 after nagging injuries affected him throughout 2025.
Final Thoughts
It is nice to hear someone finally show some excitement for the 2026 Jaguars. Last season felt like the start of a new era of football in Jacksonville, yet it is being treated as a flash in the pan fluke.
The Jaguars have built a terrific roster full of players with incredibly high ceilings. Leading them is a coaching staff that is considered one of the best in the NFL.
The lack of belief in the Jaguars' ability to duplicate, or exceed, last season's success is baffling. The team will likely head into the upcoming with a chip on its shoulders, eager to prove all the doubters wrong.
Unfortunately, even Adams is picking the Texans to get to the Super Bowl.
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