Jaguars' Top 5 Breakout Players in 2025 Season

Senior writer John Oehser examines the key contributors who emerged for the AFC South champions

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Jacksonville Jaguars enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, winning the AFC South division title. Senior writer John Oehser highlights five key players who stepped up and played a major role in the team's success, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, wide receiver Parker Washington, linebacker Devin Lloyd, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, and defensive back Antonio Johnson. The article also mentions running back Travis Etienne Jr. as a standout performer, though not technically a "breakout" player.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' 2025 season represented a significant turnaround for the franchise, which had struggled in recent years. The emergence of these young, talented players was crucial to the team's division title and playoff berth, and bodes well for their continued success going forward.

The details

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a career year, throwing for 29 touchdowns and rushing for 9 more, earning MVP and Comeback Player of the Year consideration. Sixth-round pick Parker Washington became the team's leading receiver, while linebacker Devin Lloyd and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton anchored a stifling defense. Defensive back Antonio Johnson tied for the team lead in interceptions. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. also enjoyed another 1,000-yard rushing season.

  • The Jaguars won their final 8 regular-season games to clinch the AFC South title.
  • Lawrence went without a turnover in Weeks 13-16 and accounted for 10 touchdowns with no turnovers in Weeks 15-16.
  • Lloyd had key interceptions in Weeks 4 and 5 that helped the Jaguars win those games.

The players

Trevor Lawrence

The Jaguars' quarterback had a career year, throwing for 29 touchdowns and rushing for 9 more, earning MVP and Comeback Player of the Year consideration.

Parker Washington

The Jaguars' sixth-round draft pick in 2023 emerged as the team's leading receiver, setting career highs with 58 receptions for 847 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Devin Lloyd

The Jaguars' linebacker made key plays on defense, including two interceptions in Week 4 and a 99-yard pick-six in Week 5.

DaVon Hamilton

The veteran nose tackle was a dominant force in the middle of the Jaguars' defense, helping the team lead the NFL in rushing defense.

Antonio Johnson

The defensive back tied for the team lead with 5 interceptions, including one that clinched a key divisional win over the Texans.

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What they’re saying

“The growth I've seen in him is just unbelievable.”

— Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars running back (statenews.net)

“He has just done an awesome job with every opportunity. You look at his, his role and what he's been doing for our offense, it has been huge. And just his ability to run every route to run after the catch, all those hidden yards that that he's finding after the catch has been really big for us.”

— Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars quarterback (statenews.net)

“A pro's pro. Doesn't say a whole ton. When he does speak, guys listen. He's just very unselfish. He made others around him so much better. You look at the production our linebackers have been able to have because of his unselfishness and the way that he's made plays, just defeating blocks, getting off double teams, pushing the pocket. Those are all things that when you've got a nose [tackle] that can demand double teams and demand respect inside. He's a huge reason why our defense is leading the National Football League against the rush.”

— Liam Coen, Jaguars Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to build on their 2025 success and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Key offseason priorities will include re-signing some of their breakout stars to long-term deals.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' 2025 season represented a major turnaround for the franchise, with several young players emerging as key contributors. This infusion of young talent, combined with the continued development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, has the Jaguars poised to be a contender in the AFC for years to come.