Jaguars Expect Big Leaps from Running Backs Tuten and Allen

Head coach Liam Coen outlines his expectations for the young RB duo to take on bigger roles in 2026.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:40am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a football running play, with sharp geometric shapes in teal, gold, and black overlapping to create a sense of motion and power.The Jaguars' young running back duo of Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen are poised to take on expanded roles in the offense this season.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are counting on second-year running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen to step up in 2026 after the departure of Travis Etienne. Head coach Liam Coen discussed his hopes for the young duo, with Tuten needing to showcase more of his big-play ability and Allen expanding his role as a receiver out of the backfield.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' running game will be a key focus in 2026 after losing their top back in Etienne. Tuten and Allen showed promise as rookies and will now be asked to carry a bigger load, making their development crucial to the team's offensive success.

The details

Tuten, a 2025 draft pick, had 93 touches as a rookie and is expected to take on an even larger role in the running game this season. Coen wants to see Tuten's home-run hitting ability that he displayed in college, while also improving his ball security. As for Allen, the 2025 seventh-round pick was the team's top third-down back due to his blocking ability, but Coen believes he can contribute more as both a runner and receiver.

  • Tuten had 93 touches (83 carries, 10 catches) as a rookie in 2025.
  • Allen played 60 snaps as a receiver in college at Syracuse.

The players

Bhayshul Tuten

A 2025 draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars who flashed as a runner and goal-line back as a rookie, but needs to improve his ball security and showcase more of his big-play ability.

LeQuint Allen

A 2025 seventh-round pick for the Jaguars who was the team's top third-down back as a rookie due to his blocking ability, but Coen believes he can contribute more as both a runner and receiver.

Liam Coen

The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who is looking for Tuten and Allen to take on bigger roles in the offense in 2026 after the departure of Travis Etienne.

Travis Etienne

The Jaguars' former starting running back who left the team in free agency, opening the door for Tuten and Allen to take on expanded roles.

Chris Rodriguez Jr.

A new free agent running back signed by the Jaguars, who will factor into the team's running back pecking order alongside Tuten and Allen.

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What they’re saying

“You look at what 'Tut' showed in terms of getting downhill on it inside the tackles that really wasn't on his tape in college. I think we can do a better job of giving him some opportunities, a little bit more, that fit his skillset as well in college, get him going in some of those instances, as well in the pass game, in the screen game.”

— Liam Coen, Head Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars

“LeQuint I think showed so much in terms of the toughness, physicality, the care factor, third-down runs that he was really good at for us. I know he had 60 catches or so in college, so that's an area I think we can continue to lean into him as well.”

— Liam Coen, Head Coach, Jacksonville Jaguars

What’s next

The Jaguars will monitor Tuten and Allen's progress throughout the offseason and training camp as they look to solidify the running back depth chart ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With the departure of Travis Etienne, the Jaguars are counting on second-year running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen to take on bigger roles in the offense. Coen believes both players have the potential to thrive if given more opportunities, making their development a key focus for the team this offseason.