Jaguars' Tuten Poised for Breakout Season

Analysts predict rising star RB will see major role increase in 2026

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:20am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of teal, gold, and black colors.Bhayshul Tuten's explosive athleticism and potential for a breakout 2026 season with the Jaguars is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Jacksonville

Bhayshul Tuten, the Jaguars' second-year running back, is generating significant offseason buzz as analysts predict he is poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. After an impressive rookie season that saw him rush for 307 yards and post a top-10 Juke Rate, Tuten is expected to take on a featured role in the Jaguars' backfield following the departure of Travis Etienne.

Why it matters

Tuten's combination of elite speed and efficiency made him a standout rookie, and with Etienne now gone, he is primed to become the Jaguars' lead back. A breakout season from Tuten could provide a major boost to the Jaguars' offense and fantasy managers who have invested in the young running back.

The details

In a recent mailbag article, Sports Illustrated's John Shipley identified Tuten as a surefire breakout player for the Jaguars in 2026, citing his rushing efficiency and 'legit home-run speed.' Tuten posted a blistering 4.32 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, the fastest time among all running backs, and he also recorded a 25.8% Juke Rate, ranking 10th in the NFL. While the Jaguars could still add another back in the draft, Shipley believes Tuten will earn a primary workload in 2026.

  • Tuten rushed for 307 yards as a rookie in 2025.
  • Tuten posted a 4.32 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
  • Tuten recorded a 25.8% Juke Rate, ranking 10th among NFL RBs in 2025.

The players

Bhayshul Tuten

A second-year running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tuten is generating significant offseason buzz as a potential breakout candidate in 2026 following an impressive rookie campaign.

Travis Etienne

The former Jaguars running back who has since departed the team, opening the door for Tuten to take on a featured role in the backfield.

John Shipley

A writer for Sports Illustrated who has identified Tuten as a surefire breakout player for the Jaguars in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Bhayshul Tuten's role and opportunity is going to see a major hike in 2026.”

— John Shipley, Sports Illustrated Writer

The takeaway

Tuten's combination of elite speed and efficiency as a rookie has positioned him for a breakout season in 2026, and with the departure of Travis Etienne, he is poised to take on a featured role in the Jaguars' backfield. A strong 2026 campaign from Tuten could provide a significant boost to the Jaguars' offense and fantasy managers who have invested in the young running back.