Buccaneers GM Licht Names 5 Rising Stars for 2026 Season

Licht's bold predictions for young Bucs players to break out next year

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:41pm

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Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has named five young players he believes will significantly improve and become key contributors for the team in the 2026 NFL season. Licht's selections include wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving, edge rusher YaYa Diaby, and safety Tykee Smith.

Why it matters

Licht's public endorsement of these players as 'rising stars' is a strategic move that could motivate the young talent and set the tone for the Buccaneers' long-term plans. These predictions offer a glimpse into the team's vision and the confidence they have in their future.

The details

Licht highlighted the potential growth of wide receivers Egbuka and McMillan, stating that Egbuka is poised for a more prominent role after a solid rookie year, while McMillan is seen as a key part of the team's long-term strategy. At running back, Licht believes Irving is ready to 'shine again' and become a pivotal part of the offense. On defense, Licht is high on edge rusher Diaby's raw talent and the potential for safety Smith to be a linchpin for the team's defensive strategy.

  • Licht made these predictions in a recent interview in April 2026.

The players

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a member of the team's Ring of Honor.

Emeka Egbuka

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who had a solid rookie season and is expected to take on a more prominent role in the team's offense.

Jalen McMillan

A wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who Licht sees as a key part of the team's long-term plans.

Bucky Irving

A running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who Licht believes is ready to 'shine again' and become a pivotal part of the team's offense.

YaYa Diaby

An edge rusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whose raw talent has impressed Licht and could lead to a more aggressive defensive strategy for the team.

Tykee Smith

A safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who Licht believes could be the linchpin that brings the team's defense to the next level.

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What they’re saying

“Emeka Egbuka is poised for a more prominent role after a solid rookie year, and Jalen McMillan is seen as a key part of our long-term plans.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Bucky Irving is ready to 'shine again' and become a pivotal part of our offense.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“YaYa Diaby's raw talent has impressed us, and he could lead to a more aggressive defensive strategy for the team.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

“Tykee Smith could be the linchpin that brings our defense to the next level.”

— Jason Licht, General Manager, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s next

The Buccaneers will be closely monitoring the progress of these five young players during the 2026 offseason and training camp, as their development could be crucial to the team's success in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Licht's bold predictions for these five young Buccaneers players highlight the team's strategic vision and confidence in their future. These rising stars could be the catalysts for a new era of success in Tampa Bay, as the Buccaneers look to build on their recent accomplishments.