Panthers QB Bryce Young 'Needs to Prove it' in 2026, PFF Analyst Claims

Young's inconsistent performance in 2025 has raised questions about his ability to take the Panthers to the next level.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:39am

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, will be under immense pressure to prove himself in the 2026 season. Despite leading the team to the playoffs in 2025, Young's performance was inconsistent, with high-end games mixed in with several underwhelming outings. A Pro Football Focus analyst believes Young "needs to prove it" in 2026 to solidify his status as the franchise QB.

Why it matters

The Panthers made unexpected progress in 2025, reaching the playoffs for the first time in several years. However, their long-term success hinges on whether Bryce Young can develop into a consistently elite quarterback. If he fails to take the next step, it could set the franchise back and raise doubts about their future direction.

The details

Young had a roller-coaster 2025 season, posting passing grades ranging from 37.6 to 90.4 over the final stretch of the year. While he has shown flashes of high-end ability, the lack of week-to-week consistency remains a concern. The Panthers coaching staff may have limited Young's downfield passing attempts in an effort to protect his confidence, but the team will need him to take more risks and deliver in big moments to truly elevate the offense.

  • Young was the Panthers' first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • In the 2025 season, the Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The players

Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers' starting quarterback, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young has shown promise but struggled with consistency in his first three seasons in the league.

John Kosko

A Pro Football Focus analyst who believes Young "needs to prove it" in the 2026 season to solidify his status as the Panthers' franchise quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“While Panthers fans came out of 2025 feeling optimistic after hosting a wild-card playoff game and coming one possession away from knocking off arguably the best team in the NFL, the broader reality is less rosy. Carolina still finished with a losing record and emerged from a three-way tie in a weak NFC South with a quarterback whose performance swung wildly from week to week.”

— John Kosko, PFF Analyst

“From Week 9 on, Bryce Young posted passing grades of 37.6, 34.3, 90.4, 86.2 and everything in between. Young has clearly flashed high-end ability, but the lack of consistency remains the defining issue — and it's something he must prove he can overcome in 2026.”

— John Kosko, PFF Analyst

What’s next

The Panthers and their fans will be closely watching Bryce Young's performance in the 2026 season to see if he can take the next step and become a consistently elite quarterback capable of leading the team to sustained success.

The takeaway

Bryce Young's development will be crucial for the Panthers' long-term future. While the team made unexpected progress in 2025, Young's inconsistent play has raised questions about his ability to be the franchise quarterback. The 2026 season will be a pivotal one for Young to prove he can be the leader the Panthers need to take them to the next level.