To the surprise of many, the Jaguars’ defense was one of the best units in football in 2025, forcing the second-most turnovers and allowing the fifth-fewest points per drive. After a disastrous 2024 season that saw the Jaguars’ defense rank in the bottom five of nearly every statistical category, they were able to completely flip the script and dramatically improve across the board without a massive roster overhaul.<\/p>\n
Devin Lloyd, Montaric Brown<\/a>, and Antonio Johnson all had career seasons after years of up-and-down performance. With Devin Lloyd <\/a>no longer in Jacksonville, the linebacking group is a big question heading into 2026. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile<\/a> will enter his second year as the defensive play caller, leading a very similar group of players. Without many roster adjustments, it begs the question: Can the Jaguars’ defense repeat their success in 2026?<\/p>\n A big reason for the Jaguars’ defensive success was their ability to force turnovers consistently. They forced the second-most interceptions, 10th-most fumbles, and second-most total turnovers. While they could still be near the top, forcing this many turnovers in back-to-back seasons is unlikely.<\/p>\n Ventrell Miller will step into Lloyd’s role as the team’s starting linebacker. Miller has shown flashes of being a starting-caliber player, but this will be his first opportunity in a full-time role. He may not match Lloyd’s turnover production, but Miller is an excellent tackler and holds his own in pass coverage. Still, Miller is an unknown, and there may be an adjustment period for the defense.<\/p>\n The biggest question on the defense is the team’s front four. Travon Walker<\/a> had a down season in 2025, battling a wrist and knee injury throughout the season. Even if Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are at peak form, the interior pass rush is still a question mark. Arik Armstead will be entering his 12th season, and Ruke Orhorhoro<\/a> is an unproven commodity.<\/p>\n The pass-rushing unit could be an improvement from 2025, but they will still struggle to consistently disrupt the quarterback with just four pass rushers, meaning they will have to use extra defenders on blitzes.<\/p>\n A big question in 2026 will be how the Jaguars succeed without turnovers. Travis Hunter<\/a> will replace Greg Newsome II as the team’s boundary corner opposite Brown, and Caleb Ransaw will replace Andrew Wingard as the team’s third safety. Both players will be major upgrades for the secondary and will make a quarterback’s decision-making more difficult.<\/p>\nCan The Jaguars Defense Repeat Their Success?<\/h1>\n
Drawbacks<\/h2>\n
Areas of Improvement<\/h2>\n