From 4-13 to AFC South Champions: inside the Jacksonville Jaguars’ remarkable turnaround
One year can change everything in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars proved that in 2025 when they went from a very poor 4-13 record in 2024 to AFC South champions, a swing in form that very few saw coming and even fewer can easily explain without pointing to one name: Liam Coen.
A season that defied expectations
Coen – in his very first year as head coach – pulled off what many considered a near-impossible task. He revitalised quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whose performance in the second half of the season was genuinely MVP-level. Lawrence set a Jaguars franchise record with 38 total touchdowns while throwing just 12 interceptions across the full campaign. Jacksonville’s offence put up a franchise-record 474 points, ranking sixth in the entire league.
The defence was equally transformed.
Unfortunately, a 24-27 wild card defeat to the Buffalo Bills ended what had been a genuinely brilliant campaign, but in a sport this unpredictable, making it that far in year one of a new coaching era is nothing to dismiss.
The Travis Hunter question and what comes next
For fans already looking ahead, and for those tracking the NFL Betting Odds and Guide ahead of next season, the biggest storyline surrounding Jacksonville right now is Travis Hunter. The second overall pick in 2025, Hunter is a dual-position star who missed most of his rookie season with a knee injury. His return to full health in 2026 is arguably the most anticipated development in the AFC South.
The Jaguars have signalled that Hunter will shift toward a primary cornerback role, with a more limited offensive package closer to how he operated in college at Colorado. Given the investment made to acquire him, the pressure to unlock his full potential is crazy high right now.
Offseason moves and draft focus
Jacksonville enters the 2026 draft without a first-round pick – surrendered as part of the Hunter trade – but holds 11 total selections, including four in the top 100. Their pick at No. 56 overall is attracting plenty of analyst attention, and the most commonly projected areas of need are:
- cornerback depth
- defensive tackle
- edge-rush support
Free agency has already seen cornerback Montaric Brown re-signed on a three-year deal, while running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. arrived from Washington to add backfield depth alongside Bhayshul Tuten. The future of Lawrence’s contract extension and how the club manages its cap situation will also shape the off-season significantly.
Can Jacksonville repeat as division champions?
The Jaguars have genuine momentum and a genuinely fascinating roster. A healthy Hunter, a maturing Lawrence, and a coaching staff that proved itself in year one all point toward a competitive season ahead. Whether they can back up the division title is the big question, and one that will draw plenty of betting interest as the season approaches.
This is exactly the kind of storyline that makes NFL futures markets so engaging and with so many variables still in play, Jacksonville’s odds are worth watching closely in the months ahead.
