4 Bold Predictions for the AFC South in 2026

The 2026 NFL season is right around the corner, and it's time to make some bold predictions for every team across the league, starting with the AFC South.

The Jacksonville Jaguars surprised many with a 13-win season in Liam Coen's first year as head coach, but now the pressure is on for them to build on that success and be even better in 2026. The Houston Texans will have plenty to say about that, especially if they get C.J. Stroud to play up to his lofty potential in tandem with one of the league's most dominant defenses.

After a strong start and a dismal finish last year, the Indianapolis Colts could struggle to climb their way back to relevance without some serious over-achievement on both sides of the ball, while the Tennessee Titans could prove to be a much tougher out for opposing teams with Robert Saleh running the show now, and a highly motivated Cam Ward in Year 2.

Here are four things I think will happen in the AFC South this season:

C.J. Stroud Finds His Rookie-Year Form

As a rookie, Stroud treated Texans fans to one of the most impressive seasons we've ever seen from an NFL quarterback. He's never been that same level of player since, though, with long stretches of head-scratching play that left many wondering how it could be the same player at all. It's not all his fault, of course, with inconsistency across the offensive line heavily contributing to degraded mechanics, poor decision-making, and questionable ball placement.

After multiple additions to the offensive line this offseason, both via free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, Stroud should have a much better unit keeping him clean in the pocket this season. The arrival of veteran David Montgomery should help stabilize a backfield that struggled with injuries and effectiveness last year, and there's still no shortage of pass-catching weapons on the roster. The talent is still there, and with better pieces around him, Stroud should rediscover what he's capable of this season.

Another Losing Season for the Colts

Last year, the Colts got off to a roaring start, and they were so confident about their upward trajectory they traded multiple first-round picks for star CB Sauce Gardner. Unfortunately, they collapsed in the second half of the season, a frustrating run that finished with a season-ending injury to starting QB Daniel Jones. That marked a second straight 8-9 season for Shane Steichen as head coach, after a 9-8 finish in his first year.

Last year's mark might prove to be the Colts' ceiling under the current regime, as offseason departures and injury concerns aren't likely to make them a better version in 2026. Even if Jones is able to bounce back from the Achilles injury and stay healthy for the entire season, this Colts roster is easily a tier below what the Jags and Texans are bringing to the table, and the Titans could make a legit push to bury Indy at the bottom of the division. That could lead to some big changes for the organization in the offseason.

Travis Hunter Becomes an All-Pro CB

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, there was plenty of debate about which side of the ball Hunter should play in a full-time role at the next level, and while the Jags remained adamant about using his two-way skill set to its full advantage, a season-ending knee injury may have put a stop to that moving forward. I was among those who talked about Hunter being a more valuable asset at corner, and that's where Jacksonville should let him thrive in 2026.

On offense, the Jags are loaded with talented pass-catchers (Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Brenton Strange), and while there could still be value in Hunter playing a few snaps in specific situations, I'm betting the coaching staff is smart enough to know how much more useful he could be as a shutdown corner. If they make that his focus in Year 2, there's no reason he can't be one of the best in the league in short order, thanks to an impressive physical skill set and mental prowess well beyond his years.

Cam Ward Becomes a Star

From a recruiting afterthought coming out of high school to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, you could argue that Ward's football journey has already been a rousing success. But he's got his sights set on more than a feel-good story, and after showing flashes of brilliance as a rookie, Ward's ready to take the next step in his development and take the Titans with him.

Ward's competitiveness is clear and contagious, and his no-nonsense style of vocal leadership is backed up by on-field talent with limitless potential. Saleh should have the defense playing on a much higher level in 2026, and Ward's supporting cast on offense will be furthered by new WR Carnell Tate, a top-five pick in this year's draft. Even if they're not good enough to make the playoffs just yet, Ward's elite playmaking ability should provide plenty of highlight-reel moments this season. By the end of the year, Ward's likely to find himself in a higher tier among NFL quarterbacks.