By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Jaguars are officially entering a bold new chapter. I don’t think it will be anything like what we’ve seen come out of Duval before.

This team is younger, faster, and more aggressive. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains at the center of it all.

The front office and coaching staff have made it clear that 2025 is all about getting the most out of their franchise QB.

The first major sign that things were changing came in the draft, when Jacksonville made waves by trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to grab Travis Hunter.

The rookie from the University of Colorado is an electrifying two-way star who’s expected to line up at wide receiver and cornerback.

The move stunned just about everyone and showed exactly how head coach Liam Coen and new GM James Gladstone plan to run things: bold, fast, and with no fear.

Coen, just 39, brings an offensive style built around balance, speed, and play-action which are all designed to take pressure off Lawrence. He’s paired with 29-year-old offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who helped build high-powered attacks in Minnesota.

The idea for Lawrence is simple. Get the ball out quick, use the run game to set things up, and let Trevor cook.

To make it all work, the Jaguars made big changes to their offensive line, signing veterans like center Robert Hainsey and guard Patrick Mekari, and drafting Wyatt Milum to add depth. Lawrence may finally have adequate protection and should be able to get the ground game going again.

Lawrence, now healthy after an injury-riddled 2024, has more help than ever. He’s got Hunter as his new top target, second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. ready to explode, and free-agent pickup Dyami Brown bringing more deep speed.

The Jags added two rookies, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., to the backfield. They both bring serious burst and either could push veterans Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby for touches. Expect a steady rotation to keep defenses guessing.

Behind Lawrence, the quarterback room has also gotten smarter. Nick Mullens and John Wolford know this system well and can help Trevor with the transition. Rookie Seth Henigan might be a project, but the team sees potential there too.

On the other side of the ball, it’s all new. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has taken over a unit that struggled big-time last year. He’s bringing a 4-3 system that leans on zone coverage and lets the front seven get after it.

Pass rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen lead the way, with Arik Armstead moving inside where he’s most comfortable.

Second-year tackle Maason Smith is someone the team’s really excited about after flashing late last season. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is back to anchor the middle, but the run defense has to get better.

In the secondary Tyson Campbell is the top guy, but he’s got to stay healthy. Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray bring veteran leadership, and rookie safety Caleb Ransaw could earn a starting spot.

And yes, I think Travis Hunter will get defensive snaps, too. Especially in key passing situations where his ball skills could help generate turnovers, something this team badly needs after finishing last in takeaways in 2024.

Special teams will be as solid as ever. Punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik both made the Pro Bowl, and kicker Cam Little has a cannon for a leg. That trio gives Jacksonville one of the most reliable special teams units in the league.

Everything’s different in Jacksonville this year, and that’s a good thing. The Jags are faster, younger, and playing with some serious swagger.

If Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy and the new offensive pieces click, this team has a real shot to make noise and go after the AFC South crown.

With all of these changes and a new attitude, I can envision a 2025 season where the Jags could go 9-8 with a shot at the playoffs.

Buckle up, Duval! This could be fun.