Jaguars open 2025 training camp with big questions. Can Ben Arthur win the QB job? Will Travis Hunter star? Travis Etienne's future is in doubt.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Football is officially back in Jacksonville. The rookies reported to the Miller Electric Center on Saturday, July 19, marking the formal start of the 2025 training camp and a new chapter for the Jaguars under head coach Liam Coen and GM Jame Gladstone. While the arrival of a new class is always exciting, the real story is the massive uncertainty and bold gambles defining this team before a single veteran has even strapped on a helmet.
With a new offensive focus under coach Liam Coen... former first-round pick Travis Etienne could be on the roster bubble.
The Liam Coen and Jame Gladstone era began not with a whisper, but with a series of bold declarations. As rookies filed in, the team's direction became clear: they are embracing a high-stakes strategy. There's no clear starting quarterback, with the front office putting its faith in Ben Arthur to win the job. Adding to the intrigue, dynamic rookie Travis Hunter is expected to be a legitimate two-way player on offense and defense. The fan excitement is palpable, with several of the public practices, which begin July 24, already sold out. Veterans are set to join the rookies on July 22, setting the stage for some intense competition.
Perhaps the most shocking development heading into camp is the precarious situation of former first-round pick Travis Etienne. A new offensive scheme often means shakeups, and Etienne could be the odd man out in a suddenly crowded backfield. Tank Bigsby, who seized control last season to lead the team in carries, yards, and touchdowns, enters camp as the presumed RB1. With hungry rookies Bhayshul Tuten (4th round) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (7th round) pushing for spots, the math doesn't look good for keeping four running backs. If Etienne doesn't have a stellar camp, a trade or outright release seems increasingly possible, a stunning turn for a player once seen as a franchise cornerstone.
It wasn't all fresh starts and new faces. The team placed veteran linebacker Dennis Gardeck on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he continues to recover from an ACL tear suffered last season. His absence creates a significant hole in the linebacker rotation and puts his Week 1 availability in serious doubt. While that news stings, a local star provided a dose of viral excitement. Mandarin High's Brysen Wright, playing for the Jaguars NFL Flag team, made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch at the NFL Flag Championships that blew up social media, even earning praise from Patrick Mahomes and Bijan Robinson. It was a thrilling reminder of the incredible talent brewing right here in Duval.
With rookies in the building and veterans on the way, the stage is set for a transformative training camp. The quarterback competition, the battle in the running back room, and the health of key defenders will be the stories to watch. The Coen era is here, and from the looks of it, it's going to be anything but boring. Buckle up, Duval.
