It is early 2026, and the answer to who is the jaguars qb hasn't changed, but the vibe around him certainly has. Trevor Lawrence is the man under center. After five seasons in Jacksonville, the "Prince of the South" isn't just a placeholder or a "prospect" anymore. He's the definitive face of the franchise.
Honestly, the 2025 season changed everything for how people view him. For a while, there was this nagging doubt. You know the one—people wondering if he’d ever actually live up to that "generational" label he carried out of Clemson. Well, coming off an AFC South title and a gritty performance in the 2025-2026 playoffs, those whispers have mostly died down. Lawrence finished the 2025 regular season with over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s the guy. Period.
The Evolution of Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville
To understand the current state of the Jaguars' quarterback room, you have to look at the massive leap Lawrence took under offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Before Coen arrived, Trevor was sometimes caught in that "hero ball" trap. He'd try to force throws that just weren't there.
👉 See also: TN Football Head Coaches Explained: Why the 2026 Carousel is Different
That changed in 2025.
Coen gave him the freedom to "let it rip," and the results were staggering. During the final stretch of the 2025 season, the Jaguars ripped off an eight-game winning streak. Lawrence was on fire, throwing 15 touchdowns against just one interception in the final six games. That’s elite efficiency. He wasn't just throwing; he was dissecting defenses at the line of scrimmage.
Key Stats from Lawrence's 2025 Campaign
- Passing Yards: 4,007
- Touchdowns: 29 (Passing) + 9 (Rushing)
- Interceptions: 12 (but only 1 in the final 6 games)
- Completion Percentage: 63.3% (a franchise record)
It’s not just about the arm, though. At 6-foot-6, Lawrence has become a nightmare in the red zone with his legs. Those nine rushing touchdowns aren't a fluke. He’s learned when to tuck the ball and run, making him one of the most dual-threat weapons in the AFC right now.
Who Is the Jaguars QB Behind Trevor?
While Trevor is the undisputed starter, the depth chart matters. Injuries happen. Ask any Jags fan about the late-2023 collapse, and they’ll tell you how much a hobbled QB can hurt a playoff run.
Right now, the backup is Nick Mullens.
Mullens is a seasoned vet. He’s played for the Niners, Vikings, and Raiders. He isn't going to win an MVP, but he’s the kind of "pro's pro" that you want in the room. He knows the system and can keep the ship steady if Trevor has to miss a series or a game. Behind Mullens, the Jaguars have been stashing Carter Bradley, an undrafted find who has shown enough in practice to keep his spot on the roster.
The Impact of the 2025 NFL Draft
A big reason for Lawrence's recent success is the talent the front office put around him. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jaguars made a massive splash by selecting Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. Having a generational talent like Hunter—who can play both sides of the ball but has been a huge asset for the passing game—changed the math for opposing coordinators.
Then you have Brian Thomas Jr., who has developed into a legitimate WR1. Between Thomas, Hunter, and the veteran reliability of Jakobi Meyers, Lawrence finally has a cupboard that isn't bare. The offensive line also got a much-needed boost with the addition of Wyatt Milum and center Robert Hainsey. For once, the Jaguars QB actually has time to scan the field.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lawrence
There’s a common narrative that Lawrence is "inconsistent." People point to his 2021 rookie year under Urban Meyer (which was a disaster for everyone involved) or his mid-career turnover issues.
✨ Don't miss: World Cup 2026 Qualifiers - Europe Table: What Really Happened
But if you look at the 2025-2026 tape, that narrative is outdated. Lawrence was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December 2025. He’s matured. He’s also a father now—he and his wife Marissa welcomed their daughter, Shae, in January 2025. There’s a visible level of composure in his game that wasn't there three years ago.
He isn't perfect. He’ll still take a sack he shouldn't or miss a deep shot once in a while. But in terms of who is the jaguars qb for the long haul? The team settled that by signing him to a massive extension back in 2024. They are tied to him, and for the first time in a long time, Jacksonville fans are actually happy about their long-term outlook at the position.
What’s Next for the Jaguars Quarterback?
The goal for 2026 is simple: Super Bowl or bust. After falling short against the Buffalo Bills in the 2026 Wild Card round—a game where Lawrence actually played great, throwing three scores and nearly pulling off a comeback—the hunger is there.
To take the next step, Lawrence needs to:
- Maintain his December efficiency throughout a full 17-game slate.
- Continue the chemistry with Travis Hunter and the young receiving core.
- Refine his footwork under pressure, something he mentioned as a priority for the 2026 offseason.
If you’re a fan or a fantasy manager, you’re looking at a guy who has firmly entered the "top 7-10" conversation in the league. The days of questioning his status are over.
💡 You might also like: How to Listen to March Madness: The Best Ways to Catch the Games Without a Screen
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're tracking Lawrence's progress, keep an eye on his "time to throw" stats in the 2026 preseason. As he gets more comfortable in Liam Coen's scheme, that number should drop, signaling a quicker processing of the defense and fewer unnecessary hits. Watching his chemistry with Travis Hunter during training camp will also be the primary indicator of how explosive this offense can be in the coming year.