The Jacksonville Jaguars will officially get things started on Sunday when they host the Carolina Panthers, and a lot of eyes will be tuned in to see how this new look Jaguars squad performs. What impact will Liam Coen have on Trevor Lawrence? How good will Brian Thomas Jr. be in year two? Is Travis Hunter ready to star on both sides of the ball? Those are the top storylines viewers will be interested to find out.
While those answers will definitely emerge throughout the season, Jacksonville has another young player who could steal the spotlight as early as Week 1. That player is Bhayshul Tuten. The rookie running back has been a name fans have been watching closely since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 Draft, and now it’s time for him to announce himself.
ESPN reporter Dan Graziano believes that’s exactly what Tuten will do on Sunday. In a recent piece with Jeremy Fowler, looking at different storylines entering the season, Graziano named Tuten as a player who could come out of nowhere in Week 1 and deliver all season.
ESPN believes Bhayshul Tuten will have a big rookie season for Jaguars
Graziano’s rationale for picking Tuten is similar to why many others picked him as a breakout candidate: he’s a talented running back who was drafted by the current Jacksonville regime, unlike the veteran rushers on the rooster.
"I don't know how the Jaguars' running back room will shake out, and I'm not sure they do yet, either. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are the incumbents, but the Jags drafted Tuten in the fourth round and LeQuint Allen Jr., who profiles as a third-down back, in the seventh. The veterans might get the first shot, but the new front office and coaching staff drafted Tuten and Allen and have plans for them."
Dan Graziano (ESPN)
The reporter praised Tuten for being the most explosive runner of the group, and argued his big-play ability may be why he eventually becomes the top back for the Jaguars. If that happens, Jacksonville will be saying goodbye to Travis Etienne Jr., who is entering the final of his contract.
Bhayshul Tuten will eventually be a contributor for the Jaguars if he meets expectations, it’s just a question of if that will start on Sunday.
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