The Jacksonville Jaguars enter 2026 with pressure that comes from being the team to beat in the AFC South. After finishing 13-4 in 2025, Jacksonville starts the new season as the defending division champion, but the race does not look comfortable. Houston stayed close last year, and Indianapolis also remains part of a crowded playoff picture.
One of the most notable dates on the schedule is Jacksonville’s trip to Nashville. The matchup carries extra weight because it is expected to be the Jaguars’ final visit to the original Nissan Stadium, giving the game an end-of-era feel on top of its usual divisional importance. In a tight AFC South, even one road result like this can shape the standings.
Tennessee also appears to be heading into 2026 with a different look. The Titans are described as a revamped team, with Cam Ward and Robert Saleh helping define the new direction. That adds intrigue to a rivalry game that already matters because of the division, and it raises the stakes for a Jacksonville team trying to repeat at the top.
For the Jaguars, the challenge is clear: defend the AFC South crown while handling improved competition on all sides. The road game in Nashville stands out not just for what it could mean in the standings, but also because it closes the book on a familiar venue in one of the division’s most important rivalries.
