How Important 2026 Is for the Titans 24-Year-Old Quarterback
The 2025 season wasn’t exactly kind to the Tennessee Titans, going 3-14 for the second year in a row. Offensively, the Titans ranked 30th overall in points per game and 31st overall in yards per game. Things weren’t much better defensively, ranking 28th overall in points allowed and 26th overall in yards allowed per game. Both sides struggled to gain any momentum throughout the season, but the results were as expected before the year even began. Luckily for Tennessee, they have a huge, growing bright spot on the roster in rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Ward was drafted first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the undisputed best choice in the class. The Titans were desperately looking for their quarterback of the future, and saw a major opportunity with their selection. The former Miami Hurricane dominated in college, throwing for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his senior year. Ward proved to be ready for the jump into the NFL, with his high-power arm and ability to think fast on his feet. While nothing spectacular, his rookie season was a good starting point for his career, especially considering the circumstances around him. The rookie threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, showing flashes of greatness that can be built upon. Now, looking ahead into 2026, Ward will be expected to have a major year two jump.
The Titans made major changes to the team this offseason, beginning with hiring offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The former New York Giants head coach wasn’t exactly able to have the seasons he wanted, but will now jump back into the role he’s most comfortable in, focusing solely on the offense and Ward’s development. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee selected wide receiver Carnell Tate to pair nicely with their young quarterback. The former Ohio State Buckeye caught for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in his senior year, proving himself to be a major contributor in getting Ward some help on offense. The Titans took more help from the Giants as well, signing slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson to start at the position. Robinson is coming off his best season in the NFL yet, with over 1,000 receiving yards, and will hope to build upon it with another new young quarterback after working with Jaxson Dart, who also could be in for a big year next season. Ward will have much better tools to work with in the 2026 season, which will be a major year for his development in the NFL.
