The Jacksonville Jaguars shifted their focus to offense in 2025, hiring Liam Coen as the team’s new head coach. With Trevor Lawrence earning an average salary of $55 million, the franchise realized it could no longer afford to surround its quarterback with a mediocre supporting cast. The investments began as early as this year’s draft, but a surprising shake-up is brewing in the backfield.
Who Earned a Spot in the Jaguars’ Running Back Room?
The Jaguars released their first 53-man roster on August 26, listing four players in the running back room after waiving Ja’Quinden Jackson and Kevin Harris. So, let’s examine each of Jacksonville’s four running back options for the 2025 season.
Who Is Tank Bigsby?
A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bigsby turned heads with a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024. While splitting carries with Travis Etienne Jr., Bigsby actually outpaced the veteran in efficiency, averaging 4.6 yards per carry compared to Etienne’s 3.7.
Tank Bigsby TD 🏈
THEY CALL HIM TANK FOR A REASON.#NFL pic.twitter.com/xTvVi4Is4x— Sports Only (@SportsOnly____) October 6, 2024
Now entering his third season, Bigsby is poised to take over as the Jaguars’ lead back. The arrival of Coen, who previously developed Bucky Irving into a rising star, could be the perfect fit to unlock Bigsby’s full potential.
After rushing for 766 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, Bigsby enters 2025 as the presumed starter in Jacksonville’s backfield.
Who Is Travis Etienne Jr.?
Travis Etienne Jr. enters the 2025 season in a tough spot, having already lost his starting role to Bigsby. The 26-year-old is now battling to hold onto snaps, but with rookies like Bhayshul Tuten pushing for touches, another slow start could see him slide even further down the depth chart.
Etienne is coming off his worst season yet, rushing for just 558 yards and two touchdowns on a 3.7 yards-per-carry average, while adding a career-low 254 receiving yards with no scores. Unless he bounces back quickly, his role in Jacksonville’s backfield could shrink even more.
Who Is Bhayshul Tuten?
Tuten played four college seasons but made a significant impact, boosting his average from 5.0 yards per carry in 2023 to 6.3 in 2024 while scoring 31 total touchdowns. With a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, quick burst, and value as a returner, he brings an explosive element the Jaguars cannot ignore.
At 5-foot-9 and 206 pounds, Tuten has drawn comparisons to Bucky Irving, which could intrigue Coen. Given that the current regime handpicked him in the draft, Tuten may have a natural edge over holdovers like Bigsby and Etienne in Jacksonville’s backfield competition.
Who Is LeQuint Allen Jr.?
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, LeQuint Allen Jr. made the most of his opportunity in training camp and the preseason, earning a spot on the 53-man roster. His slide in the draft was a surprise to many analysts who projected him as a mid-round selection, but he is now in a position to prove his value.
In his senior year, Allen rushed for 1,021 yards and 16 touchdowns at 4.5 yards per carry, while adding 64 receptions for 521 yards and four scores as a receiver. Over three collegiate seasons, he totaled 2,359 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, and 119 catches for 848 yards with six receiving touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
