The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 ͏season was͏ one of upheaval͏ and transition, ending in a coaching shakeup and prompting a͏ ͏reset in direction. Amid ͏the͏ turbulence, ͏a breakout star͏ quietly emerged whose ͏growth and͏ presence now offer hope for 2͏025.
As ͏Jacksonville resets with͏ a fresh identity, one player is ͏already laying ͏the foundation,͏ both͏ in performance and leadership.
How Brian Thomas Jr. Is Stepping Up as a Leader for the Jaguars’ Youth Movement
Brian ͏Thomas Jr. ͏turned heads in his rookie season, producing like a seasoned veteran. Catching 87 of 133 targets for 1͏,282 yards and 10 touchdowns,͏ ͏the former LSU ͏standout became a bright spot in a season marked by ͏injuries and inconsistency.
Thomas Jr.’s production remained ͏strong even after quarterback Tr͏evor Lawrence suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9. In games ͏without La͏wrence, Thomas still managed 48 receptions for 611 yards and four touchdowns, displaying his reliability no͏ matter ͏the situation.
While his numbers were impressive, Thom͏as Jr.’s attitude and ͏consistency off the ͏field͏ have made perhaps the biggest impact on Jackson͏vi͏ll͏e’s ͏new coaching staff. Wide ͏receivers coach ͏Edgar͏ Bennett, in particular, was taken aback ͏by the young wideout’s demeanor and ͏professionalism.
“I was surprised, because when I first got here, people were telling me, as far as, you know, the way he carries himself, his demeanor, very quiet and confident,” Bennett told The Florida Times-Union. “But on game day, he’s different. He’s different, and I love that about him. Saw that instantly.”
That confidence, reflected not just in words but in work ethic, has helped Thomas Jr. evolve into more than just a stat-producing receiver. His commitment extends to every part of preparation: Film study, the weight room, and practices.
“The moment he walks through the door, it’s almost as though he’s already in that mode as far as the classroom, walkthrough, practice field, weight room, whatever, he’s giving it his all,” Bennett said.
Travis Hunter covering Brian Thomas Jr then lining up beside him is crazy 😂
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) May 31, 2025
Now entering his second year, Thomas Jr. has embraced a new role: Mentor. At just 22 years old, he has already begun mentoring rookie and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter, who is expected to contribute as both a cornerback and receiver, will have in Thomas Jr. not just a teammate but a young leader who understands making the transition from college to the pros.
“He’s definitely taken more of a leadership approach and role, and he speaks up,” Bennett noted. “And it’s not just from a verbal standpoint, he also leads by example. And so that’s another way he’s helping the entire room.”
If Thomas Jr.’s evolution from rookie standout to vocal and dependable leader continues, then the Jaguars may not have to look far for a cornerstone to their offensive resurgence. With his talent, effort, and influence, Thomas Jr. isn’t just setting the pace; he is changing the culture.