The Tennessee Titans enter the 2026 NFL campaign facing a tough battle in arguably the most competitive division in football. General manager Mike Borgonzi has rebuilt the roster, but the Titans are still trailing their division rivals. How do they stack up in the AFC South?
We have ranked all four AFC South teams in seven categories: Quarterback rooms, running backs, pass-catchers, offensive lines, front sevens, and secondaries.
The Titans are attempting to show progress in 2026. Tangibly doing so would mean closing the gap between them and the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts. Shall we?
Ranking the Titans against their AFC South rivals ahead of the 2026 season
Quarterback rooms
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Jaguars |
2 | Texans |
3 | Titans |
4 | Colts |
The Titans believe they have their franchise quarterback in Cam Ward, but he's about to enter a pivotal sophomore season. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is tasked with maximizing Ward's abilities this season. There's legitimate hope.
There's no denying Trevor Lawrence is the best quarterback in the division after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025. CJ Stroud has been more inconsistent than initially expected, but still ranks ahead of Ward until proven otherwise. Daniel Jones started last season in impressive fashion, but a midseason Achilles tear derailed everything. He may be the more effective quarterback right now, but most would favor Ward's developmental upside.
Running back rooms
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Colts |
2 | Texans |
3 | Titans |
4 | Jaguars |
The Titans are running (literally) things back with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. Both are effective, unspectacular options with enough versatility to also thrive as receivers. Coach Daboll believes he'll further unlock both Pollard and Spears in 2026.
There's no question that three-time Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor is the cream of the crop. The Texans traded for David Montgomery this offseason, pairing him with sophomore Woody Marks. The Titans rank third here, with Jacksonville's unknown duo of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez placing below Pollard and Spears.
Pass-catchers
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Jaguars |
2 | Texans |
3 | Titans |
4 | Colts |
The Titans believe they're deeper at wide receiver now than ever before. Fourth overall selection Carnell Tate enters his rookie season with legitimate hope and momentum. Wan'Dale Robinson adds a layer of reliability. Calvin Ridley and Elic Ayomanor fill out a deep depth chart with options. Sophomore tight end Gunnar Helm is also expected to take a step forward.
The Titans currently lack a proven star, however, and that's why the Jaguars and Texans rank better here. The trio of Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. are proven, and tight end Brenton Strange is no slouch. The Texans have a certified star in Nico Collins. The Colts' situation is dire, with Alec Pierce, Keenan Allen and Josh Downs forming a below-average group (though tight end Tyler Warren helps).
Offensive lines
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Colts |
2 | Jaguars |
3 | Titans |
4 | Texans |
The Titans' offensive line allowed Ward to be sacked on a league-high 55 occasions last season. They've brought in two new starters, with affordable center Austin Schlottmann and fifth-round rookie Fernando Carmona taking over roles on the interior. This unit has a lot to prove in 2026, and many would probably rank them fourth instead of third.
The Colts have the most consistent unit, with Quenton Nelson as the standout. The Jaguars have some question marks too, but currently have more reliable starters than Tennessee does. The Texans need improved play from sophomore left tackle Aireontae Ersery, and rookie Keylan Rutledge needs to be an instant hit to steady concerns.
Front sevens
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Texans |
2 | Titans |
3 | Jaguars |
4 | Colts |
The strength of the 2026 Titans should be the interior duo of Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers. With Robert Saleh overseeing the front seven, role players like Jermaine Johnson II, Jacob Martin, Cedric Gray, and Keldric Faulk should also thrive. The Titans believe they'll be a disruptive unit up front.
The Texans have the best defensive line in football, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter screaming off the edge. Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are productive pass rushers for the Jaguars, but the loss of linebacker Devin Lloyd hurts. DeForest Buckner is a force multiplier for the Colts, but their young rushers and linebackers haven't done enough to escape the basement here.
Secondaries
Ranking | Team |
|---|---|
1 | Texans |
2 | Colts |
3 | Jaguars |
4 | Titans |
The Titans have a totally new-look secondary. They signed Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor in free agency to be the new starting cornerbacks. Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. are the starters at safety. After some concerns in training camp and the preseason, this secondary has a ton to prove entering 2026.
The Texans arguably have the most dominant secondary, with standout stars like Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock, and Derek Stingley Jr. The Colts have Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward at cornerback, and Cam Bynum is an above-average starter at safety. The Jaguars should be better at cornerback with Travis Hunter playing a full-time role, and retaining the underrated Montaric Brown was notable.
Final thoughts
Naturally, these rankings are up for debate. The rebuilding Titans are attempting to catch their AFC South contenders. The biggest takeaway isn't shocking: The Titans have ground to make up.
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