The Tennessee Titans are gearing for the 2026 regular season, with the Week 1 matchup versus the New York Jets less than two weeks away. With the 53-man roster and 16-man practice squad officially set, the new-look roster is hoping to exceed expectations. The Titans are a young team looking to make strides.
The Titans are littered with rookie and sophomore starters on offense. The defense underwent an offseason overhaul, overseen by head coach Robert Saleh. Tennessee believes the roster is trending in the right direction.
The Titans have several underrated and ascending players. The following four especially meet the criteria. These Titans talents are serious breakout candidates in 2026.
4 Tennessee Titans players with serious breakout potential in 2026
Elic Ayomanor, WR
Arguably no Titans player had a bigger training camp than wide receiver Elic Ayomanor. The sophomore wideout returned to Nashville a player transformed, with a more aggressive mindset and approach. Ayomanor showed up with more confidence in his abilities. The Titans are deep at receiver, but he's played his way into the rotation, possibly taking snaps from Calvin Ridley.
Jacob Martin, EDGE
Veterans Jermaine Johnson II and Jacob Martin are expected to command the majority of snaps at defensive end. Rookie Keldric Faulk and sophomore Femi Oladejo will rotate in behind them. Martin was very underrated for the Washington Commanders last season, recording 45 pressures and a career-high 5.5 sacks. He's played in Coach Saleh's defense before, and is prepared to thrive in the attack-minded approach.
Gunnar Helm, TE
Everyone expects sophomore tight end Gunnar Helm to make plays this season. The Titans especially promoted him by letting Chig Okonkwo leave in free agency. They did sign Daniel Bellinger to a multi-year contract worth $8 million per season. It's worth noting Bellinger's experience in Brian Daboll's offense is an asset, but Helm is expected to be the primary pass-catching option at the position.
Tyjae Spears, RB
Running back Tyjae Spears is entering a critical fate-deciding contract season. He's in his fourth campaign with the Titans, but injuries have seriously derailed the last two, limiting his effectiveness while causing him to miss multiple games. Spears has been healthy this offseason, and he consistently made plays for Daboll's offense dating back to OTAs. With the running backs expected to play a major role in the passing attack, the former Tulane standout's athleticism is an asset in space.
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