JACKSONVILLE - The Jaguars opened their 2026 mandatory minicamp at the Miller Electric Center with second-year wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter back on the field after a knee injury ended his rookie season after seven games, as Head Coach Liam Coen ramped up the intensity with competitive “mamba periods” designed to simulate game conditions.
Hunter’s return and his fit into what Coen views as a high-functioning offense will be a major training-camp storyline, but the head coach made clear he likes the work that has been done offensively this offseason, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. continued to build chemistry downfield, with Thomas making contested catches and practicing at an impressive speed. Wide receiver Parker Washington also drew attention, along with precise route-running from Jakobi Meyers.
Coen has emphasized the importance of Thomas and Lawrence developing their connection, a theme that has carried through organized team activities and into minicamp. If tight end Brenton Strange is ready for more action on the receiving end, thanks to the arrival of rookie tight end Nate Boerkircher, the offense could present defenses with an array of weapons under Coen’s scheme.
On the defensive side, safety Antonio Johnson stood out during competitive periods. The fourth-year player out of Texas A&M is embracing his role as a “veteran” within the defensive back room after a breakout 2025 season, crediting the support and guidance of teammates safety Eric Murray and cornerback Jourdan Lewis for helping him make a significant leap. Johnson spoke after practice about the confidence he has gained over the last year and how he plans to continue building in coordinator Anthony Campanile’s defensive scheme.
Team reporter Kainani Stevens noted there has been “tremendous turnout during OTAs,” meaning the roster is already familiar with the program heading into the mandatory sessions. The competitive tempo Coen installed for minicamp marks a step up from the voluntary OTA periods that preceded it.
The Jaguars are scheduled to continue minicamp through the week at the Miller Electric Center before breaking until training camp opens in late July.