As the NFL prepares for the 2025 season, much attention centers on quarterback Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars and wide receiver Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, two standout Clemson alumni. Their performances and potential are highlighted in Pro Football Focus’s latest rankings, but both face pivotal moments to prove their consistency among the league’s best. The Trevor Lawrence NFL 2025 season outlook is therefore one filled with promise as well as uncertainty.

Trevor Lawrence’s Current Position and Challenges

Trevor Lawrence, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, begins his fifth season ranked 16th among starting quarterbacks by Pro Football Focus. He falls into what PFF calls Tier 3b, describing those quarterbacks as

“solid starters, but they need more help.”

This reflects the dual nature of Lawrence’s NFL career so far: immense talent tempered by moments of inconsistency.

“Trevor Lawrence might be the biggest wild card in this tier,”

wrote PFF analyst John Kosko.

“The talent is undeniable, but he’s yet to show the consistent high-level play needed to elevate himself and the Jaguars into the NFL’s elite.”

—John Kosko, PFF Analyst

His 2024 season captured this duality perfectly. Despite achieving a career-high 79.7 PFF overall grade, Lawrence’s campaign was limited to just 10 games due to a shoulder injury and a concussion. In that span, he completed 60.6 percent of his passes for 2,045 yards, with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Jaguars, following a promising playoff presence in 2023, faced setbacks that were partly linked to Lawrence’s health struggles.

Offseason Moves and Expectations for Lawrence

Heading into 2025, Lawrence carries the weight of a recent five-year, $275 million contract extension, signaling the Jaguars’ commitment to him as their franchise quarterback. The team has bolstered its offense with additions such as rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and versatile target Travis Hunter. Alongside new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, this refreshed supporting cast is expected to unlock Lawrence’s potential, especially now that he has fully recovered from surgery to repair an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder.

Lawrence’s NFL career totals include 13,815 passing yards, 69 touchdowns, and 46 interceptions, highlighting his capabilities but also underscoring the need for steadiness. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this combination of health and team support will finally allow Lawrence to take the Jaguars deep into playoff contention consistently.

Tee Higgins’ Rising Status Among NFL Wide Receivers

Meanwhile, Tee Higgins has established himself as a premier wide receiver with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ranked as the 14th-best wide receiver by PFF, Higgins shares Tier 3 status with renowned veterans including Mike Evans and Davante Adams, as well as promising talents like Garrett Wilson and Drake London. His role as a deep threat has become a fundamental part of the Bengals’ offensive strategy.

“In a contract year, Higgins posted a career-high receiving grade of 88.3,”

stated PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema.

“He primarily operates as an X receiver, but he excels in that role. Since entering the league in 2020, his 71 contested catches rank among the top five at the position.”

—Trevor Sikkema, PFF Analyst

Higgins’ knack for winning tight coverage battles and making big plays downfield has been critical to Cincinnati’s success. After playing under the franchise tag in 2024, he agreed to a four-year, $115 million contract extension this offseason, positioning him as the ninth highest-paid receiver in the NFL by average annual value.

Performance Review and Future for Higgins

Despite missing several games due to injury in 2024, Higgins recorded 73 receptions, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns across 12 games. This was his fourth career season surpassing 900 receiving yards, demonstrating his reliability when healthy. His consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022 were vital to the Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl and later to the AFC Championship game.

In 70 games over five seasons, Higgins has tallied 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns. With his long-term contract now secured, the next step for Higgins is to sustain his elite performance, working alongside fellow star Ja’Marr Chase to maintain one of the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver pairings.

2025 Season: Defining Moments Ahead for Both Players

For Trevor Lawrence and Tee Higgins, the 2025 NFL season will be a crucial period to prove their elite status and dispel any lingering doubts about their abilities. From their days at Clemson’s Death Valley to their key roles on pro football’s biggest stages, their development will be closely watched as they aim to elevate their teams and careers. The season promises to add an important chapter to their shared narrative in the NFL.