The quarterback position remains the most critical role in the NFL, and the AFC South teams have all invested heavily in their signal-callers. As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for the 2025 training camp, Trevor Lawrence finds himself ranked second among the division’s quarterbacks, aiming to regain his position as the top AFC South quarterback. His performance in the upcoming season will be crucial to reestablishing his standing in a competitive division.
Evaluation of the AFC South Quarterbacks Entering 2025
Trevor Lawrence’s recent seasons have not matched the expectations set by his early career success, but he retains potential to return to elite status. The pre-training camp rankings of the AFC South quarterbacks take into account experience, team support, and previous performance.
4. Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans’ Quarterback Situation
Cam Ward, the former Miami standout and West Columbia, Texas native, was selected first overall in the NFL Draft, a testament to his college achievements. Despite this pedigree, Ward faces the typical challenges of a rookie quarterback, including improving decision-making and adjusting to the professional game. His leadership on and off the field has received praise, and he even earned the honor of wearing No. 1, previously retired by Titans legend Warren Moon. However, Ward’s development may require additional time, especially considering his limited weapons, with Calvin Ridley being his primary offensive target. This environment suggests it may take several seasons before Ward reaches his full potential compared to more established AFC South quarterbacks.
3. Daniel Jones Looks to Secure Role with the Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones has unexpectedly emerged as the leading candidate to start for the Colts in 2025, ahead of rookie Anthony Richardson, who is currently sidelined. Jones’s journey has been turbulent; after being traded twice since leaving the New York Giants—where he was a first-round pick in 2019—his career appeared off track during 2024. Nevertheless, his current opportunity to prove he remains capable of starting in the NFL is significant. Jones must demonstrate he can recapture the promise he showed earlier in his career to solidify his status in the division.
2. Trevor Lawrence’s Challenge to Reclaim AFC South’s Top Quarterback
Lawrence’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars has been a mix of promise and setbacks. While he helped lead the Jaguars to the playoffs and an AFC South division title in 2022, the past two seasons have seen diminished results. Injuries and inconsistent team performance have contributed to this decline, but Lawrence remains far from being labeled a bust. The upcoming 2025 season represents a vital opportunity for him to show he belongs among the NFL’s top quarterbacks and to regain the division’s top quarterback ranking if he can overcome recent challenges.
1. C.J. Stroud’s Position at the Top of the AFC South Quarterback Rankings
C.J. Stroud surged into the spotlight as a rookie, rapidly becoming one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league. Despite a sophomore slump, he contributed to the Houston Texans reaching the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, including 2024. Like Lawrence, Stroud is anticipated to bounce back, but his supporting cast presents concerns. The running game is uncertain due to Joe Mixon’s ongoing recovery from a foot injury and Nick Chubb’s recent injury-plagued seasons. Compounding these challenges are limited improvements to Houston’s offensive line, which could impede Stroud’s progress. Nonetheless, his talent and previous success currently place him ahead of his AFC South counterparts.
Outlook for the AFC South Quarterbacks in 2025
The AFC South quarterback race heading into the 2025 training camp is intense, with C.J. Stroud holding the current advantage, backed by his early career impact and recent playoff contributions. Trevor Lawrence sits just behind him, aiming to demonstrate that past injuries and team struggles do not define his abilities. Daniel Jones and Cam Ward, meanwhile, face uphill battles to prove their worth as starters, each navigating development and team circumstances that will shape their careers. The dynamics in this division underscore how pivotal the quarterback position is to team success, and how pivotal the upcoming season will be for these players both individually and within their teams.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many concussions did Trevor Lawrence have?
A. This is his second concussion while with the Jaguars and the third since his three-year college career at Clemson. Last December, Lawrence got a concussion during the Jaguars’ Week 15 game against Baltimore, but he still played in their next match with Tampa Bay.
Q. Is Trevor Lawrence a dad?
A. Trevor Lawrence, an NFL player, is now a father. He and his wife, Marissa, welcomed their first child. “We love you so much, little one!”