The Buccaneers might be trying to bounce again in 2026 after a disappointing finish to their season in 2025. After a 6-2 begin they went 2-7 in the second half of the season to complete 8-9 and miss the playoffs. With a disappointing finish, modifications had been certain to return and a few of these modifications might be counting on youthful gamers to step up. Let’s check out some gamers who may very well be primed for a breakout season in 2026.
Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan
McMillan very effectively may have already damaged out had it not been for a neck damage suffered in the first preseason sport. He would miss 13 video games and after having eight receiving touchdowns in his rookie season, his sophomore season was basically a wash. However now McMillan finds himself in a good spot. Mike Evans is now not in that receiver room which suggests targets will now be heading elsewhere and whereas the Bucs nonetheless do have Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka, McMillan ought to get quite a lot of good matchups in opposition to defenses.
Advertisement
In 2024 McMillan stepped up after Godwin went down with damage after which the Bucs drafted Egbuka which many thought would actually diminish McMillan’s function and it could have however we are going to by no means really know due to that damage. Now McMillan is again and wholesome and with a clearly outlined function as this group’s quantity three receiver, he’s a first-rate place to make a reputation for himself this season and be a severe weapon for the Bucs offense.
Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts
The distinction between Roberts and McMillan is that McMillan will seemingly receiver a barely larger and extra constant function, however that doesn’t imply that Roberts can’t nonetheless make an affect on that defensive position. Tampa Bay added A’Shawn Robinson into the combine alongside the defensive position and he could have a giant function, however Roberts is prone to be that subsequent man up.
As a rookie in 2025, Roberts ended up beginning 9 video games for Tampa Bay and had 14 mixed tackles in addition to two sacks. He has proven the capacity to get after the quarterback and from the inside that could be a precious factor to carry to a protection. With extra expertise beneath his belt and being in a rotation with guys like Robinson and Calijah Kancey, Roberts has an opportunity to develop right into a legit piece for Todd Bowles.
Advertisement
Cornerback Jacob Parrish
Some folks might surprise why Parrish is on this checklist. At occasions final season he was the Bucs greatest nook and for a rookie, that’s a powerful accomplishment. However, the motive he’s on right here is that I imagine there’s one other degree he can get to. With Jamel Dean out of the image, the Bucs might be trying for somebody to step up at exterior nook. Parrish will seemingly get the likelihood to compete with fellow second yr participant Benjamin Morrison. Parrish performed largely inside for the Bucs this previous season and did fairly effectively. Obviously, there have been some bumps alongside the method however that’s to be anticipated for a rookie getting his first style of NFL motion.
I feel Parrish is in for a a lot larger function on this protection in 2026. He confirmed explosiveness and the capacity to be versatile as he not solely had two interceptions, however he additionally had two sacks. We know {that a} Todd Bowles’ protection goes to wish to blitz their corners at time and Parrish has proven that capacity. Given the larger function, it wouldn’t shock me if we’re speaking about Parrish being one in all Tampa Bay’s higher defenders at the finish of this season.
Do you’ve got any breakout candidates for 2026? Let us know in the remark part under!