The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for a comeback in 2026 after a rocky finish to their 2025 campaign. Kicking off with a promising 6-2 record, they stumbled to an 8-9 finish, missing the playoffs.
With such a rollercoaster ride, it's no surprise that the team is shaking things up, turning to their younger talent to make an impact. Let’s dive into some players who could be poised for a breakout season in 2026.
Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan
Jalen McMillan is a name to watch. His trajectory was derailed by a neck injury during the first preseason game last year, sidelining him for 13 games.
After notching eight touchdowns in his rookie season, his sophomore year was a write-off. But now, McMillan is back in the mix, and he's got a golden opportunity.
With veteran Mike Evans out of the picture, there are more targets up for grabs. Although Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka remain key figures, McMillan is set to exploit favorable matchups against defenses.
Back in 2024, McMillan rose to the occasion when Godwin was injured. The drafting of Egbuka raised questions about McMillan’s role, but the injury left those questions unanswered. Now healthy and stepping into a clearly defined role as the Bucs' third receiver, McMillan is in prime position to make a splash and become a formidable weapon for Tampa Bay's offense.
Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts
While McMillan's role might be more consistent, don't sleep on Elijah Roberts' potential impact on the defensive line. With the addition of A’Shawn Robinson, Roberts is set to be the next man up, ready to make his presence felt.
In his rookie season last year, Roberts started nine games, recording 14 tackles and two sacks. His knack for pressuring the quarterback from the interior is invaluable. With more experience and a rotation alongside Robinson and Calijah Kancey, Roberts has the opportunity to evolve into a significant asset for Todd Bowles’ defense.
Cornerback Jacob Parrish
Jacob Parrish might raise some eyebrows on this list, but his rookie season showed glimpses of brilliance. He often emerged as the Bucs' top corner, a remarkable feat for a newcomer. With Jamel Dean no longer in the lineup, there's a vacancy at outside corner, and Parrish is in the mix to fill it, competing with fellow second-year player Benjamin Morrison.
Parrish primarily played inside last season and handled the role admirably, despite the usual rookie hurdles. His explosiveness and versatility were evident, with two interceptions and two sacks to his name.
In a Todd Bowles defense that loves to blitz corners, Parrish’s skill set is a perfect fit. With an expanded role on the horizon, don’t be surprised if Parrish emerges as one of Tampa Bay’s standout defenders by season’s end.
The Buccaneers are banking on these young talents to step up and make their mark in 2026. As the season unfolds, keep an eye on McMillan, Roberts, and Parrish as they aim to elevate their game and drive Tampa Bay back into playoff contention.
In Other News...
Mike Evans Is Already Stirring Up Painful Questions For Bucs Fans
Mike Evans move out of Tampa Bay already has the kind of ripple effect that keeps Buccaneers fans looking backward instead of forward. After 12 seasons with the franchise, the veteran receiver has landed with the San Francisco 49ers and is quickly drawing notice in practice, where teammates and observers have been impressed by how seamlessly he has fit into the offense.
The early buzz has centered especially on his work in red zone drills, where Evans has made life difficult for defenders and given the 49ers another proven target near the goal line. For Bucs fans, it is the sort of offseason development that brings an uncomfortable reminder of what they just lost, and why every update from his new team is likely to feel a little more painful. [Read more 🡒]
NFL Verdict On Jason Licht Will Spark Debate Among Buccaneers Fans
Jason Lichts offseason standing is getting fresh national attention, and it should not surprise Buccaneers fans that he remains part of the league-wide conversation after OTAs and minicamp. The recent ranking of NFL general managers took a look at roster construction and how teams have performed lately, placing Licht alongside a few of the sports more recognizable front-office figures as evaluators weighed what has been built and what still needs to be sustained.
For Tampa Bay, the interesting part is less the praise than the placement. Lichts work has helped shape a roster that has stayed competitive and, over time, has given the franchise a steadier foundation than it had before, but any such list invites debate when other executives with strong track records are grouped nearby. The question for Buccaneers fans is whether the national view fully captures how much credit Licht deserves for keeping the team relevant, or whether there is still another tier he can climb with the next wave of moves. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Just Made A Familiar Bet On Their Biggest Weakness
The Buccaneers have circled back to a familiar face for the middle of their defensive line, bringing back Rakeem Nunez-Roches for the 2026 season after three years away. He originally spent 2018 to 2022 in Tampa Bay, then went on to New York before returning to give the Bucs another experienced option in the rotation.
For Tampa Bay, the appeal is pretty clear: more depth, more versatility, and another body built to handle the dirty work inside. Nunez-Roches is expected to fit as a rotational nose tackle, the sort of piece who can help spell Vita Vea and stabilize snaps in a spot where the Bucs have been looking for more reliability as training camp approaches on July 28. [Read more 🡒]