Could the Tennessee Titans go from worst to first in 2026?

[ASFN Admin]

The Tennessee Titans made headlines on Friday after signing Jeffery Simmons to a record-setting three-year $105.8 million extension.

After the signing, Simmons talked about his belief in the new coaching staff and the organization, and how he hopes to help build the Titans into contenders. Eva Geitheim of Sports Illustrated looked at their chances of that happening sooner rather than later and gave the team a chance to go from worst to first in 2026.

No. 4 - Tennessee Titans2025 record: 3–14Last division title: 2021

It’s easy to imagine the Titans improving off two consecutive three-win seasons, but it’s difficult to see them snatching the division at this point. Cam Ward still has a long way to go in his development, and while that doesn’t necessarily stop teams from contending, there are still a lot of unproven elements on this Titans team.

The Titans rank in the top four on this list because they are part of an AFC South division that has historically been weaker. With the Jaguars, Texans, and even Colts contending for a playoff berth last season, however, it might be harder than ever for the Titans to make the jump.

Geitheim does hit on Cam Ward’s development as a significant factor, and that absolutely is, but also fails to mention the improvements on the defensive side of the ball. The Titans invested heavily on that side of the ball during the offseason and have the look of a unit with the potential to dominate, a factor that would help Ward and the offense tremendously as the season develops.

When you couple the new-look defense with a schedule that sets up perfectly for a young team, there is a chance that Tennessee could surprise in 2026 and should not be overlooked.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Could they go from worst to first in 2026?

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