Brian Thomas Jr. is basically a cheat code. If you watched the Jacksonville Jaguars at all over the last two seasons, you’ve seen it. One second he’s lined up quietly on the perimeter, and the next, he’s a blur of teal and black disappearing into the end zone.
He makes it look easy. It isn't.
When the Jaguars snagged him 23rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, everyone knew he was fast. But "fast" in the SEC is different from "fast" in the NFL. Some guys struggle with the transition. Brian Thomas Jr. didn't. He walked into the league and immediately started breaking franchise records, putting up a rookie season that honestly felt like it was plucked out of a video game. 1,282 yards. 10 touchdowns. Those aren't just good rookie numbers; they are "I'm the future of this team" numbers.
Every Brian Thomas Jr. touchdown tells a slightly different story about why he’s so hard to cover. It’s not just the 4.33 speed. It’s the way he tracks the ball, the way he uses his 6-foot-3 frame, and the weirdly calm way he handles high-pressure moments.
The Anatomy of a Brian Thomas Jr. Touchdown
If you want to understand why defensive coordinators are losing sleep, you have to look at the variety. In 2024, Thomas became the fourth rookie since the 1970 merger to hit 1,200+ yards and 10+ scores. He joined Randy Moss, Odell Beckham Jr., and Ja’Marr Chase. That is a ridiculous list to be on.
The most famous one? Probably the 85-yarder against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 of his rookie year.
Trevor Lawrence dropped back, saw the mismatch, and just let it fly. Thomas didn't just beat the corner; he evaporated the safety help. It was the longest touchdown by a rookie in Jaguars history. But the scary part wasn't the distance. It was the fact that he barely looked like he was sprinting. He has that effortless, long-striding gait that tricks defenders into thinking they’re in a better position than they actually are.
Then you have the contested catches. In Week 15 of that same year against the New York Jets, he hauled in two scores. One of them involved him basically out-climbing a defender in the back of the end zone. He’s got basketball bounce—which makes sense, considering he was a high-level hoops prospect in Louisiana before fully committing to the gridiron.
Why 2025 Looked Different (But Still Dangerous)
Transitioning into the 2025 season under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen, things shifted a bit. The Jaguars' offense became more methodical.
Thomas's raw touchdown totals dipped—he finished the 2025 regular season with 3 receiving scores and one rushing touchdown—but his role expanded. He wasn't just the "go-route guy" anymore. Coen started using him in the slot, on designed screens, and even in the red zone as a primary distraction to open up space for guys like Travis Hunter (the 2025 sensation) or Travis Etienne.
Even with lower scoring volume, a Brian Thomas Jr. touchdown in 2025 usually came when the game was on the line. Take the Week 6 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jags were clawing for a win, and Thomas came through with a massive 33-yard gain that set up a crucial score, showing he could still "win" when everyone in the stadium knew the ball was coming to him.
Breaking Down the "LSU Factor"
LSU is basically a factory for elite NFL receivers. Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Malik Nabers—the list is exhausting. Thomas fits the mold perfectly. At LSU, he led the entire nation in receiving touchdowns in 2023 with 17.
🔗 Read more: Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics: Why This Interconference Rivalry Is the NBA’s New Chess Match
He learned how to share the field with other superstars. At LSU, it was Nabers. In Jacksonville, it’s been Christian Kirk and eventually the hybrid threat of Travis Hunter. He doesn't need 15 targets to be effective. He just needs one sliver of daylight.
People often ask: What makes his touchdowns so consistent?
- The Release: He doesn't get jammed often. He uses a "diamond release" that keeps corners off-balance.
- The Speed Reserve: He has a second gear. When the ball is in the air, he finds an extra 2 mph that wasn't there at the line of scrimmage.
- The Wingspan: Trevor Lawrence doesn't have to be perfect. If the ball is anywhere in the zip code, Thomas can usually go up and get it.
What the Stats Don't Tell You
If you just look at a box score, you might miss the "gravity" Thomas has on the field. Defensive coordinators often have to keep a safety over the top of him at all times. This is why the Jaguars' run game or short passing game works.
In 2025, his yardage was still solid (over 700 yards in 13 games), but his impact was felt in how many times he pulled two defenders away from the play. Honestly, a touchdown for another Jaguar is often indirectly caused by the threat of a Brian Thomas Jr. touchdown.
He's also surprisingly durable for a guy who plays such a high-velocity game. He’s missed very little time despite the physical toll of being a primary deep threat.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking his career or looking for what to expect next, keep an eye on these specific developments:
- The Slot Transition: Watch how often he lines up inside in 2026. If he masters the "big slot" role, his touchdown floor will skyrocket because he’ll be a nightmare for smaller nickel corners.
- Red Zone Targets: As he gets stronger, look for more "fade" routes. He has the height to be a 12-touchdown-per-year player if the Jaguars prioritize him inside the 10-yard line.
- Chemistry with Lawrence: Their timing on back-shoulder throws improved significantly toward the end of the 2025 season. This is the hardest route to defend in football.
The trajectory is clear. Brian Thomas Jr. isn't just a flash in the pan. He’s a tactical weapon that the Jaguars are still figuring out how to fully optimize. Whether it's a 75-yard bomb or a gritty 4-yard slant in traffic, he’s proven he can find the end zone in any environment.
🔗 Read more: Finding Your Cleveland Guardians Printable Schedule Without the Headaches
Expect the 2026 season to be another leap forward as he enters his prime. The records he set as a rookie were just the foundation. The real show is just getting started.
To stay ahead of the curve on his performance, watch his "yards per route run" (YPRR) rather than just raw touchdown counts. In 2024, he led all rookies in that category, which is the truest indicator of a receiver's elite potential. If that number stays above 2.2, the touchdowns will naturally follow. Keep a close eye on his snap counts in the "red area" during the first month of the 2026 season to see if the coaching staff is making him the true #1 scoring option.