The Tennessee Titans are just over 24 hours away from their first preseason game in 2026, and for the first time since Mike Vrabel was fired, this team has an aura of hope. They've set expectations at a new level under head coach Robert Saleh, and with the talented youth they've brought in during the offseason, this team feels like it's finally moving in the right direction.
The Titans recently held their Blue & White scrimmage, their last practice at the current Nissan Stadium, which was open to fans. Both the offense and defense showed off what they've been working on and what we can expect to see from the team this fall.
This week, the Titans have joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers ahead of their preseason opener on Thursday. Before
the preseason truly begins, though, NFL.com's Around the NFL writer Nick Shook released his latest power rankings. The Titans landed at 24.
Cam Ward's sophomore campaign should produce a major leap forward, if not a total breakout. Yes, that's setting the bar rather high, but after enduring the adversity and dysfunction that accompanies in-season coach firings, Ward is now in a very favorable situation. Brian Daboll is his offensive coordinator. Tennessee spent the No. 4 overall pick on the top receiver in the 2026 class, Ohio State's Carnell Tate, who is already producing highlight-reel plays in camp. Wan'Dale Robinson is on board, too, giving Ward a couple of legit targets in a receiving corps that relied heavily on rookies (who also return) a year ago. Robert Saleh assembled a defense filled with his type of guys, and while I'm not yet convinced the unit will be significantly better, its identity should at least be more aggressive. The Titans could use some aggression, starting with this ranking.
The Titans have already exhibited their increased aggression during practices over the last few weeks. Jeffery Simmons got himself ejected from practice after a scuffle with J.C. Latham, and there was more pushing and shoving in their joint practice with the 49ers on Tuesday. Aggression isn't going to be a problem in 2026.
As of now, we don't actually know what adversity this team will face in 2026. So far, the health of the roster has been as expected, and the revamped coaching staff has plenty of players to work with on its roster. Cam Ward has shown improvement already under Brian Daboll, and, as the article indicates, the Cam Ward-to-Carnell Tate connection is going to provide plenty of highlights.
What this team needs more than anything right now is to get some wins early in the season. They're already confident in their abilities, and if they can get some wins early in the season, it will give them even more confidence to overcome the losses they incur. The Titans should be a fun team to watch in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans rank near the bottom in latest NFL.com power rankings
