The Tennessee Titans open the 2025 NFL regular season on the road at the Denver Broncos on September 7, stepping into a new era with No. 1 pick Cam Ward under center after a grind-it-out training camp that included 10 straight days on the road. After days on the practice field and in on-field sessions, the Titans are confident Ward can lead a turnaround as the league watches him grow into the franchise quarterback the team envisions.
Ward’s rookie year is being treated as the centerpiece of a broader rebuild, with coach Brian Callahan aiming to recreate the Cincinnati blueprint that helped Joe Burrow break out as a rookie. Ward’s early surroundings are being shaped to support that trajectory, including a roster built to help him adapt quickly while the front office keeps an eye on the waiver wire for potential additions to strengthen the back end of the roster.
Projected 53-man roster
Quarterbacks (2): Cam Ward, Brandon Allen
– Ward is the focal point of the offense, with Allen serving as a veteran on the depth chart to assist with onboarding and development.
Running backs (4): Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings, Julius Chestnut
– The backfield is designed for a balanced attack, with Pollard and Spears as primary playmakers. Spears’ health is a concern, opening the door for Mullings and Chestnut as two-way contributors and special-teams options.
Tight ends (3): Chig Okonkwo, Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson
– Okonkwo remains the primary mismatch threat, while Helm has forced his way into meaningful opportunities, and Martin-Robinson has shown improved blocking and versatility.
Wide receivers (7): Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, Elic Ayomanor, Chimere Dike, Bryce Oliver, James Proche II
– The group may not jump off the page on paper, but Ward believes in its potential. Ridley is the top target, with rookies Ayomanor and Dike building a developing rapport with the rookie quarterback.
Offensive linemen (10): Dan Moore Jr., Peter Skoronski, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Kevin Zeitler, JC Latham, Corey Levin, Jackson Slater, John Ojukwu, Andrew Rupcich, Olisaemeka Udoh
– Moore anchors the left side as the catalyst for improved pass protection and run blocking. Skoronski and Zeitler should provide interior stability, with Cushenberry offering a potential top-tier center presence when healthy.
Defensive linemen (4): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, James Lynch
– The interior push is a focal point, with Sweat and Simmons collapsing pockets. Joseph-Day is the glue guy who stores up plays that don’t always show in the box score.
Linebackers (9): Arden Key, Dre’Mont Jones, Oluwafemi Oladejo, Jaylen Harrell, Cody Barton, James Williams Sr., Cedric Gray, Jihad Ward, Curtis Jacobs
– The Titans wanted more size and strength on the edge, and the trio of Jones, Oladejo, and Ward accomplishes that. Barton brings leadership and on-field communication to help the young inside linebackers Gray and Williams grow.
Defensive backs (11): L’Jarius Sneed, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Darrell Baker Jr., Roger McCreary, Marcus Harris, Gabe Jeudy-Lally, Amani Hooker, Xavier Woods, Kevin Winston Jr., Mike Brown, Quandre Diggs
– Sneed’s return from the PUP list is a key upgrade if he returns to form. Brownlee has emerged as a steady veteran presence in Year 2, while this unit’s depth enables flexible three-safety looks with Diggs and Woods in the mix. Harris has stood out with strong outside play.
Specialists (3): K Joey Slye, P Johnny Hekker, LS Morgan Cox
– A new special-teams staff under John Fassel has Slye and Hekker in the spotlight, with Cox providing veteran steadiness to anchor the operation.
Context and outlook
– The Titans are positioning Ward to absorb leadership duties early, but the journey will depend on his development, the offensive line’s consistency, and the ability of the skill-position group to maximize opportunities.
– The roster construction emphasizes a blend of veteran stability and rookie upside, with a plan to address roster depth as the season unfolds.
– The season opener at Denver will be a litmus test for a franchise trying to prove it can grow beyond the recent past while maintaining flexibility to adjust under a dynamic coaching staff.
Additional notes and value-added context
– Ward’s early reception of mentorship from Callahan’s system, which helped Burrow excel as a rookie, is a focal point of the Titans’ rookie development plan. Expect measured progression as the unit builds chemistry, especially with the young targets like Ayomanor and Dike integrating into the offense.
– The backfield depth is a critical factor for Ward, given Spears’ injury uncertainty. Mullings and Chestnut can contribute on special teams and in rotational roles while providing insurance for the top backs.
– The Titans’ emphasis on multi-safety looks and improved linebacker coordination could help compensate for any early growing pains from the offense, allowing the defense to stay competitive while Ward grows into the starting role.
Summary
The Titans head into the 2025 season with high expectations for Cam Ward, supported by a diverse mix of veterans and promising youngsters. If Ward develops steadily and the supporting cast complements his progression, Tennessee hopes to turn the page toward sustained competitiveness and a potential playoff-caliber run in a league that rewards young quarterbacks who mature quickly.