Jahmyr Gibbs believes Lions are ahead of schedule as expectations soar for 2026 season

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is entering the 2026 season with high expectations, and based on his comments during minicamp, the star playmaker believes Detroit is already ahead of schedule.

As the Lions wrapped up their offseason program Wednesday, Gibbs expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and overall development heading into training camp.

“The whole team is doing great. Like, we’re so far ahead of where we were last year at this time. Everybody’s playing fast,” Gibbs told ESPN. “Everybody knows what to do. It feels like we’re almost in season form.”

Those comments should excite Lions fans, especially considering how productive Detroit’s offense was a season ago. Gibbs emerged as one of the NFL’s most explosive weapons in 2025, showcasing the versatility that made him a first-round pick out of Alabama. Whether lining up in the backfield, split out wide, or catching passes in space, Gibbs consistently created matchup problems for opposing defenses.

Last season, Gibbs established himself among the league’s elite running backs. He surpassed 1,200 rushing yards while adding significant production as a receiver, finishing with more than 1,800 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns. His ability to generate explosive plays helped fuel one of the NFL’s highest-scoring offenses.

Gibbs emerging as Detroit’s offensive centerpiece

Gibbs has increasingly become the focal point of Detroit’s offensive attack thanks to his game-breaking speed and improved vision between the tackles.

The expectations for Detroit extend beyond individual accolades. After reaching contender status in recent seasons, the Lions enter 2026 with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. Quarterback Jared Goff returns alongside an experienced offensive line and a talented group of skill-position players, giving offensive coordinator John Morton plenty of weapons to utilize.

For Gibbs, the next step is transforming from a Pro Bowl-caliber player into a legitimate NFL Offensive Player of the Year candidate. His combination of speed, receiving ability, and home-run potential makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.

If Detroit is truly “ahead” of where it was a year ago, as Gibbs suggests, the rest of the NFL could be facing an even more dangerous Lions team this fall. And at the center of it all will be Gibbs, whose breakout appears far from over.