JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- When it comes to the 2026 AFC South race, it is clear which teams are entering the season as the leaders. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans were neck-and-neck for most of last season, splitting their season series 1-1 and with the AFC South title not being decided until the Jaguars won it in Week 18. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) rushes for yards after a reception during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Jaguars and their hated rivals have spent all offseason gearing up for a renewed race to the top of the division in 2026, with the Texans adding several new names and with the Jaguars anticipating the return of Travis Hunter and the maturation of several other pieces. That means any edge either team can find ahead of Week 1 is important.…