Kickoff is only days away for the Carolina Panthers, who host the Chicago Bears to open up their 2026 season.
It is an important year for the franchise. Head coach Dave Canales' squad must take the next step and push for the playoffs again after winning the NFC South last season. To do that, they'll need several players to take the next step in their development.
With that in mind, here are four players ready to break out for the Panthers this season, including the most important one of all.
Carolina Panthers breakout hopefuls ready to take the next step in 2026
Princely Umanmielen, OLB
The 2025 third-round pick from Ole Miss is slated to start opposite Jaelan Phillips this weekend against the Bears as veteran Patrick Jones II battles a back injury. This is a prime opportunity for Princely Umanmielen to take the next step in his development.
Umanmielen has the speed, first-step quickness off the line of scrimmage, and the move set to be a productive pass rusher in the NFL. I made a bold prediction that he will lead the Panthers in sacks, and it isn't as far-fetched as some may believe.
Look for Umanmielen's role to continue expanding as the Panthers find their pass rush this season.
Xavier Legette, WR
After inconsistencies hampered his abilities for the past two years, Xavier Legette enters a critical third season. It is no hyperbole that the 2024 first-round pick had a terrific training camp, and now he'll look to translate the hype into true success when it counts.
Legette has the skill set to be an explosive weapon after the catch in the Panthers' offense and one of the best hands players on the unit. If it all comes together, he'll go a long way toward silencing his doubters and improving his long-term aspirations in Carolina.
Jonathon Brooks, RB
I don't expect Jonathon Brooks to have a massive role in the Panthers' offense early on, especially as he nurses a groin injury ahead of Week 1. As the season continues and the stakes are raised, the Texas product will be needed when it matters most, which may lead him to take over the starting role.
Brooks' value as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and explosiveness in space make him one of the team's most dynamic players on offense.
His breakout may look different than others expect. But if he comes alive toward the second half of the season as a difference-maker, Brooks could establish himself as the future at tailback for Carolina.
Bryce Young, QB
It must happen this year for Bryce Young as he enters his fourth season, looking to prove he belongs as one of the league's most profound yet dynamic passers.
This has been one of the most highly discussed topics for the Panthers, who are hoping for a breakout season for the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2023. He can not only establish himself as the team's long-term starter but also resolve talks around a contract extension that could make him one of the highest-paid signal-callers in the game.
A breakout campaign for Young would surely put the Panthers back on the map as a playoff contender and allow them to navigate against the league's best toward the middle portion of the schedule. Of all the potential breakouts, this is the most obvious and strongest possibility.
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