Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season

As the Jacksonville Jaguars finalize their 2025 regular-season roster ahead of Week 1, one key special teams decision has emerged: rookie Cam Little has been named the team’s starting kicker, beating out veteran incumbent Brandon McManus for the role. Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season is more than a roster move—it’s a vote of confidence in a young player whose precision, composure, and clutch performance during the preseason convinced the Jaguars’ coaching staff he’s ready to handle the pressure of NFL game-winning kicks. For a team that struggled with special teams consistency in 2024 (ranking 22nd in field goal percentage), Little’s promotion signals a commitment to upgrading a unit that often flies under the radar but can swing close games. As the Jaguars aim for an AFC South title, Little’s leg could become one of their most valuable weapons.

Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season comes after a fiercely competitive preseason battle between Little and McManus, a 10-year NFL veteran who made 87% of his field goals for the Jaguars in 2024. What separated Little—drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Arkansas—was his consistency in high-pressure situations and his ability to handle long-distance kicks. In three preseason games, Little converted all 5 of his field goal attempts, including a 55-yarder against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 and a game-winning 48-yarder as time expired against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. He also made all 6 of his extra-point tries, showcasing the accuracy that made him a standout in college. At Arkansas, Little was one of the nation’s top kickers, converting 82% of his field goals over four seasons, including 12 of 15 attempts from 50+ yards. His collegiate resume, combined with his preseason dominance, made him impossible for the Jaguars to overlook. “Cam came in and earned this job,” special teams coordinator Brian Schneider said. “He’s calm under pressure, he has the leg strength we need, and he’s shown he can make the big kicks when it matters.”

A defining trait of Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season is Little’s composure—an intangible that the Jaguars believe will serve him well in the NFL. Unlike many rookies, who can be overwhelmed by the bright lights of professional football, Little has shown a knack for thriving in high-stakes moments. His game-winning kick against the Dolphins in preseason was a perfect example: with 0:02 left on the clock and the Jaguars trailing by 2, Little stepped onto the field, ignored the crowd noise, and drilled the 48-yarder straight through the uprights. After the game, he downplayed the moment, saying, “I just did my job. I practice those kicks every day, so when the moment came, I was ready.” This calm demeanor is particularly valuable for the Jaguars, who played in seven one-score games in 2024—losing four of them, often due to missed or blocked kicks. McManus, for all his experience, struggled in clutch moments last season, missing two game-winning attempts in the fourth quarter. Little’s ability to stay cool under pressure gives the Jaguars a new level of confidence in their kicking game.

Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season also addresses a key need for the Jacksonville Jaguars: consistency on long-distance field goals. In 2024, the Jaguars converted just 50% of their field goal attempts from 50+ yards, ranking 28th in the NFL. This forced Pederson to play it safe in red-zone situations, often opting for punts or short passes instead of trying for long field goals. Little’s leg strength changes that—he’s comfortable kicking from 55+ yards, giving the Jaguars a viable scoring option even when they’re stuck deep in their own territory. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense, led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, is expected to be one of the league’s most dynamic, but there will still be games where points are hard to come by. In those moments, Little’s ability to convert long field goals could be the difference between winning and losing. “Having a kicker who can make 50-yarders opens up our playbook,” Pederson said. “We don’t have to force the issue in the red zone if we know Cam can put points on the board from deep. That’s a huge advantage.”

Another layer of Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season is the mentorship he received from McManus during training camp—a dynamic that speaks to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ team culture. Despite competing for the same job, McManus took Little under his wing, sharing tips on handling NFL travel, reading wind conditions, and staying focused during long games. McManus even stayed after practice to help Little refine his technique, working on his approach to the ball and his follow-through. “Brandon was amazing,” Little said. “He didn’t have to help me, but he did. He’s a class act, and I learned a lot from him.” When the Jaguars informed McManus he’d be released, he publicly praised Little, saying, “Cam is going to be a great kicker in this league. The Jaguars are in good hands.” This camaraderie—even in a competitive environment—highlights the Jaguars’ focus on building a team-first culture, where players prioritize the organization’s success over individual goals. For Little, having McManus’s support has made the transition to the NFL smoother, and he’s eager to honor that mentorship by performing well.

Looking ahead, Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season is a reminder of the Jaguars’ commitment to building a complete team—one that excels on offense, defense, and special teams. The Jacksonville Jaguars enter 2025 with high expectations, and Little’s performance will be a key part of their success. His first regular-season test comes in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, where he’ll likely be called upon to make multiple kicks. While rookies often face a learning curve in the NFL, Little’s preseason performance and calm demeanor suggest he’s ready for the challenge. For Jaguars fans, Little represents hope—a young player who could become a staple of the team’s special teams unit for years to come. Cam Little Named Kicker for Jacksonville Jaguars’ Regular Season isn’t just about a kicker earning a job; it’s about the Jaguars taking another step toward becoming a championship-caliber team. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Little’s leg—waiting to see if he can turn preseason promise into regular-season success.