Rueben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, Ted Hurst Jr., and Keionte Scott.
Remember those names, because there’s a very good chance the Buccaneers’ 2026 season will be shaped by what these four rookies do.
In a perfect world, the Bucs would be coming off a dominant season with enough depth to ease these young players into the lineup. They could spend the first half of the season learning, rotating in, and getting comfortable before taking on bigger roles down the stretch. By 2027, they’d be ready to become cornerstones of the franchise.
But this isn’t a perfect world
The reality is that Bain, Trotter, and Scott could all be in the starting lineup when the Bucs kick off the season against Cincinnati. That’s a lot to ask of three rookies, but it’s also the reality of where this roster is after an offseason full of change.
Ted Hurst Jr. is in a different situation. With established veterans ahead of him, there’s no need to rush him onto the field. Still, he offers something the rest of the receiving corps doesn’t—size. That alone could make him an immediate weapon in the red zone while forcing defenses to account for him, creating opportunities for everyone else.
It’s reasonable to expect first- and second-round picks to contribute. Expecting four rookies to play meaningful roles right away is another story altogether.
The good news? What these players lack in NFL experience, they make up for with athleticism. For years, the Buccaneers’ defense has lacked the speed needed to consistently keep up with today’s offenses. Bain, Trotter, and Scott have a chance to change that from Day 1.
If this rookie class develops as quickly as the Buccaneers are hoping, it won’t just improve the team—it could completely change its ceiling. That’s why this draft class may end up being the biggest story of the 2026 season.
Here’s hoping these young players can truly Buc the trend. If they do, the sky isn’t the limit—it may just be the beginning.
Greg has been nominated for “Best Columnist” in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay. If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
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