For Carolina Panthers fans, the name Jonathon Brooks has felt like a promise waiting to be fulfilled. After a journey that has tested his resilience more than most, the dynamic second-round pick is on the path to reclaiming his future. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, there is a tangible buzz surrounding the return of the young running back. It hasn’t been easy, but the Texas product is exactly where he needs to be to remind the NFL why the Panthers traded up for him in the first place.
A Star-Crossed Start in Carolina
The excitement for Brooks was palpable when he arrived in Charlotte. Unfortunately, his rookie season was a redshirt year as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered in his final college game at Texas. When he finally hit the field in 2024, the flashes were brief but promising.
In the three games he was active before another setback, we saw the foundation of his skill set. Brooks logged nine carries for 22 yards and added three receptions for 23 yards. While the box score doesn’t jump off the page, his usage in the passing game (three targets in limited snaps) hinted at the three-down potential the coaching staff was eager to unlock. Just as he was getting his feet wet, a second ACL injury in his right knee against the Eagles ended his season prematurely, and the subsequent placement on the PUP list ruled him out for the entirety of the 2025 campaign.
Brooks is prepared to come back to an RB room that consists of Chuba Hubbard and Trevor Etienne, so Brooks will have no issues getting chances. With offensive coordinator Brad Idzik calling plays now, Brooks might find himself with the ball a lot more than he was planning.
The Texas Tape That Sparked the Hype
To understand why the Panthers invested a second-round pick (46th overall) in Brooks, a selection acquired via trade with the Colts. You have to look at his 2023 season with the Texas Longhorns. After patiently waiting behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, Brooks exploded onto the scene as the feature back.
In just 11 games, he rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. He wasn’t just a between-the-tackles banger; he showcased his receiving chops with 25 catches for 286 yards and another score, amassing 1,425 scrimmage yards. His performance earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors and solidified his status as the top running back prospect in a deep class. That level of production, paired with his vision and ability to win both inside and outside the tackles, is exactly why pundits and even Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had him “high, high, high” on their draft boards.
A Future Worth Waiting For
As we gear up for the 2026 season, the stars are aligning for Jonathon Brooks. He will be just 23 years old by the time Week 1 rolls around—still incredibly young for a running back with his pedigree. The silver lining of his extended time on the PUP list is that his body has had ample time to heal and strengthen.
Projecting his performance upon return, optimism is high. The Panthers’ backfield situation suggests a clear path to touches. With Chuba Hubbard established as the lead back, the team needs a complementary “change of pace” option with a different style. Where Hubbard punishes defenders through contact, Brooks excels at making them miss with his elusiveness and vision.
With Rico Dowdle expected to depart in free agency and Trevor Etienne having an underwhelming season, the No. 2 role is wide open for Brooks to claim. If he is healthy, he immediately becomes the favorite for that role, offering the Panthers a legitimate 1-2 punch. Fantasy analysts are already noting his path to relevance, suggesting he holds “top-40 running back appeal” as a high-upside bench piece who could thrive in a committee.
History is littered with players who have overcome multiple injuries to find success. The joy of Brooks’ return won’t just be about his stats; it will be about watching a player who has been waiting two years to finally unleash his explosive, big-play ability. For a Panthers team looking to build on their late-season momentum, the addition of Jonathon Brooks might just be the best move they make this offseason—without even having to sign a contract. As of right now, he might be the true Weapon X for a team that could use the boost in the run-game.
