Why Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs will win the 2026 Offensive Player of the Year

Jahmyr Gibbs, already our early tip to win the 2026 Offensive Player of the Year award, got the confirmation last week that could make our prediction look inspired.

"He's going to be our bell cow now," head coach Dan Campbell said last week, removing what little ambiguity remained about how the Detroit Lions plan to use their backfield in 2026.

With David Montgomery gone, traded to Houston this offseason, it leaves Gibbs with a clear path to superstardom.

What Campbell said about Gibbs

Last year, Gibbs finished seventh among all running backs with 1,223 rushing yards and ranked eighth at the position with 5.0 yards per carry.

One of the most dangerous receivers out of the backfield, he also trailed only Christian McCaffrey and Bijan Robinson with 92 receptions for 616 receiving yards.

Bear in mind that he achieved those numbers while sharing the load with Montgomery, and then consider what he can do as the undisputed lead back in one of the most potent offenses in football.

With more than 5,000 all-purpose yards in the last three years, Gibbs has already justified why the Lions invested a 2023 first-round pick in him.

The way Campbell is talking up Gibbs heading into 2026, we haven't seen anything yet.

Gibbs' new OC is part of an "outstanding staff"

The Lions' offense took a step back in 2025, which made sense given that former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for Chicago.

They made moves to address that issue in January, bringing on Drew Petzing, formerly the Cardinals' offensive coordinator, to serve in the same capacity in Detroit.

Campbell shared how bringing Petzing on board gives the Lions an "outstanding staff" - one capable of bringing about improvements in 2026.

OC Petzing raves about Gibbs' talent

As the offensive coordinator of the Cardinals, Petzing oversaw a scheme which helped James Conner produce the two best seasons of his nine-year NFL career.

With a track record like that, the outlook for Gibbs is even more exciting than it would be simply because his role is expanding.

Like Campbell, Petzing heaped praise on the 24-year-old tailback.

“A lot of it’s going to be dictated by what we’re good at as a unit,” Petzing said of Gibbs outlook.

“Where are we the best, where are we the most effective? Who are we playing and how do we utilise his skillset to build on that?" he continued.

"He does so many things at a high level that I don’t think there’s necessarily a ceiling or a cap on what that could look like."

High praise for a player who has already delivered on a level rarely seen before.

Gibbs' offensive line in 2026

Even the most gifted players suffer if their team's offensive line doesn't hold up its end of the bargain.

In that regard, there are plenty of reasons to think the personnel responsible for blocking for Gibbs should be an improvement this year.

Detroit spent the 17th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Clemson right tackle Blake Miller, who has the talent to hit the ground running.

Tate Ratledge, a second-round pick last year, really came on strong toward the end of last season and is poised to push on in 2026.

And Penei Sewell, one of the truly elite offensive tackles in the NFL, is moving to the left side of the line to protect Jared Goff's blindside.

Nic Antaya / Stringer

Center Cade Mays and the personnel battling for the left guard spot are nowhere near as promising, but after struggling mightily at those positions last year, it's not a stretch to suggest the unit could be better overall.

Final word on Gibbs' 2026 outlook

Isiah Pacheco was signed in free agency, but Campbell's comments make it clear that the former Kansas City back won't eat into Gibbs' workload like Montgomery did.

If Petzing's offensive scheme clicks and the new faces on the offensive line settle in quickly, Gibbs has the talent and opportunity to take home the coveted Offensive Player of the Year award.

Just make sure you're watching what he does to deserve that honour. The 2026 Gibbs show could be special.