Overview
- Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton published a prediction this week that Bryce Young could regress or 'bust' in 2026, thrusting a national spotlight onto his upcoming season.
- Young earned clear credit for a career-best 2025 that helped the Panthers win the NFC South and reach the playoffs, but that progress is now being tested by outside skepticism.
- Analysts point to a tougher 'first-place' 2026 schedule — including games against Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver and Seattle — as a key reason the prediction says Young may struggle.
- Carolina's offensive line ranked near the bottom in several ESPN metrics in 2025, with poor pass- and run-block rates and a high pressure rate that could undermine Young's consistency.
- Young enters the 2026 season in the final year of his rookie deal, which increases urgency for strong play and will affect whether the Panthers open long-term extension talks or explore alternatives.