JuJu Brents Eyes Breakout Year as Colts' Defense Gets a Swagger Upgrade
If you're a fan of gritty, hands-on football and second chances, JuJu Brents’ 2025 training camp story might just become one of your favorite storylines out of Indianapolis.
It’s been a rough go for the 2023 second-round pick out of Kansas State. JuJu Brents came into the NFL with all the tools scouts drool over—length, speed, aggression, instincts. But the biggest issue since he put on a Colts uniform? Availability.
The Cold Reality: Just 11 Games in Two Seasons
Let’s put it bluntly: in his first two seasons, Brents has only managed to appear in 11 of 34 possible games. For a guy expected to lock down one side of the field, that’s not ideal. Injuries have made it hard for him to stack consistent practices, let alone game snaps. Every time it looked like he was building momentum, something pulled him back—literally and figuratively.
But here we are in 2025, and the script might finally be flipping.
A New Defensive Mindset
The Colts' defensive identity is going through a major glow-up. With Lou Anarumo stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, this secondary is expected to play with more edge, disguise, and unpredictability. And that, my friends, might just be exactly what JuJu needs to thrive.
"This defense is aggressive," Brents said confidently during minicamp. "Not to put too much out there, but it just allows you to get out there and get in guys' face. That’s what I do. I love to play man coverage, but also being able to switch it up and give offenses different looks."
You can feel the excitement in his tone—he's not just trying to get healthy, he's trying to become a force in this system.
🔑 Key Point: It’s Now or Never for JuJu
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Only 11 appearances in 34 games — Time to flip the script
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Aggressive new scheme under DC Lou Anarumo — Fits his playing style
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Open CB2 battle — He has a legit shot to start opposite Charvarius Ward
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Coach Steichen emphasizes health and consistency
"Staying Healthy" — The Magic Words This Summer
Head coach Shane Steichen wasn’t shy about what's riding on this camp for Brents. After Monday’s practice, he said:
“Just coming back, staying healthy is his biggest thing, but he's been good so far. Obviously learning a new defense, taking that in stride, so he's made some good plays out there and we need him to continue that.”
In other words—Brents has the goods. He just needs to stay on the field. That’s easier said than done, especially in training camp where soft tissue injuries are lurking around every cutting drill. But so far, so good.
And while the physical side is important, what’s flying under the radar is just how quickly Brents is absorbing this new playbook. He’s got to—because this secondary doesn’t have time to wait.
Who’s Gonna Win the CB2 Battle?
We already know Charvarius Ward is locked in as a starting outside corner. Kenny Moore II will be manning the nickel spot, as always. But that other outside corner? That spot is up for grabs—and it’s heating up.
It’s not just Brents in the mix. Jaylon Jones, who flashed some promise last year, is right there. So is Justin Walley, a rookie out of Minnesota who’s turning heads with his physical style and football IQ.
“I think competition makes everyone better,” Steichen said. “Obviously, those guys are fighting for that spot over there. There's a couple guys over there and they're battling like crazy."
You can feel it during every rep—these guys know what’s on the line. There’s no safety net. No guaranteed reps. You either shine or you sit.
Brents Believes This Scheme Is Built for Him
What really makes this storyline juicy is how tailor-made this defense seems for Brents' style of play.
“Just being able to get in guys' face, be aggressive, and hands-on,” Brents said. “That’s what I do.”
It’s true. At 6'3" with long arms and the kind of physicality that wide receivers don’t like to deal with, Brents wants to disrupt timing routes. He wants to get up in your grill. Under Anarumo, he’ll get to do just that.
This isn’t a soft zone, bend-but-don’t-break defense anymore. The Colts are evolving. They’re trying to confuse quarterbacks, disguise coverage, and challenge every throw. Brents fits that mold.
What Success Looks Like for Brents in 2025
Let’s keep it real—JuJu Brents doesn’t need to become an All-Pro overnight. But he does need to:
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Stay available. If he can play 15+ games this season, that’s a win already.
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Beat out his competition for the CB2 role.
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Show growth in reading offenses and adjusting mid-game.
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Be a tone-setter in physical matchups, especially in AFC South division battles.
If he can check off those boxes, the Colts may have finally found their long-term answer opposite Ward.
Final Word: A Make-or-Break Year
This training camp isn't just another shot for JuJu Brents—it's a career inflection point. He’s young, athletic, and in a scheme that suits his DNA as a player. The only thing standing in his way? His own health and a room full of hungry cornerbacks.
But if there’s ever been a moment for Brents to seize the opportunity, this is it.
So keep your eyes on him when the pads come on. You might just be watching a career finally take off.
🏈 Bonus: What to Watch For in Preseason
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1-on-1 drills against starting WRs like Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell
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Zone disguise coverage reps in 7-on-7s
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Special teams involvement — could be key early in the season
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Defensive red zone snaps — Brents’ physicality could earn him situational roles
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