Head coach Mike Macdonald has officially unveiled his starting lineup for Super Bowl LX, as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to clash with the New England Patriots in what promises to be an epic rematch on football’s grandest stage. The roster features an impressive cadre of standout talents, each poised to play a key role when the Seahawks take the field at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, chasing the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy.

This moment represents the culmination of a remarkable turnaround for Seattle. After years of transition following the departure of longtime quarterback Geno Smith and the arrival of Macdonald as head coach in 2024, the Seahawks have emerged as one of the league’s most complete teams.

Finishing the 2025 regular season at 14-3, they rattled off nine consecutive victories to close out the year, securing the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage through the playoffs.Their path included gritty wins over division rivals, highlighted by a thrilling 31-27 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, where quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a masterful performance under pressure.

At the heart of Macdonald’s lineup is Darnold, the quarterback who has authored one of the NFL’s most improbable redemption stories. Once labeled a bust after his early struggles with the New York Jets, Darnold reinvented himself in Minnesota in 2024 before signing a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle. In his first season with the team, he posted career highs across the board: a 67.7% completion rate, over 4,000 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and a passer rating near 100.

His poise in big moments—evident in the NFC title game where he threw for three scores while managing the game efficiently—has silenced doubters and positioned him as a legitimate top-10 signal-caller. Macdonald has built the offense around Darnold’s strengths: quick decision-making, accuracy on intermediate routes, and the ability to extend plays when protection breaks down.

The offensive line, solidified early in the season, remains one of the unit’s strongest assets. From left to right, the starting five includes Charles Cross at left tackle, Grey Zabel at left guard, Jalen Sundell at center, Anthony Bradford at right guard, and Abraham Lucas at right tackle.

This group has provided excellent pass protection—ranking among the league leaders in sacks and pressure rate allowed—while opening lanes for running back Kenneth Walker III, whose explosive bursts and vision have made him a nightmare for defenses.Walker, entering his prime, has complemented Darnold beautifully, giving Seattle a balanced attack that forces opponents to respect both the run and the pass.

The receiving corps is loaded with playmakers capable of changing games in an instant. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the dynamic second-year star from the 2023 draft, has emerged as arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver, using his route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability to rack up massive production. Flanking him are reliable targets like Cooper Kupp (acquired to add veteran savvy) and others who stretch the field vertically. Tight end AJ Barner, another young riser, has become a dependable safety valve in the middle of the field.

Macdonald’s scheme, influenced by his defensive background but executed with creativity by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, emphasizes spacing, motion, and exploiting mismatches—elements that have kept defenses off balance all season.

On defense, Macdonald—the former Baltimore Ravens coordinator known for his innovative schemes—has assembled a unit that ranks among the league’s elite. The front seven features disruptive talents like DeMarcus Lawrence, whose veteran presence sets the tone, and emerging stars who generate consistent pressure.

 The secondary, anchored by lockdown corner Devon Witherspoon, has thrived in Macdonald’s aggressive, disguise-heavy approach. Safeties and linebackers fly around the field, creating turnovers and limiting explosive plays. This defensive identity has been crucial in the playoffs, where Seattle has forced opponents into uncomfortable situations and capitalized on mistakes.

The special teams unit rounds out a roster that leaves little weakness. Returners and coverage players have flipped field position consistently, while kicker and punter have delivered in high-leverage moments. Macdonald’s emphasis on every phase has created a complete team that enters Super Bowl LX as slight favorites, with odds listing Seattle at around -4.5 points against a New England squad led by young quarterback Drake Maye.

The matchup carries historical weight. This is only the 10th Super Bowl rematch in NFL history, revisiting the iconic Super Bowl XLIX from 2015, where the Patriots edged the Seahawks 28-24 in controversial fashion. That game still lingers in Seattle lore, and Macdonald has fielded endless questions about it during Super Bowl week.

He has handled the scrutiny with humor and focus, directing attention toward the present while acknowledging the past. Players like Darnold and Smith-Njigba have embraced the narrative, turning it into motivation rather than distraction.

What makes this Seahawks team special is the blend of youth and experience, homegrown talent and savvy additions. Macdonald has fostered a culture of daily improvement, accountability, and enjoyment—even amid the chaos of Super Bowl preparations. He has encouraged his players to lean into the moment: the media frenzy, the fan adoration, the shared hotel life in the Bay Area. As Darnold noted during opening night, this is the dream he grew up chasing, and the group has arrived loose yet laser-focused.

The Patriots, making their record 12th Super Bowl appearance, present a formidable challenge. Coached by Mike Vrabel and powered by Maye’s rapid ascent, New England has defied expectations with a stingy defense and opportunistic offense. Yet Seattle’s balance, momentum, and homegrown belief give them an edge in what many predict will be a close, hard-fought battle.

As kickoff approaches, the Seahawks’ starting lineup stands as a testament to smart roster construction, bold coaching, and individual resilience. Macdonald has positioned his team not just to compete, but to seize the ultimate prize. With stars aligned across offense, defense, and special teams, Seattle is ready to write a new chapter—one that could end with confetti falling and the Lombardi Trophy in hand.