SerpApi.Org
The wait is finally over. NFL training camps officially open this week, marking the beginning of every franchise's journey toward Super Bowl LX at SoFi Stadium on February 14. From quarterback competitions to coaching debuts, the start of camp signals the first major step toward the 2026 regular season.
The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals are the first teams to hit the practice field. Led by Bryce Young and rookie head coach Mike LaFleur, respectively, both franchises will also square off in the annual Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio, officially kicking off the NFL preseason.
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots will report on Friday before meeting again in a highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch to open the regular season on Sept. 9. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers arrive Saturday as they prepare for the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia on Sept. 10.
Several quarterback storylines will dominate training camp. Tua Tagovailoa begins a fresh chapter with the Atlanta Falcons under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, while Kyler Murray looks to revive his Pro Bowl form with the Minnesota Vikings after departing Arizona.
Elsewhere, veteran Kirk Cousins enters camp as the projected starter for the Las Vegas Raiders despite the franchise selecting No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Other notable quarterback moves include Geno Smith returning to the New York Jets, Justin Fields joining the Kansas City Chiefs as Patrick Mahomes' backup, Andy Dalton signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Gardner Minshew landing with the Arizona Cardinals.
The coaching carousel also reshaped the league during the offseason. John Harbaugh takes over the New York Giants following his long tenure in Baltimore, Robert Saleh begins a new era with the Tennessee Titans, and Mike McCarthy reunites with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. First-time head coaches Mike LaFleur, Klint Kubiak, Jeff Hafley, Joe Brady, Todd Monken and Jesse Minter will also make their debuts.
With every team now focused on building chemistry, evaluating rookies and finalizing depth charts, the countdown to the 2026 NFL season is officially underway. Training camp always brings optimism, but over the coming weeks, contenders will emerge, position battles will be decided and the first chapters of the race for the Vince Lombardi Trophy will be written.
