With the 2026 NFL schedule officially released, the path to the regular season is set. For the Carolina Panthers, the three-game preseason slate offers the first look at the new roster, rookie developments, and depth chart battles before the September kickoff. Below is the complete 2026 preseason schedule for the Carolina Panthers, including dates, opponents, and broadcast information. The 2026 Carolina Panthers preseason schedule is typically set other than changes to planned TV and streaming coverage.
2026 Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule
Here’s the 2026 Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule for you. Please note that many local markets will air the games OTA and on local channels. The national broadcasts tend to get confirmed closer to game day.
| Week | Date | Opponent | TV / Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | @ Buffalo Bills | Local (1:00 PM) |
| Week 2 | Fri, Aug 21 | @ Jacksonville Jaguars | Local (7:30 PM) |
| Week 3 | Fri, Aug 28 | vs. Houston Texans | Local (7:00 PM) |
Preseason Storylines to Watch
- Bank of America Closer: The Panthers travel twice (Buffalo, Jacksonville) before closing preseason at home vs. Houston in Week 3.
- Bryce Young Cameo Watch: How much (if any) Young do we see across the three games before the regular-season opener?
- AFC Slate: Three straight AFC opponents (BUF, JAX, HOU) give the staff a tight cross-conference evaluation window.
Printable Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule (PDF)
We have created a “Low-Ink” version of the Carolina Panthers preseason schedule. It is a high-contrast, black-and-white PDF designed to be printed at home without wasting toner. This one-page guide is perfect for keeping in your fan cave or tracking player stats during the games.
Essential 2026 NFL Resources
- 2026 Carolina Panthers Regular Season Schedule: See the full 18-week path to the playoffs.
- 2026 NFL Preseason Hub: Printable schedules and pick’em sheets for the entire league.
- The 2026 NFL Streaming Tax Guide: Which apps do you need to watch the preseason?
FAQ: 2026 Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule
How many preseason games will the Carolina Panthers play in 2026?
The Carolina Panthers will play three preseason games this year, following the standard NFL preseason format. This gives the coaching staff and front office three weeks of live-game evaluation before the final 53-man roster cut-down.
Where can I watch the Carolina Panthers preseason games?
Most Carolina Panthers preseason games are broadcast on local affiliate networks in the Charlotte area. Additionally, games may be aired nationally on NFL Network, ESPN, Prime Video, or CBS. For out-of-market fans, NFL+ typically carries live streams of all out-of-market preseason games.
Are the Carolina Panthers preseason kickoff times in my time zone?
The schedule above lists kickoff times in Eastern Time (ET). If you are following the team from Eastern Time (ET), please adjust the times accordingly (subtract 0 hours). Our printable PDF also lists times in ET for easy reference.
Will the starters play in the preseason?
Player participation is at the discretion of the coaching staff. Traditionally, starters play very little in Week 1, see significant action in the “dress rehearsal” of Week 2, and often sit out Week 3 to avoid injury before the regular-season opener.
Is there a printable version of the Carolina Panthers preseason schedule?
Yes! We provide a “Low-Ink” Printable 2026 Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule in PDF format. It is designed to be high-contrast and printer-friendly, making it the perfect resource to keep on your desk or fridge as you track the team’s progress toward Week 1.
Where can I find the Carolina Panthers regular season schedule?
You can find the full, 18-week 2026 Carolina Panthers Regular Season Schedule here, featuring all kickoff times, opponents, and broadcast partners in our signature printable format.
Frequently Asked Questions: Carolina Panthers 2026 Preseason
How many preseason games do the Carolina Panthers play in 2026?
The Carolina Panthers play 4 preseason games in 2026, including the Hall of Fame Game in Canton. Preseason results do not count toward the regular-season standings and are used to evaluate roster depth before Week 1.
Who do the Carolina Panthers play in the 2026 preseason?
The Carolina Panthers face the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game (Canton, Week 1), the Buffalo Bills on the road (Week 2), the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road (Week 3), and the Houston Texans at home (Week 4).
When does the 2026 NFL preseason take place?
The 2026 NFL preseason runs from early August through late August 2026, opening with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Exact kickoff dates and times for each Carolina Panthers game are confirmed by the NFL closer to the games.
Where can I download a printable Carolina Panthers 2026 preseason schedule?
A free printable Carolina Panthers 2026 preseason schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, listing all 4 matchups. For the full 18-week slate, see our printable 2026 Carolina Panthers regular-season schedule.
