Summer’s marquee events are in the books, the World Cup and Wimbledon have crowned their champions, and the sports calendar is pivoting hard to football. In this season-preview episode we break down the three storylines defining the next six weeks: NFL training camps opening around the league, the countdown to college football kickoff, and the fantasy draft season about to consume everyone’s group chats. We cover the dates that matter, how to actually prep, and the free printables that make it easy.

In This Episode

Segment 1: NFL training camps are open

Camps are the unofficial start of the season, deciding position battles, rookie reps, and the depth-chart picture that shapes Week 1. We hit the storylines worth watching this cycle and why fantasy managers should keep one eye on the injury reports. Find your team’s report date and location with the 2026 NFL training camp schedule.

Segment 2: College football kickoff countdown

The best month in sports is almost here. We talk Week 0 and Week 1 timing, the realignment reminder, and how the 12-team College Football Playoff keeps more programs alive deeper into the season. Print and mark up the 2026 college football schedule to map your Saturdays.

Segment 3: Fantasy draft season

This is the six-week window where leagues are won. We cover PPR versus standard, draft-night strategy (do not reach on a quarterback early, find running-back value in the middle rounds, save handcuffs and sleepers for late), and why a printed board beats staring at an app. Get the free 2026 Fantasy Football PPR cheat sheet before draft night.

Lightning round: also on the calendar

The Little League World Series kicks off around August 20, the WNBA is into its playoff push, and MLB is barreling toward the September race with the trade deadline reshaping contenders. The schedule never really slows down, it just changes sports.

Free Printables and Schedules

• 2026 Fantasy Football PPR Cheat Sheet
• 2026 NFL Training Camp Schedule
• 2026 College Football Schedule
• 2026 NFL Printable Schedules, All 32 Teams

Will Lewis Editor, Author

Will Lewis has covered sports for over 18 years, specializing in bracketology, tournament predictions, and in-depth analysis across college hoops, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. March Madness is his favorite season, fueling his quest for perfect brackets before diving into pro playoffs. A lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, Bengals supporter since the Joe Montana era, and now a Padres devotee, Will delivers reliable, fan-first insights at Sports Brackets. Connect on X or comment. He loves talking brackets and more.

See Full Bio

NFL NHL MLB College Football College Basketball NBA Golf Soccer