If you're refreshing your feed wondering what's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers score right now, the short answer is that the season is actually over. The Bucs finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
It was a weird one. Honestly, it was a game that summarized the entire messy, frustrating season in a neat sixty-minute package. Tampa Bay fans spent the afternoon in a rain-soaked Raymond James Stadium watching a team that looked like world-beaters in September struggle to put away a division rival in January.
The score stayed stuck at 16-14 for what felt like an eternity.
The Last Game: Breaking Down the 16-14 Finish
The game started with so much promise. Baker Mayfield looked sharp early on, orchestrating an 11-play opening drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Cade Otton. By the end of the first quarter, the Buccaneers were up 10-0. It looked like a blowout was brewing.
Then the rain started coming down harder.
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The offense stalled. Chase McLaughlin, who has basically been the team’s MVP at times this year, knocked through three field goals (29, 36, and 48 yards) to keep the lead alive. But the Buccaneers couldn't find the end zone again.
Key Stats from the Season Finale:
- Baker Mayfield: 198 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Bucky Irving: 140 rushing yards (a massive bright spot for the future).
- Total Yards: Tampa Bay outgained Carolina 338 to 285.
- Turnovers: Both teams gave it away twice.
Carolina made a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. Bryce Young hit Tommy Tremble for a score, and suddenly the Bucs were clinging to a two-point lead. The game literally ended on a wild multi-lateral play where Benjamin Morrison forced a fumble to secure the win.
Why the Score Didn't Save Their Season
Even though the final Tampa Bay Buccaneers score was a win, it was a hollow one. The Bucs finished the year at 8-9.
Football is a game of "what ifs," and Tampa Bay is drowning in them right now. They started the season 5-1. They looked like a lock for the NFC South title. Then the wheels didn't just come off; they disintegrated. They went 1-7 over their next eight games.
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The math for the playoffs was brutal. Because the Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 19-17 the following day, the Panthers actually won the division via tiebreakers despite losing to Tampa Bay in the final game.
It's the first time since 2019 that the Bucs won't be playing postseason football.
What's Next for the Bucs?
The scoreboards are dark now, but the front office is working overtime. Within 48 hours of the season ending, Todd Bowles started swinging the axe. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard was fired, along with four other assistants.
The search for a new OC is the biggest story in Tampa right now. Names like Brian Daboll are being tossed around—mostly because the Bucs have a history of being a "rehab" spot for coaches who were recently fired from head coaching gigs.
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You've got a roster with elite talent like Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr., but the execution just hasn't been there.
The 2026 Schedule Outlook
Since they finished second in the NFC South, their 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape. They won't have to play a "first-place" schedule anymore.
- Home games against the Chargers and Rams.
- A road trip to Dallas to face the Cowboys.
- The usual gauntlet of the NFC South.
The reality is that 8-9 isn't good enough in this league. Not when you start 5-1. Not when you have the talent they do.
If you are looking for more than just a score, you should keep a close eye on the upcoming NFL Draft. The Bucs are sitting in a position where they need to find more explosive playmakers to help Baker Mayfield, who often looked like he was trying to do way too much with very little help in the second half of the year.
While the season is done, the moves made in the next three months will determine if the next time you ask for the score, it’s during a playoff game.
Actionable Insights for Bucs Fans:
- Track the OC Search: The hire of a new offensive coordinator will tell you everything about whether the Bucs are sticking with Baker Mayfield long-term or looking for a different direction.
- Monitor the Salary Cap: Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. are the cornerstones; see how the team structures their contracts to allow for more free-agent help in the secondary.
- Draft Position: Keep an eye on the mid-first-round prospects, specifically at edge rusher and wide receiver, as those are the glaring holes that led to the mid-season collapse.