If you were hoping to see Baker Mayfield and the Krewe taking the field this weekend, I’ve got some tough news. The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror. After a wild Week 18 that felt more like a soap opera than a football Sunday, the team is heading into an early vacation. It's honestly a bit of a gut punch considering how hot they started, but the reality is set in stone.
So, when do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play again? Well, for a meaningful game that actually counts toward the standings, you’re looking at September 2026.
The NFL won't release the exact dates and kickoff times for the 2026 regular season until May, but we already know exactly who they’re playing and where. Because the Bucs finished second in the NFC South this year—losing a tiebreaker to the Carolina Panthers—their 2026 schedule looks a little different than it would have if they’d snagged that fifth straight division title.
The 8-9 Heartbreak and the Missing Playoffs
Let’s talk about why the schedule ended so abruptly. Honestly, it was a collapse. After starting the season 6-2 and looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the Bucs went 2-7 after their bye week. They did their part in the final game by beating the Panthers 16-14 on January 3rd, but they needed the Saints to beat the Falcons the next day.
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They didn't.
The Falcons won 19-17, creating a three-way tie at 8-9. Because of the way the NFL calculates head-to-head records in a three-way tie, Carolina walked away with the crown. Tampa Bay was left on the outside looking in for the first time since 2019. It basically ended the streak of playoff appearances and has everyone in Tampa questioning if Todd Bowles is the guy to lead the team next year.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since they aren't playing this January, fans are already pivoting to the 2026 slate. Because the NFC hosts the 17th game this upcoming year, the Bucs get nine home games at Raymond James Stadium.
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Home Games at Raymond James Stadium
The home schedule is actually pretty spicy. You’ve got the usual divisional suspects, but some heavy hitters are coming to town too.
- Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers: The usual NFC South grudge matches.
- Green Bay Packers & Minnesota Vikings: Part of the NFC North rotation.
- Los Angeles Rams & Los Angeles Chargers: Both LA teams are flying East.
- Cleveland Browns & Pittsburgh Steelers: The AFC North matchups.
On the Road
Traveling is going to be tough. A trip to Dallas is always a circus, and playing in Detroit against a rowdy Lions crowd is never fun.
- Atlanta, New Orleans, and Carolina: The away leg of the division.
- Chicago Bears & Detroit Lions: The road half of the NFC North games.
- Dallas Cowboys: This is the "second-place" matchup from the NFC East.
- Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals: Two very hostile AFC North environments.
Important Dates to Circle
Just because there aren't games doesn't mean the team is "off." The front office is basically in a war room right now. If you want to follow the team's progress before the 2026 kickoff, keep these dates on your radar:
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- February 1, 2026: The Pro Bowl Games. It’s mostly just flag football and skills competitions now, but a few Bucs might show up.
- February 23 – March 2, 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine in Indy. This is where the draft strategy really takes shape.
- March 11, 2026: The new league year begins. This is when free agency officially kicks off. Expect some moves here, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
- April 23–25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Tampa Bay will be picking much higher than they’re used to.
- August 2026: Preseason begins. This will be the first time we see the 2026 squad in action.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters
By finishing second, the Bucs dodged a "first-place schedule." That sounds good on paper because they won't have to play the first-place teams like the Eagles or 49ers by default. Instead, they get the Cowboys and the Rams. Is that easier? Sorta. Maybe. But in the NFL, "easy" usually lasts about two weeks before someone gets injured or a backup QB turns into a superstar.
The biggest question mark is the coaching staff. With the season ending the way it did, the team that takes the field in September might look very different. There’s a lot of talk about whether the offensive scheme needs a total overhaul or if the defensive secondary just needs more speed.
Actionable Next Steps for Bucs Fans
Since there's no game to watch this Sunday, here is how you can stay engaged with the team's future:
- Track the Coaching Carousel: Watch the local Tampa media for news on Todd Bowles and the coordinator positions. The next few weeks are critical for staff changes.
- Review the Draft Order: Since the season is over, the Bucs’ draft slot is locked in. Start looking at mock drafts for top offensive linemen or edge rushers.
- Check Ticket Renewals: If you're a season ticket holder, the nine-home-game schedule for 2026 means your invoice might look a little different this year due to the extra game at Ray Jay.
The wait for the next kickoff is long, but the road to 2026 has already started. We'll see you in the parking lot for the first preseason tailgate in August.