You’ve been there. It’s a random Sunday in the off-season, and you’re already itching for that first "Fire the Cannons" blast at Raymond James Stadium. We all know the feeling. The 2025 season just wrapped up with a 16-14 win over the Panthers on January 3, and honestly, the 8-9 finish left a lot of us wondering what's next for Baker Mayfield and the crew.
If you are asking when does the buccaneers play next, you have to look toward the 2026 horizon. The pads don't go back on for real for a while. We are currently in that weird limbo where the Super Bowl hasn't even happened yet—Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium—but the Bucs are already home.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
Right now, the team is in "clean out the locker room" mode. Because the regular season ended on January 3, 2026, the players are officially on break. But for the front office, the clock is ticking.
The NFL operates on a very specific cycle. If you're looking for a specific kickoff time right now, you won't find one. The NFL schedule for the 2026 season typically doesn't drop until mid-May. Last year, the 2025 schedule was released on May 14. Expect a similar date this year.
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Before we get to the actual games, we have the "scouting" season. The East-West Shrine Bowl is happening on January 27, followed by the Senior Bowl on January 31. This is where the Bucs start looking for the next Rachaad White or Calijah Kancey. Then comes the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis from February 23 to March 2.
When do the games actually start?
Training camp usually kicks off in late July. That’s when you’ll see the first glimpse of the 2026 roster in action. Preseason games typically follow in mid-August. If you’re planning a trip to Tampa, those August Saturday nights are your first real chance to see the team.
The 2026 regular season will likely begin on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The Bucs, however, usually play their first game that Sunday, which would be September 13.
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Who Will the Bucs Face in 2026?
We don’t have the dates yet, but we do know the opponents. The NFL uses a rotating formula, so it’s not a mystery. You can basically bank on seeing the usual NFC South rivals twice: the Falcons, the Saints, and the Panthers.
Outside of the division, the NFC South is slated to play the NFC North and the AFC West in 2026. This means the Buccaneers will be facing some heavy hitters. Imagine Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs coming to the Ray Jay. Or a cold-weather trip to Lambeau Field to face the Packers.
The "17th game" is also a thing. That’s an interconference matchup based on where the teams finished in the standings the previous year. Since the Bucs finished second in the NFC South this year, they’ll play the second-place team from a specific AFC division.
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Key Dates to Circle on Your Calendar
If you're trying to track when does the buccaneers play or just want to stay in the loop, keep these milestones in mind:
- March 11, 2026: Free agency begins. This is when the roster starts to take shape.
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. This is huge for the future of the franchise.
- Mid-May 2026: The official schedule release. This is when we get the actual dates and times.
- July 2026: Training camp opens.
- September 2026: The regular season kicks off.
Why the Schedule Matters More Than You Think
NFL schedules aren't just about dates; they're about momentum. Last year, the Bucs started hot but hit a rough patch in November, losing four straight to the Patriots, Bills, Rams, and Saints. That stretch basically defined their season.
When the 2026 schedule drops, look at the bye week. A late bye week is usually better for a team’s health, while an early one can leave players gassed by December. Also, check for "bridge" games—those short weeks where they play a Sunday followed by a Thursday Night Football game. Those are brutal on the bodies of the linemen.
Actionable Steps for Bucs Fans
- Sync your calendar: Once the schedule drops in May, most team apps offer a "Sync to Calendar" feature. Do it immediately so you don't double-book a wedding on a gameday.
- Book travel early: If the Bucs are playing in a destination city like Las Vegas or Denver, flights and hotels spike the minute the schedule is announced. Be ready to click "buy" in May.
- Watch the draft: The players selected in April are the ones who will be making the plays you cheer for in September.
- Check the secondary market: Ticket prices fluctuate. If the Bucs are playing a high-profile team like the Cowboys or Chiefs, tickets will be at a premium early on. Sometimes waiting until a week before the game can save you 20%, but it’s a gamble.
The off-season feels like forever. It sort of is. But before you know it, we'll be back in the humidity of August, watching the pewter and red take the field again.