The Buccaneers head into the 2026 preseason with a lot to sort out, and the schedule starts fast. Tampa Bay opens on the road against the Jets on Friday, Aug. 14, then comes home for games against the Chiefs and Jaguars as it tries to get ready for a season shaped by major roster questions and a fresh push in the NFC South.
The biggest storyline remains Baker Mayfield. The quarterback played through severe knee, shoulder, and arm injuries in 2025, and he is now seeking a new contract that the team seemingly won't deliver before the season begins.
Tampa Bay also has to navigate the status of defensive tackle Vita Vea, who is reportedly looking for a new deal or a trade. On top of that, long-time receiver Mike Evans is gone after leaving in free agency for the 49ers.
Even with those changes, the Buccaneers still have enough firepower to chase the division again after losing the NFC South to the Panthers last season. Mayfield and second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka are expected to carry the offense, while Calijah Kancey will be the focal point up front on defense.
Kancey could be joined by Vea, with rookies Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter also in the mix. Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone arrived from the Lions as another notable addition.
For fans looking to follow the preseason, all three games will air locally on NBC affiliate WFLA. The opener at the Jets will also be shown nationally on NFL Network. Every Buccaneers preseason game in 2026 can also be streamed live on fubo.
Here’s the full preseason slate:
Friday, Aug. 14: at Jets, 7 p.m. - WFLA, NFL Network, fubo
Saturday, Aug. 22: vs.
Chiefs, 7:30 p.m. - WFLA, fubo
Friday, Aug. 28: at Jaguars, 7:30 p.m. - WFLA, fubo
Tampa Bay’s regular season also features a long list of nationally televised windows, beginning with a Week 1 trip to the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. on Fox. The Buccaneers’ full 2026 regular-season schedule runs through a Week 18 date at the Saints, with several games still listed as TBD.
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