Jacksonville prepares for an NFC South gauntlet as kickoff times are finalized for August matchups featuring high-stakes reunions with former stars Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd.
With the offseason in full gear for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL released the specifics for their preseason schedule.
Back in late May, it was announced Jacksonville would face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers in preseason, taking on each representative from the NFC South.
But, now, the official times have been released, with the Jaguars' first matchup scheduled for 4:00 p.m. against the Saints on Saturday, August 15.
The Jaguars are 3-5 against New Orleans all time, taking home a 31-24 win in the two squads' last meeting in 2023.
Longtime Jaguars running back Travis Etienne scored two touchdowns, adding over 75 total yards.
On August 15, however, Etienne will begin his New Orleans tenure against his longtime team and college quarterback, having joined the Saints in free agency.
Following their opening matchup, the Jaguars will host the reigning NFC South winning Panthers on Friday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Last season, Jacksonville picked up a win against Carolina, triumphing 26-10.
Etienne once again shined, rushing for 143 yards. But, it was second-year wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. who ran for a touchdown, scoring on a nine-yard scamper.
Jaguars kicker Cam Little added four field goals to help Jacksonville get the win, adding to his impressive season.
Like Etienne, the Panthers also nabbed a big-time talent from Jacksonville, signing Devin Lloyd in free agency.
Lloyd was the only skill player for the Jags voted a 2025 All-Pro (second team), rcording 81 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, seven passes deflections, six tackles for loss, five interceptions, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Jacksonville will close out its preseason slate with another home game against the Bucs, kicking off on Friday, August 28.
The Jaguars have lost their last three games against Tampa Bay, most recently falling 30-12 in 2023.
Tampa jumped out to a 30-0 lead, forcing multiple interceptions from Lawrence, and stalling out the Jaguars' defense.
New San Francisco 49ers lead receiver Mike Evans dominated the Jacksonville secondary, hauling in 7-of-9 targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Last offseason, the Jaguars failed to win a game, posting an 0-2-1 record in three preseason games.
While these early struggles clearly had little impact on Jacksonville's regular season success, coming out of the gates firing in preseason would give new faces confidence and experience.
For Jacksonville coaches and players, the message has been attacking each part of the offseason with intent - including preseason showdowns.
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