The Carolina Panthers are preparing to open their 2025 NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking the first time since 2015 that the team will start its campaign in Jacksonville. The all-time series between these two expansion franchises is currently tied, with their most recent meeting taking place in 2023.
Head coach Dave Canales spoke about the upcoming challenge on Monday, expressing respect for his counterpart and anticipation for the matchup. “Excited about the challenge of the Jags,” Canales said Monday. “(Head coach) Liam Coen, a guy that I really respect and a bunch of talent that they’ve assembled there, so, a lot of excitement in both buildings. Just really looking forward to these opportunities to become us, to find the successes and find the challenges and to learn, to grow so really excited about this week.”
Jacksonville’s plans for rookie Travis Hunter have drawn attention ahead of Sunday’s game. Selected second overall in April’s draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Colorado, Hunter is expected to contribute on both offense and defense—a continuation of his college role. The Jaguars have managed his practice workload carefully throughout offseason activities and training camp, aiming to maximize his readiness for playing extensive snaps on both sides of the ball. Head coach Liam Coen noted that Hunter has spent more time learning offensive schemes due to their complexity but will see usage determined by specific matchups during games.
Another focus for Jacksonville is quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s development under new head coach Liam Coen. Lawrence enters his fourth season with a starting record of 22-38 and ranked near the bottom among qualifying quarterbacks last year in completion percentage over expectation. However, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., now entering his second year after recording 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie—numbers which placed him third in league receiving yards—offers optimism for an improved offense.
On defense, Jacksonville features edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Despite ranking near the bottom of the league as a team in total sacks last season (34), Walker finished tied for 12th with 10.5 sacks while Hines-Allen was tied for 27th with eight sacks individually. In their previous meeting against Carolina in Week 17 last season, they combined for five sacks on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
The Panthers will begin practice this week as they prepare for Sunday’s opener.
