Preview of the Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Jaguars 2026 season
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 05: Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers applying pressure during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive Reboot Headlines Camp
As Todd Bowles enters his fifth training camp as head coach, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are again leaning into a defense-first identity, with a heavy emphasis on getting more disruptive up front. The biggest addition is first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr., whom Tampa Bay selected 15th overall in April to bolster an edge rush that needs more consistent pressure. He joins veterans such as A’Shawn Robinson and rotational rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad as the Bucs try to sharpen a front seven built to complement Bowles’ aggressive scheme.
On offense, Baker Mayfield remains the focal point of a group trying to sustain balance and big-play efficiency, and Tampa Bay’s 2026 camp begins July 29, with the first practice open to fans on July 30. The Bucs also have a notable August joint practice against the New York Jets, giving Bowles a chance to test a defense that is expected to carry a sizable share of the load in the NFC South race.
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley Starts Over on Defense
In Miami, the biggest change is the arrival of head coach Jeff Hafley, who opens his first Dolphins camp after replacing Mike McDaniel and bringing in a new defensive staff led by coordinator Sean Duggan. The Dolphins’ new-look defense includes first-round corner Chris Johnson out of San Diego State, while Jordyn Brooks anchors the linebacker group and Chop Robinson is positioned as a key edge rusher in a scheme that is still being installed.
The Dolphins have also reshaped their offensive outlook, with some 2026 camp previews identifying Malik Willis as the new quarterback, making the transition to Hafley even more of a total reset than a simple coaching change. Miami’s challenge in camp is less about talent than speed of assimilation, especially with a new system on defense and a reworked roster around.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter at the Center of Everything
Jacksonville’s 2026 camp is defined by the return and usage of Travis Hunter, who is expected to resume two-way work after a 2025 knee injury and remain the Jaguars’ most unique matchup problem. The Jaguars do not have a first-round pick because of the Hunter trade, so the focus at Miller Electric Center is on integrating returning talent and defining roles, including how Hunter’s snaps are split between receiver and corner.
Up front, Wyatt Milum is part of a young offensive-line mix, but the larger storyline is competition and cohesion rather than one single breakout name. The Jaguars’ 2026 camp officially starts July 29, and their open-practice slate includes joint workouts with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers later in August.
