The countdown to one of the NFL's most anticipated offseason traditions is officially on. The 2026 NFL schedule release is just around the corner, and while it might seem like just a list of dates, this annual event has become a highlight of the spring calendar. From creative team hype videos to weeks of analysis and debate, the schedule drop sets the stage for the journey to Super Bowl LXI.

Here's what we know so far. The NFL has not yet announced a specific date for the 2026 schedule release, but history points to mid-May. The league has targeted that window for the last five or six years, so expect something around the week of May 11. However, Mike North, the NFL's Vice President of Broadcast Planning, recently hinted on the "It's Always Game Day in Buffalo" podcast that the date could slide slightly later, saying there's no magic in May 12, 13, or 14, and that May 19, 20, or 21 could also work.

One thing we do know: the defending Super Bowl champions will kick off the season. But this year, there's a twist. The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, will open the season on Wednesday, September 9, at Lumen Field. That's right—the traditional Thursday night opener is moving up a day. Their opponent hasn't been announced yet, but we have some strong guesses based on the league's scheduling formula.

International games are also making a bigger splash than ever. The NFL will feature a record nine international contests in 2026, and the dates for two of them are already locked in. As more details emerge, fans can start planning their football-filled travel calendars.

Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to book a trip to a road game or just eager to see your team's prime-time matchups, the 2026 schedule release promises plenty of excitement. Stay tuned—the road to Super Bowl LXI is about to get a whole lot clearer.