Mark your calendars, Panthers fans—the NFL has officially confirmed when the 2026 regular-season schedule will drop. The league announced that the full slate of games will be released on Thursday, May 14, giving Carolina supporters plenty of time to plan their game-day gear and tailgate menus.

For the Carolina Panthers, this schedule release carries extra weight. Fresh off capturing the NFC South title, the Panthers will be playing a first-place schedule for the first time since 2015. That means tougher opponents and potentially more prime-time matchups. In 2025, Carolina had just one prime-time game—a Monday night loss to Christian McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers (20-9). With the division crown in hand, expect the league to give them a bigger spotlight in 2026.

The Panthers are also hungry to snap a long drought: they haven't posted a winning season since 2017. With a young core and a division title under their belt, this schedule release could be the first step toward proving they're back for good.

Whether you're stocking up on new Panthers jerseys or planning watch parties, May 14 is the date to circle. Stay tuned for the full breakdown of opponents, kickoff times, and prime-time games—and get ready to rep your team in style all season long.