The Jacksonville Jaguars will open the regular season Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., and quarterback Trevor Lawrence said the team is ready to begin Week 1 after the buildup to the regular season. “It just feels good to be in Week 1,” Lawrence said.
The Jaguars finished the 2025 season 13-4 and won the AFC South, while the Cleveland Browns finished 5-12. The Jaguars enter the opener after focusing on joint practices to prepare experienced players and preseason games to evaluate younger players. “You have something to game plan for now,” Lawrence said.
Jacksonville Jaguars seek a fast start
The Jaguars started the 2025 season 4-3 and then moved to 5-4 before winning their final eight games. They won their 2025 regular-season opener 26-10 against the Carolina Panthers. A victory Sunday would give Jacksonville back-to-back 1-0 starts for the first time since 2018-2019.
“We would like to get off to a fast start for sure,” wide receiver Jakobi Meyers said. The Jaguars will also use the opener to begin establishing their identity for the 2026 season. Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen said, “We’ll find out Week 1.”
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars players ready for Week 1
Lawrence said the regular season brings a clearer direction after training camp and preseason preparation. Parker Washington said the Jaguars are confident after putting in significant work during joint practices. “We’re confident. We put a lot of time in,” Washington said.
Meyers added, “We’re all excited” and “We’re ready to go.” Lawrence also said, “It couldn’t be more real,” as the Jaguars prepared for their first regular-season game against Cleveland. The opener will provide the first opportunity for the team to measure its preparation in a game that counts.
Parker Washington discusses contract situation
Washington said his representatives and the Jaguars remain in communication about his contract situation. Washington was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and became eligible for a contract extension during the 2026 offseason. He said his focus is staying ready and doing his job for the team.
“To me, my job is to come out here and stay ready to go, just do my job, be the best receiver I can be and make plays for the team,” Washington said. “If we get it done, that’s cool. If not, I’m going to go out Sunday and leave my best out there.”
Source: Original report