NFL schedule release date 2026: When to expect an announcement, strength of schedule & more

NFL schedule release date 2026: When to expect an announcement, strength of schedule & more originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The start of the NFL season is still months away, but the anticipation is in full swing.

Between the NFL Draft and the upcoming schedule release, there is a lot for NFL fans to look forward to. For those wondering about the schedule for their favorite team, some patience is required. However, the opponents and locations have been revealed.

While fans won't know which teams are playing on what dates, each team's opponents are already determined based on last season's standings and a rotating list of opponents. Here's everything to know about release dates and the strength of schedule entering 2026. MORE: NFL Draft 2026 dates, start time, pick order, TV channels, mock drafts NFL schedule release 2026 There is no exact date as of now when the schedule will be released.

Last year, the release date, May 14, was announced during the first round of the NFL Draft. ESPN's Laura Rutledge teamed up with NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe for the announcement. With the schedule typically releasing in mid-May, the expectation is that this year's date won't change much from last year.