Feb. 8, 2026, 10:30 p.m. ET

Sunday’s matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks marked the 10th straight Super Bowl that the Carolina Panthers were not a part of. Their last visit there, of course, came back during the 2015 season—when the world was a pretty different place.

The pacific northwest didn’t have a playoff baseball team nor an NHL franchise, the most famous Maye from North Carolina was Luke and Bad Bunny was still bagging groceries.

But maybe, after clinching their first NFC South title since that magical campaign, the Panthers can return to the big game next year.

If Carolina wants to make that a reality, here are five things that must happen in 2026 . . .

Bryce Young takes another step forward

To his credit, Young had his best pro campaign to date in 2025—chalking up career-highs in completion percentage (63.6), passing yards (3,011), passing touchdowns (23) and passer rating (87.8). He even cemented a few signature performances for himself, breaking the single-game franchise record for passing yards in Week 11 and leading a near-upset of the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling wild-card round bout last month.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

But for Young to take the next step in his development, and become a quarterback the organization can rely upon into postseason play, he’ll have to be more consistent.

The former No. 1 overall pick threw for fewer than 200 yards in 12 of his 16 starts this season. He also amassed a passer rating of at least 90.0 in just half of those outings.

While he could get some help from head coach Dave Canales, who may need to open the offense a bit more, Young has to continue his ascension to solidify himself as a trustworthy franchise passer.

A home-run hitter emerges on offense

Young can also benefit from having a real big-play merchant at his disposal.

Carolina tried to get one in 2024, when they traded up into the first round of the draft to select University of South Carolina wideout Xavier Legette. Legette, however, has yet to find his footing in the pros—thanks, in part, to persistent struggles with drops and spacial awareness.

Although the Panthers seemingly knocked their next first-rounder out of the park with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and dug out a gem in 2024 undrafted free-agent signee Jalen Coker, the offense still lacks a pass catcher who specializes in chunk plays. Whether it’s paying up in the open market for an Alec Pierce or using yet another piece of draft capital on the position, the front office has to add a weapon that can take the top off of defenses and/or wreak havoc after the catch.

The blindside is bandaged

Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was lost to a torn patellar tendon on the second offensive series of that playoff loss to Los Angeles. And the question has since remained—how long will he be lost for?

Given the seriousness of this knee injury, the Panthers may have to operate as if Ekwonu won’t be available to them in 2026. But even if that’s an overestimate, they’ll have to find some sort of solution at one of the most important positions in the game.

The in-house answer would be to line up Yosh Nijman in Ekwonu’s place. Carolina, however, would have to first re-sign the solid swing tackle—since he’s slated for free agency.

General manager Dan Morgan may even look for an offensive tackle early on in the 2026 draft, a prospect that was considered in 2025.

Pass rush comes to life

There hasn’t been much rush to Carolina’s pass rush.

In 2024, they were tied for the third-fewest sacks (32) while mustering up the lowest pressure rate (16.2 percent). 2025 wasn’t much different, as they again tied for the third-fewest sacks (30) with the second-lowest pressure rate (16.5 percent).

Luckily, second-round pick Nic Scourton shined throughout much of his rookie campaign—where he tied for the team lead in sacks (5.0). Third-rounder Princely Umanmielen also exhibited some promise in spurts.

But this defense, which allowed opposing offenses to convert on the third-highest rate of their third-down tries (45.7 percent), absolutely needs to bring more heat.

Middle of the defense is fortified

The only other position with a more worrisome outlook than outside linebacker is inside linebacker.

2025’s starters are no sure things for 2026. Christian Rozeboom will be a free agent and 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace, who’s had both of his pro campaigns end with shoulder injuries, has yet to break out.

Between the last two seasons, injuries and a lack of depth have forced the Panthers to also start players who are better suited for special teams. Fair play to the likes of Chandler Wooten, Jacoby Windmon, Claudin Cherelus and Krys Barnes fpr stepping up when Carolina needed them, but championship-level defenses must have surer presences on the second level.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.