Feb. 10, 2026, 1:30 p.m. ET

Although the 2025 NFL campaign officially ended on Sunday night, with the Seattle Seahawks‘ dominant win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the Carolina Panthers have been out of business for about a month now. So, yeah, we’re already getting antsy about the start of next season.

But how is the outlook already unfolding?

Here is where the Panthers stand across the early power rankings heading into 2026 . . .

NFL Media

Rank: 16

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

Author: Eric Edholm

Take: There’s plenty to be encouraged by after the Panthers caught up to the Buccaneers (even with the Week 18 loss) and outlasted them for the NFC South crown. That Carolina held its own twice against the Rams late in the season can’t be overlooked, but neither can the team’s losing record nor the fact that it scored 17 or fewer points in 10 regular-season games. The playoff injury to LT Ikem Ekwonu is a worry, they still haven’t received enough from former first-round WR Xavier Legette and there are some free agents that could affect the team’s run game. The defensive worries are plentiful too: a sagging pass rush, not enough coverage flexibility on the back end and so-so tackling. The Panthers have the opportunity to lock up Bryce Young long term, but has he done enough to warrant such a deal?

ESPN

Rank: 22

Author: David Newton

Take: With no coaching search for the second straight offseason, the Panthers can now focus on adding much-needed depth instead of rebuilding. General manager Dan Morgan said he already has over 600 names on his draft board, and Carolina is no longer hindered in the draft by its trade up to take quarterback Bryce Young in 2023. Morgan also strongly believes ability and hope will attract top free agents. In 2025, the Panthers won their first NFC South title since 2015 and made their first playoff appearance since 2017.

The Athletic

Rank: 13

Author: Josh Kendall and Chad Graff

Take: The Panthers backed into the playoffs as NFC South champions despite a losing record, but they gave the Rams a fight in the first round before falling 34-31. Carolina has as much momentum as any team in its moribund division and has the added boost of knowing Luke Kuechly is set to become the second-youngest Hall of Famer ever.

Bleacher Report

Rank: 14

Author: Maurice Moton

Take: The Carolina Panthers made significant progress between head coach Dave Canales’ first two campaigns, and they picked up quarterback Bryce Young’s fifth-year option after his best season. The Panthers are headed in the right direction. 

The Young-Tetairoa McMillan connection will grow, but Carolina needs a running back as Rico Dowdle prepares for free agency and more playmakers on the defensive side of the ball to stay atop the NFC South.

FOX Sports

Rank: 24

Author: Ralph Vacchiano

Take: There’s no doubt QB Bryce Young made progress last year, but it wasn’t a lot and not nearly enough to get the Panthers above mediocrity. The odds seem to be against a necessary big leap in Year 4.

Sporting News

Rank: 26

Author: Vinnie Iyer

Take: The Panthers were able to sneak into the playoffs and had plenty of optimism with Bryce Young under Dave Canales, but everything points to this division being topsy-turvy again.

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