Finally, football has returned. The Carolina Panthers hit the road to the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, for the first exhibition game of the 2026 NFL preseason Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET. They’ll be taking on the Arizona Cardinals, who have a new head coach, and will surely be looking to make a strong first impression.
As for the Panthers, there’s plenty to be excited about as they look to defend their NFC South division crown. While this game won’t count in the standings, a strong showing from some individuals could lay the groundwork to earn a roster spot.
What are some wacky outcomes that could take place on Thursday night? Here’s a quick look at four bold Panthers predictions for the Hall of Fame Game.
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Kenny Pickett Impresses with 2 TD
4Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett throws with Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King (16) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
While they still haven’t signed him to an extension to play past the 2027 season, the Panthers believe they have their franchise quarterback with Bryce Young. Yet, they also understand the value of having a good backup QB.
Kenny Pickett is one who hasn’t lived up to his potential as a former first-round pick, and he’s still looking to prove himself. He’s getting a chance to start, and the only other QB the Panthers have on the roster is undrafted rookie Haynes King. Given a chance to see an extended amount of playing time, Pickett could impress with a two-touchdown night.
Xavier Legette Scores a Receiving Touchdown
4Aug 4, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) runs after the catch during training camp at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Despite spending a first-round pick on Xavier Legette in the 2024 NFL Draft, he hasn’t played like a Day 1 selection. Tetairoa McMillan is the clear WR1. Yet, Legette has fallen behind Jalen Coker, an undrafted player from Legette’s draft class. Running the risk of falling to WR3, or WR4, or even off the roster altogether, Legette needs to maintain the momentum he’s built in training camp to get back on track in Carolina. Catching a touchdown pass could help point his arrow back in the right direction.
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Isaiah Simmons Forces a Fumble
4Jun 9, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Isaiah Simmons (27) runs back to the line during the first day of mini camp at Bank of America Stadium practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Even though he was the eighth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Isaiah Simmons hasn’t played like it. He’s now on the third team and has even changed positions from safety to linebacker in his career. Simmons was limited to just five games last season, yet now he’s once again fighting for a roster spot. Given a chance to establish a role on special teams, Simmons may just be able to make the team if he can force a fumble in Game 1.
Princely Umanmielen Records a Sack
4Jul 31, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Princely Umanmielen (3) during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Panthers have invested a lot into their defensive front in the past few years. That includes selecting Princely Umanmielen in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Now given a bigger opportunity after Nic Scourton’s ACL tear, the second-year pro still has to earn his workload. Just 24 years old, it’s time for Umanmielen to show he’s made a big leap over the offseason. Recording a sack right away would certainly excite the fanbase in Carolina.
Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports … More about Andrew Buller-Russ