Jacksonville Jaguars rewind: Jags beat Panthers, storm delay in Travis Hunter's NFL debut

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Jacksonville Jaguars rewind: Jags beat Panthers, storm delay in Travis Hunter's NFL debut

Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union · The Florida Times-Union

Sun, Sep 7, 2025 ·

18 min read

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(This story has been updated to add new information and to add a photo or video.)

The 2025 NFL season has arrived for the Jacksonville Jaguars . The Jags kick off their new season at EverBank Stadium against the Carolina Panthers , the team that like Jacksonville began NFL competition 30 years ago in 1995. Kickoff is 1 p.m.

The game marks the official debut for Heisman Trophy winner and first-round NFL Draft selection Travis Hunter , as well as the first game as head coach for Liam Coen. It's also the first time the Panthers have played in Jacksonville since the drink-tossing incident that led to a $300,000 fine for Carolina owner David Tepper at the end of 2023.

Follow along with the Week 1 updates from The Florida Times-Union.

Watch Jaguars vs. Panthers on Fubo (free trial)

Jaguars vs Panthers score updates

Jaguars fans react to season-opening victory against the Carolina Panthers

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the season in the win column after a 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. Here's how fans on social media are reacting to the win. --Juston Lewis

Jacksonville Jaguars take down Carolina Panthers 26-10: Here are our instant takeaways

It's the season of new beginnings for the Jacksonville Jaguars .

A fresh start brought to you by the braintrust trio of head coach Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone and EVP of football Tony Boselli.

A fresh start that resulted in a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers , 26-10. --Demetrius Harvey

Jaguars-Panthers report card: Defense shows more toughness, offense has big first half

See the report card on the Jacksonville Jaguars' 26-10 victory on Sept. 7 over the Carolina Panthers at EverBank Stadium. It was the Jaguars ' 31st opening day and included a delay of 1:16 in the second quarter because of lightning in the area . --Garry Smits

Jaguars Four Downs: Questions, answers from win over Carolina

Four questions and attempted answers from the Jaguars' 23-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

First down question : How were the Jaguars able to create two first-half turnovers after forcing only nine in 17 games last year? --Ryan O'Halloran

FINAL: Jaguars 26, Panthers 10

Jourdan Lewis dives one-handed to intercept Bryce Young for a third Jaguars takeaway, and this one's in the books. Liam Coen is officially 1-0 as Jaguars head coach and Jacksonville opens the new era in the win column at EverBank Stadium. --Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Cam Little boots another one

That's four field goals on the afternoon for Cam Little. The Jaguars' kicker boots another one and Jacksonville leads by 16 points inside the two-minute warning.

Jaguars 26, Panthers 10, 1:57 4th. --Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Panthers: Chuba Hubbard catches Bryce Young pass late

One pass after a defensive hold wiped out an Andrew Wingard pick-six, Carolina finally made it into the end zone. Bryce Young threw short and Chuba Hubbard took the ball 27 yards down the sideline for the score.

Jaguars 23, Panthers 10, 4:47 4th. --Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Cam Little adds another kick from 36

It's blowout time for the Jaguars, and this time they're on the winning side. Cam Little converts another field goal, this time from 36. They've outgained Carolina by a 2-to-1 margin (342 yards to 170) and they've limited the visitors to 60 yards passing so far.

Jaguars 23, Panthers 3, 7:09 4th. --Clayton Freeman

End of third quarter: Jaguars 20, Panthers 3

One quarter away for the Jags, who have left Bryce Young frustrated in this one. - -Clayton Freeman

Panthers interception: Jaycee Horn picks off Trevor Lawrence with one-handed grab

The first turnover from the Jaguars. Minutes after the Jags forced a turnover on downs inside the 5, Trevor Lawrence went deep for Travis Hunter but instead found the grasp of Panthers defensive back Jaycee Horn. Carolina takes over in Jacksonville territory after a one-handed interception. Jaguars 20, Panthers 3, 2:12 3rd. --Clayton Freeman

Second half kicks off: Jaguars lead Panthers 20-3

Carolina receives the second-half kickoff. The Jaguars lead by three scores in their 2025 season opener. - -Clayton Freeman

HALFTIME: Jaguars 20, Panthers 3

The Jags have outgained the visitors 262-122 and they've won the turnover battle 2-0. A good first half for Liam Coen and his team at the Bank. - -Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Cam Little adds to Jags' edge entering halftime

It's getting better for the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence made Carolina pay for the turnover, finding Dyami Brown with a strike over the middle at the six-second mark. That set up a 47-yard kick from Cam Little and the kicker was on target.

Jaguars 20, Panthers 3, :01 2nd. --Clayton Freeman

Fumble: Jaguars DB Jourdan Lewis recovers after Bryce Young miscue

Turnover, again: Bryce Young tries to scramble across midfield on third and long, but the Panthers QB runs directly into Foye Oluokun . The Jaguars linebacker jars the ball loose and Jourdan Lewis pounces on it. Oluokun is responsible for two takeaways already in one half.

Jaguars 17, Panthers 3, :48 2nd. - -Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr. scores end around after long Travis Etienne rush

It's a big play-fest for the Jaguars' offense. Travis Etienne started the ball rolling, a 71-yard burst down the left for the longest Jacksonville rush since Leonard Fournette 's 81-yard effort against Denver on Sept. 29, 2019. Then, Brian Thomas Jr. took an end around to the house from 9 yards out.

Jaguars 17, Panthers 3, 1:49 2nd. --Clayton Freeman

Jaguars and Panthers return to action after lightning delay

We're back to the action after a weather delay of one hour and 16 minutes. The Jaguars lead the Panthers 10-3 with 8:32 remaining in the second quarter. Jacksonville will kick off to resume the game. - -Clayton Freeman

Jaguars-Panthers game to resume at 3:10 p.m.

After a brief warmup period, the Jaguars and Panthers are set to return to action at 3:10 p.m. - -Clayton Freeman

All clear: Fans can return to Jaguars-Panthers game, awaiting restart time

EverBank Stadium has issued the all clear after the lightning delay. Still awaiting word on when teams will restart. The Jaguars lead the Panthers 10-3 with 8:32 left in the second quarter. - -Garry Smits

2:45 p.m.: Lightning delay continues for Panthers-Jaguars game

Play remains stopped at EverBank Stadium, with the Jaguars ahead 10-3 and 8:32 remaining in the second half. Under NFL rules, the game will not resume until 30 minutes pass without lightning in the area. --Clayton Freeman

Jaguars in weather delay: Game vs. Carolina Panthers halted in second quarter due to lightning

The Jacksonville Jaguars game against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 7 at EverBank Stadium was halted at 1:54 p.m., with 8:32 left in the second quarter, due to lightning in the area. Here's what we know, and what will happen next under NFL lightning rules . - -Garry Smits

Lightning Delay: Jaguars and Panthers in delay due to lightning in Jacksonville

The game is paused due to lightning in the area. Under NFL rules, the game will stop until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. The Jaguars lead Carolina 10-3, 8:32 2nd. - -Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Jaguars: Hunter Long catches Trevor Lawrence roll-out TD

That's the first TD of the Liam Coen era. A nice all-around drive, including carries from Travis Etienne and LeQuint Allen and a Travis Hunter catch. Then, Trevor Lawrence rolled out and connected with open tight end Hunter Long for the TD. A lot of Jaguars getting involved on O: Five different players with catches, and Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown aren't among them.

Jaguars 10, Panthers 3, 8:32 2nd. - -Clayton Freeman

Interception! Jaguars LB Foye Oluokun picks off Bryce Young

It's a Jaguars takeaway: Bryce Young's pass gets tipped by Eric Murray and the ball floats into the hands of diving Jacksonville linebacker Foye Oluokun. The pick holds up after replay review and the Jags will be taking over in prime field position at the 35. Jaguars 3, Panthers 3, 12:44 2nd. - -Clayton Freeman

End of first quarter: Jaguars 3, Panthers 3

All tied up through Liam Coen's first quarter at the Bank. - -Clayton Freeman

Field goal Panthers: Ryan Fitzgerald puts Carolina on board

A touchdown-saving recovery by Jaguars DB Jourdan Lewis, chasing back to knock down an underthrown potential TD pass after getting caught up in traffic. Still, the Panthers scored with a Ryan Fitzgerald field goal. Chuba Hubbard carried six times on a seven-minute Carolina drive.

Jaguars 3, Panthers 3, 0:36 1st. --Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Cam Little completes Jaguars drive with three points

Travis Hunter has two NFL catches, and now an NFL lead. The big plays on that drive were a Dyami Brown end around to convert fourth down in Liam Coen's first gamble with the Jaguars, and three receptions (47 yards) for tight end Brenton Strange . When the drive stalled out, hampered by penalties, Cam Little entered for a 35-yard field goal.

Jaguars 3, Panthers 0, 8:15 1st. --Clayton Freeman

Travis Hunter catches first NFL pass with Jaguars

There's the first one: Travis Hunter is officially an NFL receiver, grabbing a slant from Trevor Lawrence for a 10-yard gain. It's the Heisman Trophy winner's first reception in the league. The Jaguars are still driving with the score 0-0. --Clayton Freeman

Kickoff time: Jaguars receive the opening kick

The 2025 NFL season is underway and Travis Hunter is starting on offense. --Clayton Freeman

Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence: Contract, career-high, more info on No. 1 pick

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is in his fifth season in the NFL and is striving to turnaround Jacksonville's recent misfortunes.

Here's what to know about Lawrence. --Juston Lewis

Get to know Travis Hunter: Will Jacksonville Jaguars rookie play offense and defense?

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter is set to make his NFL debut.

The No. 2 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft will be featured on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars. It's something Hunter did in high school where he was rated the highest-ranked recruit in his class and in college where he was awarded the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner. Now, he'll slot into a Jaguars team that needed help at both positions. --Juston Lewis

Travis Hunter debuts brand new Anthony Edwards 1 cleats ahead of Jaguars rookie debut

As previewed in a commercial this week, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter debuted new cleats ahead of his first regular-season game. Here's what to know about the new gear. --Juston Lewis

Jaguars' Arik Armstead back at familiar defensive tackle position; now it's time to deliver

Arik Armstead's year-by-year games/games started (including playoffs) mirrored each other during his final seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers .

Last year, Armstead's first with the Jacksonville Jaguars , featured three sub-optimal changes. But this offseason, new coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile made the decision to shift Armstead back to tackle , a practical call. --Ryan O'Halloran

Jacksonville Jaguars' Liam Coen ready for 'unknowns' of being an NFL head coach

This is a season of firsts for the Jacksonville Jaguars .

It's the first time in more than a decade that the team has had a complete top-to-bottom refresh, ushering in new faces at head coach, general manager and a new-to-the-role face as the team's Executive Vice President of Football Personnel.

While Jaguars general manager James Gladstone and EVP Tony Boselli will be able to relax a bit Sunday — at least physically — Liam Coen 's responsibility on Sunday will come with a bit more attention . —Demetrius Harvey

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter star in Adidas commercial together

Jacksonville Jaguars players Trevor Lawrence and Travis Hunter got a jumpstart on their relationship when the two players shot a commercial together earlier this year.

Adidas, which both athletes are signed to, recently released a video with Hunter and Lawrence bonding at the indoor facility of the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville. The video, which debuted Sept. 3, featured some dance moves from Hunter and attempted dance moves from Lawrence with Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear it for the Boy" playing. --Juston Lewis

Panthers at Jaguars predictions: Can Jacksonville start off on the right foot in 2025?

The Jacksonville Jaguars open the 2025 season against a team they will forever be linked to: the Carolina Panthers .

Do the Jaguars get off on the right foot, or will Carolina once again drop the Jaguars to 0-1 to start a season? Check out the Times-Union staff predictions. - -Tim Walters

Working overtime nothing new for Jaguars WR Tim Patrick

Signed and waived by Baltimore , San Francisco and Denver, the road to sticking in the NFL for new Jaguars receiver Tim Patrick was full of moves and calls to turn in his playbook.

Patrick caught 33 passes last year for the Lions , but the Jaguars and Patrick mutually jumped at the opportunity to connect on Aug. 27 via trade . The Jaguars needed a tall receiver (Patrick is 6-foot-5) and Patrick wanted playing time (he was the fifth or sixth receiver for Detroit and projects as the fourth receiver Sunday against Carolina). --Ryan O'Halloran

Calm, confident Liam Coen prepared for Jacksonville Jaguars' debut

Everything is new for Liam Coen since he was tabbed by owner Shad Khan to replace coach Doug Pederson. New assistant coaches. New players. New support staff. New city. New hallways. New doors.

But in the same breath, everything about the Jaguars-Coen partnership feels right. Granted, no real games have been played — the season opener is Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Carolina Panthers — but a franchise in critical need of energy, modernization and belief has checked those boxes in the 39-year-old Coen. --Ryan O'Halloran

Jaguars defense 2025 preview: Josh Hines-Allen leads focused effort while Travis Hunter looms

Travis Hunter's presence on offense will be what everyone gets excited about; his presence as a fan-favorite will get him brownie points and love, but his presence on defense could be what makes him a future All-Pro player. With Hunter installed, a change in defensive coordinator and a motivated defensive end, the Jaguars could skyrocket up the rankings. That, of course, won't be too challenging considering they ranked 31st in yards allowed per game last season.

Still, new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's blueprint for the team's defense ought to lead them on the right track. --Demetrius Harvey

Jacksonville Jaguars offense preview: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter lead turnaround effort

How improved will the Jaguars be? Especially on offense , where they ranked 25th in the league in rushing, barely mustering more than 100 yards per outing in 2024.

The team didn't fare much better passing the ball. With Trevor Lawrence missing seven games due to injury, and Mac Jones leading the charge, they finished 24th overall and averaged 204.5 yards per game through the air. --Juston Lewis

Jacksonville Jaguars special teams preview: Efficient unit led by Cam Little, Logan Cooke

Welcome to the Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams: the most efficient unit on the team, dating back to 2018 when they plucked a rookie punter named Logan Cooke from Mississippi State in the seventh round. --Garry Smits

A dream come true for Jaguars RB Travis Etienne: Sharing NFL field with brother in opener

For Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne , Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers will always be a day to remember. It's not just that the fifth-year back is entering a new season in a sport that is virtually impossible to make it in, but also because he and his brother, Trevor Etienne, will take to the field, too. --Demetrius Harvey

Ryan O'Halloran: With no excuses, time for Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence to let it rip

Time to play amateur psychologist.

Our patient is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The time and location of the appointment was Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the team's press conference room.

Over 12 minutes of back-and-forth discussion, we could capture a snapshot of Lawrence's mindset entering his fifth season opener. --Ryan O'Halloran

Jacksonville Jaguars in NFL season openers: They haven't been good ... but not bad, either

When the Jaguars open the 2025 season against the Carolina Panthers , it will be the first time since 2020 the Jaguars have started a season at home.

Here's a breakdown of all the Week 1s in Jaguars history . - -Tim Walters

Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to be turnaround team of 2025 NFL season? Here's why

It could happen . From 2013-23, 46 teams won four or fewer games in a season; the following season, 26 teams doubled their win total and 13 reached the playoffs. The Jaguars went 4-13 last year. For 35 consecutive years, there were at least four new playoff teams per season, including the Jaguars in 1996, 2005, 2007, 2017 and 2022. --Ryan O'Halloran

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers Week 1 inactives: Ikem Ekwonu headlines list

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter today's game against the Carolina Panthers with few injuries to account for, but the visitors have a key offensive lineman out of action. Here's the inactive list. - -Demetrius Harvey

Jaguars vs. Panthers: Game day fan guide to parking, traffic, pregame and in-game activities

The Jacksonville Jaguars will open the 2025 season at home against the Carolina Panthers , beginning two seasons in which fans can attend home games while watching the progress of construction on "The Stadium of the Future."

Given the changes in parking lots, entry to the stadium and heavier traffic, the Jaguars are advising fans to arrive early and exhibit patience. Heat and traffic are among the concerns. --Garry Smits

Jacksonville Jaguars counsel patience for fans attending opening game against Carolina

Jacksonville Jaguars Chief Operating Officer Chad Johnson gave the team's fans a solid grade for navigating the construction and traffic patterns around EverBank Stadium for the Aug. 7 preseason game against Pittsburgh .

That was with the stadium less than half-full. Sunday's regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers (1 p.m., FOX-30), with double the fans within the stadium footprint, will be another matter. Arriving early and being patient is the best advice the team can give fans.

But Johnson has confidence that it will be as smooth an experience as can be expected, given the loss of some parking near the stadium and other entry points, such as escalators at Gates 2 and 3, due to work on the Stadium of the Future , plus the Four Seasons Hotel and the team's administration building across Bay Street. --Garry Smits

Travis Hunter two-way player: Jacksonville Jaguars reported plan for using rookie in debut

How much will we see Travis Hunter on the field?

That's the big question entering the Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 NFL season opener on Sept. 7 against the Carolina Panthers . The second overall pick in this year's NFL draft and last year's Heisman Trophy winner is listed as a starting wide receiver and backup defensive back.

And according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, that depth chart is consistent with what we'll see from Hunter in Liam Coen's head coaching debut at EverBank Stadium. - -Kirkland Crawford

What time does Jaguars vs Panthers start?

Date: Sunday, Sept. 7
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Where: EverBank Stadium (Jacksonville, Florida)

What TV channel is Jaguars vs Panthers on today?

TV:Fox
Streaming: Fubo (free trial)

Jaguars vs Panthers predictions

Demetrius Harvey, Florida Times-Union:Jaguars
Ryan O'Halloran, Florida Times-Union:Jaguars
Garry Smits, Florida Times-Union:Jaguars

Jaguars injury updates

Cornerback Montaric Brown (ankle) and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum (knee) were ruled out Friday. Offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen (shoulder) was questionable.

Jaguars schedule 2025

Here is Jacksonville's schedule and results. All times Eastern:

Week 1: vs Carolina | 1 p.m. Sept. 7 | Fox
Week 2: at Cincinnati | 1 p.m. Sept. 14 | CBS
Week 3: vs Houston | 1 p.m. Sept. 21 | CBS
Week 4: at San Francisco | 4:05 p.m. Sept. 28 | Fox
Week 5: vs Kansas City | 8:15 p.m. Oct. 6 | ESPN
Week 6: vs Seattle | 1 p.m. Oct. 12 | Fox
Week 7: vs LA Rams (in London) | 9:30 a.m. Oct. 19 | NFL Network
Week 8: Bye
Week 9: at Las Vegas | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 2 | Fox
Week 10: at Houston | 1 p.m. Nov. 9 | CBS
Week 11: vs LA Chargers | 1 p.m. Nov. 16 | CBS
Week 12: at Arizona | 4:05 p.m. Nov. 23 | CBS
Week 13: at Tennessee | 1 p.m. Nov. 30 | CBS
Week 14: vs Indianapolis | 1 p.m. Dec. 7 | CBS
Week 15: vs NY Jets | 1 p.m. Dec. 14 | CBS
Week 16: at Denver | 4:05 p.m. Dec. 21 | Fox
Week 17: at Indianapolis | 1 p.m. Dec. 28 | Fox
Week 18: vs Tennessee | TBD

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars vs Panthers live updates: Start time, TV channel

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