Here’s the latest on the 2025 Carolina Panthers training camp. All of this has unfolded in Charlotte, where the team continues to build momentum under coach Dave Canales and quarterback Bryce Young.
Camp officially began with rookies reporting on July 21, 2025 and veterans on July 22 at Bank of America Stadium in downtown Charlotte—an unusual setup, since training camp normally takes place at a college campus or separate facility (Fox Sports). Although the Panthers moved camp to their uptown practice facility in 2024, this year’s session is again held in Charlotte due to ongoing construction on their indoor fieldhouse. The team confirmed that camp will remain closed to fans onsite through both 2025 and 2026, aligning with the broader rebuilding of their training infrastructure (https://www.wbtv.com).
Even though fans can’t attend regular practices, the Panthers plan a Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium on August 2, including a full‑pads practice open to the public along with entertainment and on‑field appearances (https://www.wbtv.com). Local media remind fans that this event will be the only in‑person access point during the camp window (Axios).
Early coverage emphasizes continuity as a key strength heading into Year Two under Dave Canales and Bryce Young, both in their second seasons alongside GM Dan Morgan. Stability across that leadership core—and retention of much of the offensive line—has translated to smoother camp proceedings and internal clarity (panthers.com). Fans’ optimism remains high: SB Nation surveys indicate around 85 percent confidence in the team’s direction heading into camp, citing Bryce’s strong finish in 2024 and the organization’s steady offseason moves (catscratchreader.com).
Mandatory minicamp in mid‑June highlighted the emerging chemistry between Jaycee Horn and Bryce Young, often captured picking on each other during drills. The unit alumni also joined on the sidelines for a nostalgic moment, with Panthers legends like Muhsin Muhammad, Thomas Davis, Jon Beason and others in attendance (panthers.com). Rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan stands out as a daily student under Horn’s wing; his one‑handed grabs in individual sessions have been electric, though he’s still learning by watching catch attempts slip by (panthers.com).
Camp’s first padded practice took place on July 28. Heavy heat and humidity served as a sneak preview of conditions expected in opening‑week travel to Jacksonville. The Panthers’ longest session yet offered a more physical tone that coach Canales has prioritized heading into preseason drills (panthers.com). That same day Clemson’s championship‑winning coach Dabo Swinney visited practice to say hello to former Tigers WR Hunter Renfrow, and owners David and Nicole Tepper were reportedly on hand (https://www.wbtv.com).
On Day One in pads, the defense stole the spotlight. After giving up the most points in franchise history in 2024, the defensive unit came out of the gates communicating well, disrupting passing lanes and setting expectations with Coach Canales calling it “a really good day” (https://www.wbtv.com). Sophomore defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton and DJ Wonnum, along with rookie Princely Umanmielen, are expected to step up as pass rushers now that Jadeveon Clowney is no longer in the fold. One early moment: Umanmielen was harshly reminded never to rush Bryce Young unprepared (SI).
Reports following the first week identify a handful of “winners and losers.” Several players have emerged as reliable contributors, while others find themselves at risk. Analysts emphasize that early practices are about taking notice of how players react under competitive pressure—not necessarily performance stats (catcrave.com). On Thursday and Friday, observations pointed to a deep and versatile offensive front, with rotations including players like Cade Mays at center, Yosh Nijman, Austin Corbett, Chandler Zavala, Brandon Walton, and Brady Christensen vying for job security and versatility options (panthers.com).
Camp has ebbed into a rhythm: a high‑intensity pads day on Monday, followed by recovery in shells and shorts on Tuesday, then back in pads on Wednesday. That cyclical load management is enabling players to adapt gradually to the demands of practice while preserving energy and reducing risk of injury (panthers.com, panthers.com). On Wednesday, running back Chuba Hubbard impressed, breaking free for a short touchdown run only to theatrically punt the ball back toward the defense, reminding teammates who’s boss (panthers.com).
There are injury notes to monitor. Tight end Tommy Tremble, who underwent back surgery in late spring, is back in rehab and is expected to be ready by the regular season even though he sat out OTAs and minicamp. He’s likely to begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Defensive lineman Derrick Brown continues his return from knee surgery and has started participating but with limited reps early on (reuters.com). Linebacker Josey Jewell was cut at the start of camp, a move that opens up competition at the linebacker spots (SI).
An emotional touchpoint came when longtime defensive assistant Dom Capers, who missed part of OTAs while recovering from hamstring surgery, returned to the sidelines on July 27. Capers was visibly welcomed back by teammates and coaches; his decades of experience and familiarity with Bank of America Stadium bring intangible energy to meetings and practice (panthers.com).
Looking ahead, the Panthers will participate in joint practices with the Houston Texans (week of August 11) and Detroit Lions (week of August 17). These provide controlled scrimmage environments where players can test against outside schemes and speed—critical preparation before pads are truly live during preseason games (chron.com). The preseason schedule includes games against Cleveland Browns on August 8, at Houston on August 16, and vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on August 21, all at Bank of America Stadium except the Houston matchup (nfl.com).
Throughout camp, ESPN and local reporters are posting live updates under the Tent “Latest Intel” files by David Newton, covering standout performances, position battles, roster decisions, depth chart shifts and buzz around the quarterback room (ESPN.com). A growing storyline centers on whether Bryce Young can build on his strong 2024 finish and deliver consistency as a second‑year starter in Canales’s offense (ESPN.com, ABC11 Raleigh-Durham).
At receiver, there’s significant competition. The team signed Hunter Renfrow in free agency, brought in rookie McMillan with their 2025 first‑round pick, and added last year’s first‑round pick Xavier Legette. With only six receiver spots likely on the 53‑man roster and none truly locked in beyond Renfrow, the health and performance in camp will be decisive (ESPN.com).
On defense, after a challenging 2023‑24 stretch, the early practices have been about reestablishing accountability and toughness. Coach Canales has demanded alignment, communication and aggressive pursuit of the ball. That tone-setting day one in pads suggests a shift in culture after last year’s struggles (https://www.wbtv.com).
From here until the first week of preseason five or six live practices remain. Camp intensity is ramping: full pads on select days, a growing depth chart hierarchy, and in some cases rookie reps getting stronger as the bubble players earn time. Veteran leaders like Jaycee Horn, Chuba Hubbard, Derrick Brown (when healthy), and senior coaches like Dom Capers are instrumental in instilling structure and urgency (https://www.wbtv.com, panthers.com, panthers.com).
One of the most tangible narratives is how Bryce Young is developing as a leader. Reporters observe him growing more vocal and confident—not just in pre‑practice trash talk with Horn, but stepping into command in the huddle as expectations rise for him to perform at an elite level in Year 3 of his NFL career (panthers.com, panthers.com, ESPN.com).
Scouts and beat reporters are keeping an eye on a handful of breakout candidates on both sides—McMillan, Hubbard, Wharton, Umanmielen—all players looking to cement themselves on the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, edge rushers without Clowney have pressure to show they can generate consistent pass rush, and offensive linemen vie to show they can maintain continuity from last year or offer flexibility where needed (panthers.com, panthers.com, SI, panthers.com).
Preseason games loom, including the Browns at home Aug 8, Texans Aug 16, and Steelers Aug 21; camp will churn through roster cuts down to 53 players just before the regular season opens on September 7 against the Jaguars in Jacksonville (nfl.com, reuters.com).
In summary, though fans can’t attend regular drills, the club atmosphere feels energized. Veterans return, rookies are pushing hard, the coaching staff is setting a higher physical and mental bar, and external guests—legends, alumni, Dabo Swinney—are showing support. Construction constraints aside, the team’s work ethic, growing depth, and year‑two continuity are clear themes as the Panthers look to flip last season’s training camp promise into actual wins.
Let me know if you’d like details on any specific player battles, injury updates, depth chart projections, or preseason game previews.
