The calendar has officially flipped to preparation season for the Denver Broncos. On April 28, the team locked in two critical pieces of the 2026 offseason puzzle: the opening date for training camp and the full preseason schedule. With a July 25 report date at the UCHealth Training Center in Englewood and a trio of exhibition games that includes a marquee home matchup against the Green Bay Packers, the Broncos are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a defining campaign under head coach Sean Payton.
Let's unpack what these announcements mean for the roster, the quarterback room, and the fans who have been waiting to see this team take the next step.
Training Camp: July 25 -- The Countdown Begins
The Broncos will officially report to training camp on Saturday, July 25. That date marks the unofficial start of the 2026 season, the moment when hope is still undefeated and every player on the 90-man roster has a chance to make an impression. The first practice will be open to the public, a tradition that allows the Broncos faithful to get their first live look at the team in action.
For Sean Payton, this camp carries extra weight. Entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Broncos, Payton has already reshaped the offense, installed his system, and -- most importantly -- drafted his quarterback of the future in Bo Nix. But 2026 is the year where the vision needs to start producing tangible results. The pressure is on, and training camp will be the laboratory where the final product is forged.
The location at UCHealth Training Center is no accident. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2023, gives the Broncos one of the best training environments in the NFL. With indoor and outdoor fields, a weight room that rivals any college program, and recovery amenities that would make a Division I athletic director jealous, the Broncos have all the tools necessary to build a winner. Now they just need to execute.
Preseason Schedule: Three Games, One High-Profile Test
The Broncos have finalized their 2026 preseason schedule, and it features three exhibition contests. While preseason games are often dismissed as glorified scrimmages, they serve a vital purpose for a team still in the process of establishing its identity. For Denver, the highlight is a home game against the Green Bay Packers -- a matchup that will give Bo Nix and the offense a chance to go head-to-head with one of the league's most storied franchises.
The full schedule is as follows (specific dates and times will be announced later, but the opponents are locked in):
- Week 1 of Preseason: Opponent TBD (likely a road game to open)
- Week 2 of Preseason: vs. Green Bay Packers (home)
- Week 3 of Preseason: Opponent TBD (traditional preseason finale)
The Packers game is the headline attraction. Green Bay is expected to be a playoff contender in 2026, and their defense -- built around a talented secondary and an aggressive front seven -- will provide an excellent measuring stick for Denver's offense. For Nix, it's a chance to prove he can handle NFL-caliber pressure in a game setting, even if the scoreboard doesn't count.
It's worth noting that Sean Payton typically treats preseason games with a balance of caution and competitiveness. He's not the type to let his starters play deep into the fourth quarter of meaningless games but believes in using exhibition contests to install rhythm and timing. Expect Nix to get at least a full quarter of work in each of the first two games, with the third game reserved for bubble players fighting for roster spots.
What It Means for Bo Nix and the Quarterback Room
The most important storyline of the 2026 Broncos season is the development of Bo Nix. The former Oregon standout was drafted with the expectation that he would be the franchise quarterback the team has lacked since Peyton Manning retired. After a rookie season that showcased flashes of brilliance alongside typical growing pains, Nix enters Year 2 with a full offseason under his belt and a deeper understanding of Payton's offense.
Training camp will be crucial for Nix. He needs to refine his footwork, improve his deep-ball accuracy, and develop chemistry with his receiving corps -- a group that includes standout wide receiver Courtland Sutton, tight end Evan Engram, and a cast of young pass-catchers vying for targets. The preseason game against the Packers will be his biggest test before the regular season commences.
Behind Nix, the Broncos have quarterbacks Sam Ehlinger and Jarrett Stidham providing veteran depth. However, the organization is committed to Nix as the starter. There is no quarterback controversy. This is his team.
Roster Implications: Who's Fighting for a Spot?
Every training camp brings competition, and this year is no different. The Broncos have a solid core of established starters, but several position battles are worth monitoring:
Wide Receiver Depth: Courtland Sutton is the clear No. 1, but the battle for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots is wide open. Young receivers who flashed potential last season, such as Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin, will need to show consistency in camp to earn featured roles.
Offensive Line: The Broncos invested heavily in their trenches during the offseason. Expect a fierce competition at guard and tackle spots. With Garett Bolles and Alex Palczewski on the roster, along with other linemen competing for starting roles, the offensive line coach will be pressed to develop a cohesive unit that protects Nix and opens holes for the run game.
Defensive Backfield: Denver's secondary, featuring Pat Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian, is talented but unproven in certain spots. The cornerback and safety positions will see battles between veterans and younger players alike as the defensive backs coach evaluates depth and talent.
Pass Rush: The Broncos boast a legitimate star with edge rusher Nik Bonitto, but need complementary pieces to generate consistent pressure. Training camp will reveal which rotational players are ready to step up.
The Bigger Picture: Building Toward 2026
The July 25 training camp start and the finalized preseason schedule are more than just administrative announcements -- they represent the next step in a process that began when Sean Payton was hired. The Broncos are no longer in rebuild mode; they are in contention mode.
The AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, with the Kansas City Chiefs still led by Patrick Mahomes, and the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders both improving their rosters. Denver cannot afford to stumble out of the gate. Every practice, every preseason snap, every film session matters.
Fans know it, too. The first open practice at UCHealth Training Center is expected to draw a large crowd, continuing the tradition of connecting Broncos Country with the team's progress. There is a palpable sense of cautious optimism. Bo Nix has the arm, the mobility, and the mentality to succeed. Sean Payton has the coaching acumen and offensive genius to build around him. The front office, led by GM George Paton, has provided the resources.
Now it's time to put it all together.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Broncos have set the stage for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 season. Training camp opens on July 25, the preseason schedule is finalized with a home game against the Green Bay Packers as the marquee event, and all eyes will be on Bo Nix as he takes the next step in his development.
For the players, it's a chance to prove they belong. For the coaches, it's a chance to install their system and build chemistry. For the fans, it's the most exciting time of the year: the beginning of a new season, full of possibility.
Mark your calendars. The Broncos are back.
Amelia Caitlin covers the Denver Broncos as an NFL sports writer, providing in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage. Follow her for the latest updates on training camp, roster moves, and the 2026 season.
