JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Carolina Panthers (0-1) by a score of 26-10 at EverBank Stadium. Today’s game marked the debut of Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, who played on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, as a wide receiver and cornerback. It was also the first time Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. played against his brother, Panthers rookie RB Trevor Etienne, who was drafted in the fourth round after playing two seasons for the Florida Gators and one for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter makes his debut with the Jaguars. (Photo: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

The Jaguars scored on their first drive of the season, with K Cam Little’s 35 yard field goal. But the Panthers responded with K Ryan Fitzgerald’s 48 yard field goal, tying the game at 3-3, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s 6 yard touchdown pass to TE Hunter Long, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, put the Jags ahead 10-3. It was Lawrence’s fifth consecutive open week with a passing touchdown. Just after that play, the game was officially delayed for about an hour due to severe weather in the area. Players and fans were moved to covered areas as a precaution. Later in the quarter after action resumed, WR Brian Thomas Jr. ran for a 9 yard touchdown. Little added the XP and followed shortly after with a 47 yard field goal just before halftime, to put the Jags up 20-3.

The game was delayed due to severe weather in Jacksonville. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

In the third quarter, the Jaguars succeeded in stopping the Panthers’ drive, taking over the ball on their 6 yard line. But neither team scored any points in the quarter.

Midway through the fourth, Cam Little’s 36 yard field goal put the Jags ahead 23-3. But the Panthers responded with a 27 yard pass from QB Bryce Young to RB Chuba Hubbard, followed by Brian Fitzgerald’s XP, narrowing their deficit to 23-10. After the two minute warning, Cam Little’s 28 yard field goal put the Jags up 26-10. A late scoring drive by the Panthers ended with an interception of Bryce Young’s pass intended for RB Rico Dowdle by Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis, ending the game at 26-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 178 yards and one TD. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 142 yards. Brenton Strange was the leading receiver with 59 yards. Today’s attendance was 59,957.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the process of renovating their stadium. Many areas of EverBank Stadium were blocked off for construction during today’s game. The project will continue while the Jaguars continue to play at home this season and next. In 2027, the team will play at either Orlando or Gainesville to complete the transformation. For more details on Jacksonville’s Stadium Of The Future, which opens in 2028, visit https://www.jaguars.com/stadiumofthefuture/.

The Jaguars head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals on Sunday, 9/14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Miss America Organization has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with Daytona International Speedway, home of the world-renowned DAYTONA 500 and Rolex 24 At DAYTONA races. The collaboration unites two of America’s most iconic institutions, both committed to impact, entertainment, and strengthening communities nationwide.

A Tradition of Excellence
“For more than 104 years, Miss America has been a tradition that inspires women to lead. Daytona International Speedway carries that same spirit of excellence on a global stage,” said Miss America CEO and Owner Robin Fleming. “Bringing our two iconic brands together is an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate what makes American traditions timeless.”

Empowering Women Through Scholarship
As part of the partnership, Daytona International Speedway will make a $10,000 annual donation to the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation (MASF), reinforcing both organizations’ mission of advancing education and opportunity. Each year’s Miss America will also attend a flagship motorsports event at Daytona International Speedway, such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA or the DAYTONA 500.

Leadership and Legacy on the National Stage
Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher will serve as a celebrity judge for the Miss America and Miss America’s Teen competitions. “Miss America showcases accomplished women who embody talent, intelligence, and leadership — qualities that inspire us all,” said Kelleher. “Just as the DAYTONA 500 is a defining moment in motorsports, Miss America is a defining stage for these remarkable women. I’m honored to serve as a judge in 2026 and proud to celebrate two traditions that represent excellence and opportunity at the highest level.”

The partnership will officially launch with Miss America 2026, the 98th woman to wear the crown, who will be crowned on September 7, 2026 at the Walt Disney Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Celebrating the 104th year of the Miss America brand, this new chapter highlights the synergy between motorsports, entertainment, and the organization’s mission of empowering young women through service and scholarship.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced Tuesday that they have signed 17 players to their practice squad, officially filling the unit to capacity.

Among the signees are several familiar faces from training camp, including offensive lineman Lorenz Metz, who enters via the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program and does not count against the team’s practice squad limit. In total, 14 of the 17 players were with the Buccaneers during training camp.

The full list of players signed includes:
QB Connor Bazelak, DL C.J. Brewer, DL Adam Gotsis, WR Garrett Greene, G Luke Haggard, CB Bryce Hall, S Jack Henderson, WR Dennis Houston, DL Nash Hutmacher, LB Nick Jackson, DL Jayson Jones, OL Michael Jordan, OLB Mohamed Kamara, T Tyler McLellan, T Lorenz Metz, G Ben Scott, and TE Tanner Taula.

Notable New Additions
Safety Jack Henderson (6-2, 215) joins the Buccaneers from the Carolina Panthers, who waived him on August 26, 2025. Henderson previously starred at Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Minnesota, where he combined for 266 tackles, nine interceptions, and 9.0 sacks across 59 career games. Henderson will wear No. 30 in Tampa Bay.

Defensive lineman Jayson Jones (6-6, 340) arrives from the Baltimore Ravens, also waived on August 26. Jones played at Auburn and Oregon, finishing his college career with 83 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 50 games. The Alabama native will wear No. 93 for the Buccaneers.

Linebacker Mohamed Kamara (6-1, 253) comes from the Miami Dolphins, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A dominant force at Colorado State, Kamara recorded 30.5 career sacks and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award as one of the nation’s top defensive ends. He will wear No. 59 in Tampa Bay.

Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Shilo Sanders Faces Another NFL Setback
One notable absence from Tampa Bay’s practice squad is safety Shilo Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and brother of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Shilo, who was waived during the Buccaneers’ final roster cuts, did not make the team’s practice squad, marking another difficult setback in his young NFL career. His release raises questions about where he may land next as he continues to fight for a spot in the league.

Practice Squad Outlook
With the squad finalized, the Buccaneers have a mix of promising rookies, developmental prospects, and experienced veterans ready to step up during the 2025 season. The depth and versatility across the roster provide Tampa Bay with important flexibility as the team celebrates its 50th anniversary season.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com