TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened their 2025 season with a hard-fought 23-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, extending their franchise-record streak to five consecutive season-opening wins dating back to 2021. Head coach Todd Bowles improved to 4-0 in Week 1 since taking over the team.

With the win, Tampa Bay claimed sole possession of the NFC South, a division they’ve now led or shared for 59 of the last 73 weeks, including four straight division titles (2021–24).

Rookie Egbuka Shines in NFL Debut

Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka stole the spotlight, hauling in four receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns — including the game-winner with just 59 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

• Egbuka became the first player in the NFL to record multiple touchdown catches in his debut since Jahan Dotson (2022).

• He is only the second Buccaneer ever to achieve the feat, joining TE Alex Smith (2005).

• He also became the first Tampa Bay rookie since Mike Williams (2010) to score the team’s first touchdown of a season.

Mayfield, Evans, and Irving Deliver Offensive Firepower

Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw three touchdown passes, finishing 17-of-32 for 167 yards with no interceptions (99.3 passer rating). He also rushed for 39 yards on five carries. Since 2023, Mayfield leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (72), ahead of Jared Goff (67) and Lamar Jackson (65).

• Bucky Irving caught his first career receiving touchdown, a 10-yard strike from Mayfield.

• Mike Evans led the team with five receptions for 51 yards, passing Hall of Famer Art Monk for 23rd on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list.

• Tampa Bay’s rushing attack topped 100 yards for the 15th time since the start of 2024, tied for fourth-most in the league.

Defense and Special Teams Step Up

Tampa Bay’s defense held Atlanta to just 69 rushing yards on 28 attempts (2.5 yards per carry), their lowest mark since November 2024. New addition Haason Reddick recorded his first sack as a Buccaneer, while safety Tykee Smith led the defense with 11 tackles.

On special teams, Kameron Johnson broke free for a 53-yard punt return, Tampa Bay’s longest since 2015. Punter Riley Dixon impressed in his debut with a 51.3-yard average on four punts, including a 62-yard boot.

What’s Next for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Buccaneers (1-0) will look to build on their strong start as they prepare for a Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans in Texas. With Egbuka’s breakout debut, Mayfield’s steady leadership, and a dominant run defense, Tampa Bay aims to solidify its early NFC South lead.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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