when is the cleveland browns first preseason game

The Cleveland Browns’ most recently announced first preseason game is on Friday, August 8, 2025, on the road against the Carolina Panthers, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. local time.

Quick Scoop: What You Need To Know

• The Browns open their 2025 preseason on Friday, August 8, 2025.

• Opponent: Carolina Panthers (away game).

• Scheduled kickoff time: 7:00 p.m..

• This is Week 1 of their three-game 2025 preseason slate.

If you’re planning to mark your calendar, circle August 8, 2025 — that’s when Browns football officially peeks back over the horizon, even if it’s “just” preseason.

A Bit Of Context

• For 2025, the NFL locked in the Browns’ preseason dates and times, and their first run-out is at Carolina on August 8.

• Subsequent 2025 preseason games include trips to Philadelphia and a home game against the Rams later in August, but those come after the Panthers opener.

As of early 2026, the full 2026 NFL preseason schedule (including the Browns’ exact first preseason date) has not yet been released; only league-wide windows (such as preseason starting mid-August) are tentatively outlined. When teams and the league publish the finalized 2026 schedule this spring, you’ll be able to confirm the precise date and opponent for the Browns’ next first preseason game.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.