Jets Preseason Schedule: Dates, Times and TV Channels

Here's everything Jets fans need to know before the preseason action begins this weekend.

The Jets' preseason schedule begins with a showdown against the Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Jets are just days away from beginning their preseason slate, meaning it will only be a matter of time before head coach Aaron Glenn and his staff finalize the 53-man roster. Until then, every player on the roster bubble must capitalize on each chance given to them between now and the Aug. 30 deadline, with the preseason being the biggest opportunity to garner goodwill.

The upcoming exhibition slate will be the first crack for Jets rookies and veterans alike to give the fan base a sense of optimism ahead of the regular season. For those wanting to get in on the action, here's everything to know about the Jets' preseason, including the dates and how to watch each game.

Preseason Week 1: vs. Buccaneers (Friday, Aug. 14)

• Location: MetLife Stadium—East Rutherford, NJ
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• How to watch/listen: NFL Network, WCBS, Q104.3 FM

After engaging in back-to-back joint practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Jets will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the preseason opener at MetLife Stadium. Things will be even more interesting after multiple fights broke out at the first co-practice.

Glenn & Co. will be out for revenge after falling 29-27 to the Bucs in Week 3 last season. New York made a strong comeback effort despite trailing by as many as 17 points; however, a 36-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as time expired crushed a lot of dreams that afternoon.

It remains to be seen who will be suiting up here, as well as how much they'll play, but Friday's clash will be a good chance for the Jets to test their offseason additions. Whether that's David Bailey—who's been crushing it throughout training camp—or a new veteran arrival like Minkah Fitzpatrick, New York fans will have plenty of reasons to tune in, regardless of the outcome.

Preseason Week 2: @ Steelers (Friday, Aug. 21)

• Location: Acrisure Stadium—Pittsburgh, PA
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• How to watch/listen: NFL Network, WCBS, Q104.3 FM

The Jets' lone road preseason game will take place in the Steel City. All eyes will be on Mike McCarthy as he prepares for his first year as the Steelers' head coach, giving the Jets every reason to play spoiler on the road and sow some seeds of doubt. Considering how New York is 3-3 in its last six matchups against Pittsburgh, anything is possible.

Can the Jets rain on Mike McCarthy's parade in his first preseason as the Steelers' head coach? | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Jets also have added motivation stemming from a 34-32 loss to the Steelers in the 2025 season opener. It was a back-and-forth contest that ended on a low note. Much like the loss to the Bucs, the Jets saw their lead over the Steelers evaporate when Chris Boswell connected on a massive 60-yard field goal, giving Pittsburgh the lead with 1:03 remaining on the clock.

Glenn & Co. will also be closer to finalizing the 53-man roster at this point, meaning we'll likely see fewer lineup regulars and more bubble players in the mix. Either way, a win over the Steelers would provide some much-needed confidence ahead of the preseason finale.

Preseason Week 3: vs. Giants (Friday, Aug. 28)

• Location: MetLife Stadium—East Rutherford, NJ
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• How to watch/listen: WCBS, Q104.3 FM

As is a preseason tradition, the Jets and Giants will duke it out at MetLife Stadium at the end of the month. The Jets lost by 19 points when they collided last summer, but also notched a 10-6 win over the Giants in their last instance as the "home team" back in 2024.

Nevertheless, given that the two New York teams combined for seven wins last year, it's safe to say that both will want to end the preseason on a high note.

The 53-man roster deadline is only two days after this collision, adding to the pressure that all the players involved will feel. Most roster spots will be decided by then, meaning it'll be crucial for each active Jet to give it their all. Otherwise, they might quickly find themselves on the unemployment line, with it not being guaranteed that another team will come calling.

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