The return of preseason football always sparks fresh hope across the league, and the first NFL game 2026 was no exception. Kicking off the festivities at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the Carolina Panthers met the Arizona Cardinals in the annual NFL HOF game.
While starter Bryce Young and backup Kenny Pickett anchored the top of the panthers depth chart, all eyes turned to undrafted dual-threat rookie quarterback Haynes King during the second half. King delivered an electric performance that energized fans, shifted roster projections, and gave football enthusiasts plenty to dissect as the 2026 NFL season officially got underway.
In this comprehensive guide, we examine Haynes King’s rise, break down the carolina panthers vs arizona cardinals match player stats, review depth chart implications, highlight the 2026 Hall of Fame class, and explain where to watch NFL preseason action all August long.
Who is Haynes King? From Georgia Tech Playmaker to Panthers QB
Before stepping onto the field in Canton, Haynes King established himself as one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers. Starting his collegiate career at Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech, King compiled nearly 12,000 career total yards and accounted for over 100 total touchdowns.
Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 211 pounds, King’s draft profile highlighted his dual-threat ability, off-platform throw capability, and clutch decision-making under pressure.
Haynes King College Career Overview
- Colleges Attended: Texas A&M Aggies (2020–2022), Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2023–2025)
- Passing Efficiency: Completed over 63% of his passes at Georgia Tech with an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio.
- Rushing Production: Over 1,500 career rushing yards and 25+ rushing touchdowns in college, proving his capacity to extend drives using his legs.
- NFL Entry: Joined the Carolina Panthers roster in 2026, competing for a vital spot in the depth chart behind established veterans.
During his preseason debut, King demonstrated the exact mobility and quick processing that made him an ACC standout, rallying the offense with precision passing and timely scrambles.
2026 Hall of Fame Game Recap: Panthers vs. Cardinals
The NFL Hall of Fame 2026 game provided a thrilling showcase of young talent and reserve battles. Both head coaches—Dave Canales for the Carolina Panthers and Mike LaFleur for the AZ Cardinals—used the opener to evaluate developmental players down the roster.
Final Game Context: 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium | Canton, Ohio
Matchup: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Game Flow & Key Moments
- First Quarter Strategy: The cardinals starting qb and offensive unit focused on short passing sequences, while Carolina relied on quick perimeter plays.
- Second Half Surge: Upon entering the game in relief of Kenny Pickett, Haynes King injected immediate tempo into the panthers game.
- Clutch 4th Down Drive: King converted a critical 4th-and-2 with a deep 22-yard sideline completion, following up with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III to claim a late fourth-quarter lead.
Player Stats Breakdown: Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Evaluating player performance during pre season football requires looking closely at efficiency numbers rather than raw totals. Below is the detailed statistical breakdown for key contributors in the match.
Passing & Quarterback Performance
| Player | Team | Cmp / Att | YDS | TD | INT | Passer Rating |
| Haynes King | Carolina Panthers | 16 / 22 | 150 | 2 | 0 | 121.4 |
| Kenny Pickett | Carolina Panthers | 8 / 12 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 83.3 |
| Cardinals Reserve QBs | Arizona Cardinals | 18 / 29 | 185 | 1 | 1 | 80.4 |
Stat Highlight: Haynes King completed 72.7% of his passes for 150 yards, 2 touchdowns, zero turnovers, and a quarterback rating of 121.4 during his stint in Canton.
Rushing & Receiving Leaders
- Bam Knight (RB, Panthers): Provided tough yards between the tackles, securing 38 rushing yards on 8 carries and making key contributions on third-down pass protection.
- David Moore (WR, Panthers): Caught 4 passes for 48 yards, helping sustain second-half drives.
- Anthony Tyus III (RB/FB, Panthers): Haul in the go-ahead 4-yard touchdown pass from King early in the 4th quarter.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals): Played limited early snaps, showing crisp route running and drawing safety bracket coverage from the Carolina secondary.
Depth Chart Analysis: Carolina Panthers & Arizona Cardinals
Preseason games serve primarily as a laboratory for evaluating depth charts. Here is where the rosters stand following the opener.
Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Focus
- Starting QB: Bryce Young (Locked as starter following his 3,000+ yard, 23-TD division-winning 2025 campaign).
- Primary Backup: Kenny Pickett (Brought in to provide veteran stability).
- Developmental / QB3: Haynes King (Dynamic dual-threat option pushing for roster security or practice squad elevation).
With his stellar play in Canton, King has made a strong case for inclusion on the active 53-man roster, potentially forcing Carolina to carry three quarterbacks into the regular season.
Carolina Panthers QB Room:
[1] Bryce Young ---> [2] Kenny Pickett ---> [3] Haynes King
Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart Focus
- Quarterback: Kyler Murray remains the focal point of the franchise, with backup minutes strictly managed during the early stretch of the preseason football schedule.
- Wide Receiver Corps: Led by Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals’ receiving room boasts high ceiling talent, with open roster spots being fought for by mid-tier pass catchers.
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class
The nfl hall of fame 2026 Enshrinement Ceremony honors iconic players who defined their eras. The 2026 Class features legends connected directly to the two franchises competing in Canton.
Class of 2026 Inductees
- Larry Fitzgerald (WR): Spent his entire legendary career with the Arizona Cardinals, setting franchise records in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
- Luke Kuechly (LB): Franchise icon for the Carolina Panthers, former Defensive Player of the Year, and perennial All-Pro linebacking anchor.
- Drew Brees (QB): Super Bowl XLIV Champion and one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
- Roger Craig (RB): Multi-time Super Bowl winner and pioneer of the 1,000-yard rushing / 1,000-yard receiving single season.
- Adam Vinatieri (K): The NFL’s all-time leading scorer and clutch kick specialist.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games & Streaming Guide
Finding where to watch hall of fame game replays, live regular games, or upcoming preseason football broadcasts is essential for fans tracking their favorite teams.
TV Channels & Broadcast Information
- National TV Networks: NBC broadcasts the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Prime-time preseason matchups air across NBC, ESPN, FOX, and CBS.
- Streaming Services: You can stream live national games on Peacock, NFL+, and multi-channel platforms like Fubo TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV.
- Local Broadcasts: Local network affiliates broadcast team-specific preseason games in home markets.
Quick Reference: Broadcast Channels
| Event | Primary TV Channel | Streaming Options |
| Hall of Fame Game | NBC | Peacock / NFL+ / Fubo |
| NFL Preseason Weeks 1–3 | Local Affiliates / NFL Network | NFL+ / Paramount+ / Prime Video |
| Thursday Night Opener | NBC / Peacock | Peacock / NBC Sports App |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Hall of Fame Game?
The Hall of Fame Game is the annual exhibition game that kicks off the NFL preseason in Canton, Ohio, held in conjunction with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week activities.
Who is Haynes King playing for in the NFL?
Haynes King is a quarterback on the Carolina Panthers roster, having signed ahead of the 2026 season following a stellar college career at Georgia Tech and Texas A&M.
How did Haynes King perform in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
Haynes King completed 16 of 22 passes for 150 yards, threw 2 touchdowns, and earned a 121.4 passer rating while leading the Panthers on multiple scoring drives in the second half.
What channel was the Hall of Fame Game on tonight?
The 2026 Hall of Fame Game was broadcast nationally on NBC and available for live streaming on Peacock and NFL+.
Who were the main inductees in the 2026 Hall of Fame Class?
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class includes Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Roger Craig, and Adam Vinatieri.
Conclusion
The kickoff of the 2026 preseason football season delivered compelling storylines right out of the gate. Haynes King seized his opportunity in the spotlight, showcasing poised decision-making, accuracy, and playmaking ability for the Carolina Panthers. As depth chart battles heat up ahead of the regular season, performance in high-visibility exhibition games like the Hall of Fame Game can transform an undrafted prospect into a cornerstone roster asset.
Stay connected with all the latest nfl score updates, player stats, and broadcast schedules as the road to the regular season continues.
