PHOENIX, AZ — The Jacksonville Jaguars are officially taking their talents down I-95. NFL owners voted unanimously Tuesday at the league’s annual meetings to approve Camping World Stadium in Orlando as the team’s temporary home for the 2027 season. The move accommodates the final, most intensive phase of the $1.4 billion “Stadium of the Future” renovations at EverBank Stadium, which will see the Jaguars displaced from Jacksonville for one full year.
While the team will remain in Jacksonville for the upcoming 2026 season, fans will already feel the squeeze. EverBank Stadium will operate at a slashed capacity of just 42,465 this fall as construction crews begin the heavy lifting. By 2027, the gates in Duval will close entirely, shifting the “home” atmosphere two hours south to Orlando. The deal includes a one-year lease with Florida Citrus Sports, though the Jaguars will maintain their tradition of playing up to three home games at Wembley Stadium in London.
Orlando leaders recently greenlit a $10 million incentive package to lure the NFL franchise, beating out potential sites like Gainesville and Daytona. For a city that is currently the largest U.S. media market without a permanent NFL team, the one-year residency is a massive audition. The stadium itself is currently undergoing a $400 million facelift to ensure the infrastructure meets NFL standards by the time the Jags arrive.
“I look at it as an exciting opportunity. You have a chance to breach a region of the state that you otherwise wouldn’t have the luxury of doing, and any challenge just brings with it further chances for growth.”
— James Gladstone, Jaguars General Manager
“I do think it could be a way to connect with a new fan base. Are there going to be challenges and stressors? Absolutely. But for our brand, I don’t think it’s going to kill us.”
— Liam Coen, Jaguars Head Coach
The move to Orlando isn’t the only thing buzzing in the Jaguars’ front office. All eyes are on Travis Hunter, the 2025 No. 2 overall pick, as he recovers from a torn LCL that cut his rookie campaign short. Coach Liam Coen confirmed this week that the Heisman winner is “ahead of schedule” for the 2026 season. Before his injury in Week 9, Hunter proved he was the real deal, logging 28 receptions for 298 yards while doubling as a shutdown cornerback.
General Manager James Gladstone emphasized that Hunter will remain a two-way threat in 2026, though the staff may lean more on his defensive prowess to stabilize a secondary that struggled late last year. The timing of the Orlando move aligns with what the team hopes is its championship window. After a 13-4 finish in 2025, the Jaguars are desperate to keep that momentum alive, even if it means playing in front of a new crowd in the 407 area code.
