The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished their 2025 preseason on Saturday, August 23, with a 23-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium. Although the Bucs fell short on the scoreboard, they ended the preseason with a solid 2-1 record and displayed moments that excited fans for the upcoming season.
One of the most promising players for Tampa Bay has been rookie wide receiver Emuka Ebuka. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Ebuka has been turning heads with his playmaking ability. Against the Bills, he caught two passes for 26 yards, including a touchdown. As seen in practices, Ebuka has been making it difficult for defenders to cover him, often performing well in scrimmages and practices.
Another young receiver, Tez Johnson, out of the University of Oregon, was drafted by the Buc’s in the seventh round and had a breakout moment in the preseason finale. He caught his first touchdown from quarterback, Kyle Trask, and finished the game with eight receptions for 58 yards. Trask, who is competing to be the team’s backup quarterback, completed 13 of 17 passes in the game. Johnson’s performance showed that statistically, he is a possible option for receiving.
Special teams also gave the Bucs a boost, averaging 38 yards per kick return and 13.5 yards on punt returns. But it wasn’t all good news. Rookie defensive back Shilo Sanders got ejected after throwing a punch at Buffalo’s Zach Davidson. That move not only hurt his team in the moment but could also hurt his future chances in the NFL. Coaches do not want players who let their emotions get the best of them, and other teams have taken notice of Sanders’ mistake. “Shilo said in a recent interview football isn’t forever” addressing his action on the field, maybe hinting that he is done with football.
On the Bucs offense, Connor Bazelak threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Garret Greene, meanwhile, the defense had several standout performances. Linebackers Nick Jackson and John Bullock both made plays as they continue to battle for a roster spot in a very competitive group. The biggest defensive standout, though, was Elijha Roberts, who posted an impressive 32% pass-rush win rate. That’s the kind of number that can make a rookie stand out to coaches.
Other rookies on defense made their mark as well. Chris Braswell showed off his quick burst by putting pressure on Buffalo’s quarterbacks, earning praise from his coaches. Linebacker K.J. Britt looked sharp by filling run gaps and making important tackles, and cornerback Zyon McCollum nearly came away with an interception thanks to his tight coverage.
Even though the Bucs did not come out with a win, the preseason finale showed a lot of growth and potential. Coach Todd Bowles has been pushing for an aggressive defense, and the young players really stepped up to deliver that. On offense, Baker Mayfield and the starters still need to find their rhythm, but the pieces are starting to come together. Overall, the Bucs’ preseason gave fans plenty of reasons to be excited as the team heads into the regular season.