The Green Bay Packers finished the 2026 preseason with back-to-back wins, including a dominant victory over the Denver Broncos and a comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals. More important than the results, a few players produced standout performances across the three games for Matt LaFleur's team.
As we do every summer at Packers Wire, here are the stars of the preseason for the Packers in 2026:
K Trey Smack
The rookie kicker made all 16 of his attempted kicks: 9-for-9 on field goals, and 7-for-7 on extra points. Among his field goals were three makes over 50 yards, including a 59-yarder in Denver and a 58-yarder in Pittsburgh. While Smack has been up and down during practices, he was perfect during the preseason -- showcasing his talent and potential and locking
him in as the Packers' kicker to start 2026. The next step? Making kicks when the games count.
WR J. Michael Sturdivant
The undrafted rookie caught nine of 11 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown, and he averaged 2.96 yards per route run while catching all three of his contested catch opportunities. Sturdivant was also a capable blocker, and he got in on three tackles across 11 snaps covering kicks and punts. His all-around performance during the preseason -- highlighted by a 100-yard receiving game in the finale -- give him a real chance of sticking on the 53-man roster.
J. Michael Sturdivant's preseason finale: 6 catches on 7 targets for 112 and a TD.
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) August 29, 2026
Counted 3 contested catches.
Had the 2-catch solo TD drive.
17-yarder on 2nd-and-16.
5 of 6 catches resulted in a first down or TD.
158.3 passer rating when targeted. pic.twitter.com/LybcGPBmVL
QB Kyle McCord
The second-year quarterback completed 46 of 70 passes (65.7 percent), threw four touchdown passes and didn't have a turnover across 79 dropbacks this preseason. He didn't just check down the ball; his average depth of target was 10.1 yards. With six drops factored in, McCord's adjusted completion percentage was 80.0. His four "big time throws" is currently tied for the most among quarterbacks during the preseason, per PFF. Will the Packers keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster? McCord made a strong case.
Kyle McCord's best throws from his epic 4 TD performance pic.twitter.com/DkvEjSiwc8
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 29, 2026
DL Jonathan Ford
The big nose tackle produced five stops against the run and five hurries as a pass-rusher, showing off massive improvement and positioning himself to make the Packers' initial 53-man roster. No Packers defensive lineman played more snaps over the A-gap during the preseason than Ford, who appeared there on 47 snaps. He has unique size that fits what the Packers need in a traditional two-gapping nose tackle in the 3-4 front.
EDGE Nyjalik Kelly
After a disappointing preseason opener, Kelly was excellent over the final two games, producing a team-high eight pressures while also forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass. He was in on a sack in games against both the Steelers and Cardinals. In the preseason finale, Kelly had two quarterback hits and three tackles for loss.
Have a game, Nyjalik Kelly 😤😤
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 29, 2026
He’s now got a sack to go along with his pick!
📺 Preseason on @NFLPlus https://t.co/PRTab534xt pic.twitter.com/8sRvgybUf5
DL Jaden Crumedy
While Jonathan Ford and Anthony Campbell stole the show at defensive tackle, Crumedy quietly put together an excellent preseason. He had a quarterback hit creating a turnover and a batted pass in the preseason finale, and he finished with four run stops over the three games. At PFF, Crumedy was the team's highest graded defensive tackle. Could he be a surprise member of the first 53? At the very least, the former Panthers draft pick proved he's worth a spot on the practice squad.
WR Will Sheppard
The second-year receiver scored a team-high three touchdowns, including touchdown catches in back-to-back games and an electric 81-yard punt return touchdown in the preseason finale. His toe-drag catch for a touchdown in Denver was one of the top plays of the preseason. Sheppard finished the preseason tied with Isaiah Neyor for the team lead in catches (10). Is there room for him on the 53? Probably not, but Sheppard makes a lot of sense as the top receiver on the practice squad, especially given his punt return potential.
WILL SHEPPARD 80-YARD PUNT RETURN TD
— NFL (@NFL) August 29, 2026
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Sj4asL6vpZ
DL Anthony Campbell
The former Seahawk was menacing as a pass-rusher, producing seven total pressures, including sacks against both the Broncos and Cardinals. His seven total pressures ranked second on the Packers defense during the preseason. At 6-7 with long arms, Campbell is a disruptive player who can win quick as a rusher and bat down balls at the line. His quickness closing space on both sacks was impressive. Campbell's drastic improvement in Year 2 will have the Packers thinking hard about keeping him on the 53.
Anthony Campbell had a big night at Denver. Here’s his sack. pic.twitter.com/yarFNSW6L4
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) August 24, 2026
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 8 stars of the Packers preseason in 2026
