The San Francisco 49ers officially begin preparations for the 2026 season today as the team's rookie class reports to the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, kicking off training camp a week before veterans arrive on July 25. The first full-team practice is scheduled for July 26. Earlier this month, the 49ers also announced their open practice schedule and ticketing information for the team's 2026 training camp.
While the spotlight will eventually shift to established stars like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Fred Warner, this week belongs to the newcomers. It marks the first real opportunity for the draft picks and undrafted free agents to begin preparing for the season ahead and learning the ins and outs of the NFL. They have already had the chance to begin displaying their skills this spring, but now is the time they really want to impress upon the coaching staff that they can be trusted.
Several rookies enter camp with realistic chances to contribute right away, while others will be battling to carve out roles on special teams or earn spots on the 53-man roster. Every rep matters, and strong performances over the next several weeks can quickly change a player's outlook.
Drafted players like WR De'Zhaun Stribling, DE Romello Height, RB Kaelon Black, and DT Gracen Halton will get most of the attention. But some intriguing undrafted rookies will be fun to watch. DE Mikail Kamara, DT Bryson Eason, and TE Khalil Dinkins are three to watch for.
For fans, today's report date serves as another reminder that football is back. The offseason is officially winding down, and the road to the 2026 season begins now. Which rookies will make their mark and help the 49ers win games this season?
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