Browns Announce Shedeur Sanders Will Start in Friday's Preseason Opener in Carolina

In a bold move to kick off the 2025 season, the Cleveland Browns have officially named Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for Friday’s first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

The decision comes after weeks of intense competition in the quarterback room, but head coach Kevin Stefanski has placed his trust in Sanders, the rookie quarterback out of Jackson State University, to lead the charge in the Browns’ first game of the preseason.

“We’ve seen enough from Shedeur to feel confident about starting him,” Stefanski said during a press conference earlier today. “He’s shown poise, accuracy, and leadership throughout camp. This is an important opportunity for him to get real game experience, and we’re excited to see how he performs in Carolina.”

Sanders, who made waves last season as a standout in college football, enters the NFL with high expectations. His time under center for Jackson State was marked by impressive stats and leadership, and the Browns’ coaching staff believes he has the potential to become a long-term fixture in the franchise.

“It’s a big moment for me, and I’m just focusing on doing my job and helping the team,” Sanders said in a recent interview. “I’m ready to show what I can do, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

The decision to start Sanders comes amid ongoing competition with Deshaun Watson, who has been recovering from a minor injury. However, Watson is expected to get reps later in the preseason.

For now, all eyes will be on Sanders as he takes the field for the Browns' preseason debut, marking a crucial step in his journey to cement himself as the team’s future quarterback.