The BEST episodes of Hard Knocks season 26
Every episode of Hard Knocks season 26, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Hard Knocks season 26!
“The first sports-based reality series” in television history presents viewers with an inside look at NFL training camps. From the top coaches to the rookies trying to make the team, Hard Knocks will showcase what it takes to be in the NFL.
#1 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 1
Season 26 - Episode 1 - Aired 12/2/2025
The Eagles prep for a Black Friday battle vs. the Bears in the wake of a tough loss to the Cowboys — who are climbing back into contention. Though their playoff hopes are over, the Giants and the Commanders look to close out the year on a positive note.
#2 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 2
Season 26 - Episode 2 - Aired 12/9/2025
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys look to stay hot while the Giants, Eagles, and Commanders all try to turn their luck around in Week 14; Eagles WR AJ Brown does a good deed while his teammate DeVonta Smith works on his Pilates; Commanders veteran TE Zach Ertz is dealt a tough blow — a knee injury that could potentially end his career.
#3 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 3
Season 26 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/16/2025
Tough questions face all four NFC East teams. In Philly, Saquon Barkley and the Eagles look to rebound vs. the Raiders; Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey hosts a dinner before the Cowboys' must-win game against the Vikings; the Giants and Commanders look to finish their lost seasons on a high note as they play each other on a snowy December Sunday.
#4 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 4
Season 26 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/23/2025
Each of the NFC East teams prepares for Christmas... even if only the Eagles will find a playoff ticket under the tree; a look at The Philly Specials--a musical group featuring Eagles players Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and retired star Jason Kelce; Dak Prescott encourages generosity from his Cowboys teammates.
#5 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 5
Season 26 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/30/2025
Jaxson Dart and the Giants spread some holiday cheer; the playoff-bound Eagles prepare to face the Buffalo Bills, while the Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants talk about their motivation despite being eliminated.
#6 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 6
Season 26 - Episode 6 - Aired 1/6/2026
It's the final week of the regular season. While the playoff-bound Eagles plan to rest their starters, the Giants, Cowboys, and Commanders all want to end their year on a high note. Commanders' LB Bobby Wagner looks to make football history. Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer reflects on his legendary late father Marty. Young Giants star Jaxson Dart gives a glimpse of his promising future.
#7 - In Season with the NFC East Episode 7
Season 26 - Episode 7 - Aired 1/13/2026
After coming up short of the playoffs, the Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants immediately begin making coaching changes as they look to turn things around in 2026. In Philadelphia, Eagles' head coach Nick Sirianni enjoys some time with his young family as the Eagles get pumped for their Wild Card battle vs. the 49ers. For Saquon Barkley, that includes a screening of the 2014 film Whiplash.