Rams 2025 Training Camp and Preseason Overview

Schedule, Key Dates, and Intriguing Camp Battles

With the Rams’ training camp a little more than a month away, it’s time to take an early look at key dates, schedule, and camp battles that will shape the roster for the 2025 season. Training camp and the preseason are critical periods for the team to refine strategies, integrate new players, and solidify the roster. Hosted at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for the second consecutive year, the Rams’ 2025 training camp promises to be a vibrant affair, with open practices, joint sessions, and a competitive preseason schedule. Let’s dive into the full training camp and preseason schedule, highlight key events, and spotlight the most compelling position battles to watch, including those involving rookies Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac, and Terrance Ferguson, as the Rams prepare for the upcoming season.

Training Camp Overview

The Los Angeles Rams will hold their 2025 training camp at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, a move that began in 2024 to bring the team closer to their fan base and optimize logistics. The partnership with LMU allows players to stay in modern dormitories, train in top-tier athletic facilities, and engage with fans in a more intimate setting. The Rams will hold eight practices open to the public at Loyola Marymount, beginning on July 24 and ending on Aug. 3. When the Rams released tickets for the open practices, tickets were sold out in less the two hours.

Love How The @SoFiStadium @RamsNFL Fans Have Sold out Training Camp in 1 day🙌🏿🙌🏿❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/nxNm6khgYD

— Da'Mon Jackson (@RamsDEJ) June 26, 2025

Key Training Camp Dates

Camp will run from July 24-Aug. 3 at Loyola Marymount University, the second year in a row, the training camp will be held at LMU. Players will report on July 22, with the first open practice taking place on July 24. Here are some key dates:

•  Rookies Report: July 22, 2025

•  Veterans Report: July 23, 2025

•  First Open Practice: July 24, 2025

•  Joint Practices: Rams are scheduled for joint practices with the Dallas Cowboys on August 5 in Oxnard, and with the Los Angeles Chargers on August 13 at the Chargers’ facility in El Segundo

•  Training Camp Concludes: Approximately August 25, 2025, aligning with final roster cuts before the regular season.

Preseason Schedule

The following is a projected preseason schedule, subject to confirmation:

•  Week 1 (August 9–10, 2025): vs. Dallas Cowboys (away)

•  Likely preceded by joint practices in Oxnard, CA, continuing the Rams’ tradition of working with the Cowboys.

•  Week 2 (August 16–17, 2025): vs. Los Angeles Chargers (home at SoFi Stadium)

•  Expected to follow joint practices at the Chargers’ facility in El Segundo, CA.

•  Week 3 (August 23–24, 2025): vs. Houston Texans (away)

•  A road game to close out the preseason, providing a final evaluation opportunity before roster cuts.

The preseason games are crucial for evaluating depth players, rookies, and bubble roster candidates. Final roster cuts to 53 players are expected by August 26, 2025, per NFL rules.

Key Offseason Moves and Context

The Rams enter 2025 with a retooled roster after significant offseason activity. Notable departures include longtime wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was released and signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and the trade of offensive lineman Jonah Jackson. Joe Noteboom, now with the Baltimore Ravens, Hunter Long, Tyler Johnson, and Christian Rozeboom are also no longer with the team.

Key additions include:

•  Davante Adams (WR): Acquired via free agency, Adams is expected to form a dynamic duo with Puka Nacua, giving Matthew Stafford elite targets.

•  Poona Ford (DT): A veteran defensive tackle to bolster the interior line.

•  2025 Draft Class: The Rams traded out of the first round, acquiring a 2026 first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons, and selected six players, including tight end Terrance Ferguson (Round 2, No. 46), outside linebacker Josaiah Stewart (Round 3, No. 90), running back Jarquez Hunter (Round 4, No. 117), defensive lineman Ty Hamilton (Round 5, No. 148), inside linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Round 5, No. 172), and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (Round 7, No. 242).

•  Undrafted Free Agents: Notably, linebacker Shaun Dolac, who has generated buzz for his athleticism and instincts.

These moves reflect General Manager Les Snead’s strategy of balancing youth with veteran leadership, aiming to keep the Rams competitive in the NFC.

Intriguing Camp Battles to Watch

Training camp is where roster spots are won and lost, and the 2025 Rams have several position groups with fierce competition. Below are the most compelling battles, with a focus on rookies Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac, and Terrance Ferguson.

1. Tight End: Terrance Ferguson vs. Tyler Higbee vs. Colby Parkinson

The tight end position is a focal point for the Rams’ offense in 2025, especially after an underutilized 2024 season.

•  Terrance Ferguson (Rookie, 2nd Round, Oregon): Selected 46th overall, Ferguson is a dynamic pass-catcher with alignment versatility (in-line, H-back, or flexed out). At 6’4” and 255 pounds, he has the size, athleticism, and strong hands to be a red-zone threat and create yards after the catch. His college production (134 receptions, 1,557 yards, 16 TDs at Oregon) suggests he could be a weapon for Matthew Stafford. However, Ferguson is still developing as a blocker, which may limit his snaps early. His role is to stretch defenses vertically and exploit mismatches, especially with defenses focused on Adams and Nacua.

•  Tyler Higbee (Veteran): A Rams mainstay since 2016, Higbee is the presumed starter but is coming off a major injury that sidelined him for most of 2024. At 32, his reliability as a blocker and short-yardage target is unquestioned, but his athleticism has waned. Higbee’s experience gives him the edge, but his health and ability to hold off younger talent are concerns.

•  Colby Parkinson: A solid blocker with sneaky receiving ability, Parkinson is a red-zone threat who has never fumbled in his NFL career. He’s likely to secure the TE2 role but could push for more snaps if Ferguson struggles with blocking duties.

Battle Outlook: Higbee starts the season as TE1 due to his familiarity with Sean McVay’s system, but Ferguson’s upside makes him a candidate to steal significant snaps, especially in 12-personnel packages. Parkinson’s blocking ensures he’ll see the field, but Ferguson’s receiving prowess could make him the long-term answer. Expect McVay to experiment with two-TE sets to maximize Ferguson’s potential.

2. Inside Linebacker: Chris Paul Jr. vs. Shaun Dolac vs. Troy Reeder vs. Nathan Landman

The Rams’ linebacker corps is a mix of youth and experience, with the inside linebacker spot offering one of the most intriguing battles. The team’s linebacker group was ranked in the bottom 10 by PFF entering 2025, putting pressure on young players to step up.

•  Chris Paul Jr. (Rookie, 5th Round, Ole Miss): Drafted 172nd overall, Paul, nicknamed “Pooh,” was a second-team All-SEC performer in 2024 with the best stop rate and missed tackle rate among drafted off-ball linebackers. At 6’0” and 222 pounds, his smaller frame is offset by explosive click-and-close ability, strong tackling, and smooth transitions in coverage. Analysts see him as a potential starter as a rookie, capable of fitting run gaps, filling alleys, and handling man coverage against option routes. His low stature aids in popping out of his stance, making him a versatile three-down linebacker. Paul’s value at pick 172 was lauded, with some grading him as a higher-round talent.

•  Shaun Dolac (UDFA, Buffalo): An undrafted free agent, Dolac has generated significant buzz, with some analysts ranking him as a top-five linebacker in the 2025 draft class for his instincts and athleticism. At 6’1” and 225 pounds, Dolac was given guaranteed money as a UDFA, signaling the Rams’ belief in his potential. His college tape shows sideline-to-sideline range and playmaking ability, but he’ll need to prove he can handle NFL physicality. Posts on X from analysts like @TFG_Football and @JKBOGEN highlight excitement for Dolac’s fit alongside Paul, suggesting the Rams struck gold with both.

•  Troy Reeder (Veteran): The most experienced of the group, Reeder is a reliable run defender but lacks the coverage skills of younger competitors. He received no guaranteed money, putting him at risk of being overtaken by Paul or Dolac.

•  Nathan Landman (Veteran): Acquired in free agency, Landman is a stout run defender with growth potential in coverage. He was a spring standout, per Sean McVay, and is likely to start alongside Omar Speights.

Battle Outlook: Landman and Speights are the projected starters, but Paul’s versatility and Dolac’s upside make them serious contenders for rotational roles or even starting jobs. Paul’s coverage skills give him an edge for three-down duties, while Dolac’s instincts could earn him early snaps. Reeder is the odd man out unless injuries open the door. The Rams’ investment in Paul and Dolac suggests they see both as future fixtures.

3. Running Back: Kyren Williams vs. Blake Corum vs. Jarquez Hunter

The running back room is stacked, with a three-way battle for carries behind starter Kyren Williams.

•  Kyren Williams (Veteran): The lead back, Williams is a workhorse with a nose for the end zone, but contract negotiations and a history of injuries make depth critical.

•  Blake Corum (2nd Year): A 2024 draft pick, Corum showed promise as a rookie but needs to carve out a bigger role. His vision and burst make him a strong change-of-pace option.

•  Jarquez Hunter (Rookie, 4th Round, Auburn): Selected 117th overall, Hunter is a powerful runner who squats 600 pounds and brings a physical presence. His college highlights include breakaway speed and a knack for big plays, making him a potential complement to Williams.

Battle Outlook: Williams is the clear RB1, but Corum and Hunter will compete for RB2 snaps. Hunter’s physicality could make him a goal-line and short-yardage specialist, while Corum’s elusiveness suits passing downs. This battle will shape the Rams’ backfield rotation. The Rams also have UDFA Jordan Waters on the roster. I am interested in whether Jordan can find a spot on the roster or practice squad. The highlights below show some promise.

4. Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Derion Kendrick vs. Emmanuel Forbes

The secondary is under scrutiny, with the Rams needing reliable starters opposite Darious Williams.

•  Ahkello Witherspoon (Veteran): A free-agent signing, Witherspoon brings experience but must prove he can lock down a starting role.

•  Derion Kendrick (Veteran): Re-signed after being waived, Kendrick faces an uphill battle to make the roster but has familiarity with the system.

•  Emmanuel Forbes: A standout in OTAs, Forbes’ emergence led to Kendrick’s initial cut. His ball skills make him a favorite to start. Here is a recent quote from McVay on Forbes: “He’s got great movement. He’s got a really good concept trigger. You can see the ball production where he’s doing things that had never been done before at the collegiate level in terms of being able to get your hands on the ball and then go score. I’ve really been pleased with him. There’s been a lot of positive guys that have really stood out or really kind of taken their game to another level. I’m looking forward to seeing once we put the pads on and getting into some of the preseason games, let’s continue to apply that. But been really pleased with Emmanuel and he’s done a great job.”

Battle Outlook: Forbes has the inside track for a starting spot, with Witherspoon likely securing the other outside role. After being cut, then re-signed, Kendrick is fighting for a roster spot, with special teams contributions potentially saving him.

Players to Watch

•  Chris Paul Jr.: His ability to contribute in coverage and against the run could see him on the field early, especially in nickel packages.

•  Shaun Dolac: As a UDFA with guaranteed money, Dolac’s camp performance could make him a fan favorite and a surprise roster lock.

•  Terrance Ferguson: His connection with Stafford in camp will be critical. If he shines in the passing game, he could force McVay to rethink the TE hierarchy.

•  Davante Adams: The veteran’s integration into the offense will be a focal point, as his chemistry with Stafford could elevate the passing game.

•  Matthew Stafford: Coming off a contract dispute, Stafford’s leadership and performance with new weapons like Adams and Ferguson will set the tone.

Fan Engagement and Logistics

Fans can attend open practices at LMU by registering at www.therams.com. The Rams will also host special events, such as military appreciation days and youth football clinics, during camp. SoFi Stadium will open its doors for the home preseason game against the Chargers, offering a first look at the 2025 squad in game action.

For those unable to attend, the Rams’ official website and social media channels will provide behind-the-scenes content, including episodes of Behind the Grind, which will cover training camp and the preseason.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 training camp and preseason are shaping up to be a defining period for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. With a mix of proven stars, solid veterans, and promising rookies like Chris Paul Jr., Shaun Dolac, and Terrance Ferguson, the Rams are poised for intense competition at key positions. The tight end, linebacker, running back, and cornerback battles will be must-watch storylines, offering insight into how Sean McVay and Les Snead plan to attack the NFC. One huge concern for me is how the Alaric Jackson situation plays out.

As camp kicks off at Loyola Marymount University, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see which players rise to the occasion and cement their roles in the Rams’ quest for another championship.

For the latest updates on the Rams’ training camp schedule, roster moves, and more, please visit The Rams Forum – on X (Twitter) @RamsFansForum