Bears 2025 Training Camp Preview: Ben Johnson’s Debut & Caleb Williams’ Breakout Season

Chicago Bears Training Camp 2025: Fresh Faces, New Vibes, and All Eyes on Caleb Williams

It’s finally here. That electric time of year when NFL teams hit the field to prep for the long grind ahead. In Chicago, the buzz is unreal. The Bears are marching into the 2025 training camp with a fresh identity, a revamped roster, and a new head coach — Ben Johnson, the guy everyone’s calling a QB whisperer. If you’re a Bears fan, you’ve probably already circled your calendar in bold Sharpie.

🔥 Training Camp Kicks Off — What You Need to Know

Let’s talk logistics first. Rookies and quarterbacks will officially report to Halas Hall this Saturday, July 19. Just a few days later, on Tuesday, July 22, the rest of the squad joins in. Practices begin Wednesday, July 23, but that first session? It’s closed to the public. No worries though — fans will get their first taste of Bears action during Friday’s open practice on July 25. Just a heads-up: you’ll need a free ticket to get in, so plan ahead.

📅 Here's a Quick Look at the Open Practice Dates

• Friday, July 25 (8:30 a.m. CT) – First open practice

• Saturday, July 26 (8:30 a.m. CT) – Open

• Tuesday, July 29 (8:30 a.m. CT) – Open

• Wednesday, July 30 (8:30 a.m. CT) – Open

• Thursday, July 31 (8:30 a.m. CT) – Open

• Saturday, August 2 (8:30 a.m. CT) – Open

• Sunday, August 3 – Family Fest (Open)

• Thursday, August 7 (11 a.m. CT) – Open

• Friday, August 8 (10:30 a.m. CT) – Joint Practice with Dolphins (Open)

• Wednesday, August 13 (12:30 p.m. CT) – Open

• Thursday, August 14 (11 a.m. CT) – Open

• Friday, August 15 (10:30 a.m. CT) – Joint Practice with Bills (Open)

(Other practice dates are closed to the public but still crucial for internal evaluations.)

🧠 All Eyes on Coach Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson’s arrival brings an entirely new flavor to the Bears. After years of offensive stagnation, the former Lions offensive coordinator steps in with the mission to turn quarterback Caleb Williams into a franchise cornerstone. Johnson is known for his creative schemes, clean execution, and quarterback-friendly systems — exactly what this young squad needs.

💪 Rookie Class Looking Legit

Let’s not gloss over the talent Chicago picked up in the 2025 draft. This rookie class might be one of the best in recent Bears history — seriously. Tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner are expected to make immediate noise. These aren’t just depth chart fillers; they’re potential starters.

And it doesn’t stop there. Keep an eye on linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II, cornerback Zah Frazier, offensive lineman Luke Newman, and running back Kyle Monangai. There’s a lot of grit and upside in this group.

All eight rookie draft picks are now officially under contract after a short holdup with the second-rounders. Burden, Trapilo, and Turner inked their deals recently, wrapping up the paperwork just in time for camp.

🎯 Caleb Williams: The Breakout Is Brewing

Here’s the headline everyone’s waiting for — Is this the year Caleb Williams becomes HIM?

In his second NFL season, the former No. 1 overall pick has a lot working in his favor. Chicago did everything this offseason to put the pieces around him. From rebuilding the offensive line to stacking the wide receiver room, they’ve made it clear: Williams is the guy.

This isn’t just hype — the structure’s there. With a better pocket, faster weapons, and a coach who knows how to scheme guys open, don’t be surprised if Caleb becomes one of the NFL’s breakout stars in 2025.

🎙️ QB Room Drama? Maybe a Little

Veteran quarterback Case Keenum joins the mix, adding leadership and savvy backup potential. He’ll compete with Tyson Bagent for the QB2 role. It’s not flashy, but it’s important — especially if the Bears want to keep things stable behind Williams.

Keenum brings over a decade of experience and has been a starter in high-pressure situations. His mentorship could be invaluable for a young, ambitious team trying to find its identity.

🐻 The Bigger Picture for Bears Nation

This isn’t your same old rebuilding narrative. The Bears have retooled — not just with talent, but with intent. Ben Johnson’s offensive brainpower combined with GM Ryan Poles’ long-term vision is finally coming to life. Add a growing young core, a pumped-up defense, and the crazy loyalty of the Chicago fanbase, and you’ve got a recipe for something exciting — maybe even playoff-worthy.

Of course, it’s training camp. Nobody wins trophies in July. But this camp will offer a first real glimpse of who’s rising, who’s struggling, and what the future might look like at Soldier Field.

🗓️ Full Camp Schedule Rundown (All Times Central)

• Wed, July 23 – 8:30 AM

• Thu, July 24 – 8:30 AM

• Fri, July 25 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Sat, July 26 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Mon, July 28 – 8:30 AM

• Tue, July 29 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Wed, July 30 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Thu, July 31 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Sat, August 2 – 8:30 AM – Open Practice

• Sun, August 3 – Family Fest (Open)

• Mon, August 4 – 10:10 AM

• Tue, August 5 – 11:40 AM

• Thu, August 7 – 11 AM – Open Practice

• Fri, August 8 – 10:30 AM – Joint Practice w/ Dolphins (Open)

• Mon, August 11 – 12:30 PM

• Wed, August 13 – 12:30 PM – Open Practice

• Thu, August 14 – 11 AM – Open Practice

• Fri, August 15 – 10:30 AM – Joint Practice w/ Bills (Open)

• Mon, August 18 – 8:30 AM

• Wed, August 20 – 12:30 PM

🧩 Final Thoughts: This Ain’t Just Another Camp

This year feels different. It’s not just the players or the coach — it’s the vibe. There’s a hunger in the building. From the rookies to the vets, there’s a sense that this franchise is on the verge of something. And let’s face it: Chicago is starved for football greatness again.

Training camp 2025 could be where it all begins. So grab your gear, snag your free tickets, and show up loud. The Bears are back. And they’re just getting started.