As summer nears its end, the defending state champion Panther team looks forward to their upcoming season despite the changes that took place since last season. Eric Taylor starts his coaching job at TMU and discovers how hard it is being apart from his wife as she goes into labor. Meanwhile, Tyra runs into someone from her past that will change her life forever; and Matt and Landry both deal with their new lifestyles, but neither are comfortable with the changes.

The first day of school at Dillon High brings new changes. Tami finds it difficult to be a mother to a newborn and a teenager, especially with Eric away at TMU. Matt's "perfect" life begins to slip away while Landry tries to move on after a life changing event. However, Smash is loving the new year as coaches, media and scouts have nothing but praise for him.

The first Friday night of the season finally arrives for the Dillon Panthers, but things do not go as hoped. Smash and Saracen have trouble both on and off the field while Eric Taylor returns to find his old team falling apart. Riggins finds himself in a scary situation that forces him to reach out to an unexpected person.

Riggins and Street head to Mexico so Street can look into experimental surgery. Concerned about Jason, Tim calls Lyla, who is busy back in Dillion helping a new-comer adjust. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor makes a life-altering career move, and the search continues for the rapist's killer.

Coach Taylor makes his return to the Dillon Panthers as the head coach, especially after realizing that being with his family is where he should have been all along. But his homecoming isn't as smooth as he had hoped. The team is in pieces, especially with Saracen and Smash at each other's throats. Meanwhile, Lyla comes to Riggins aid in convincing Street to change his mind about the surgery.

Evidence arises that implicates Landry in the death of Tyra's attacker, and Landry's father finds out. When Landry comes clean to his father about what happened, his father must choose between being a father and being a police officer. Tami's sister, Shelley, comes to Dillon to help with the baby and Shelly's free-spirited nature makes Tami reflect on the choices she's made throughout her life. Later, Riggins is kicked off the team and must prove to Coach Taylor that he wants to be a part of the team.

The day Smash has been waiting for his entire football career has finally arrived -- it's the first official day for college recruiters to talk with players, and Smash will finally learn what his college future will hold. Despite all the attention recruiting day is given, Coach Taylor focuses his attention on a new player. Meanwhile, Saracen is enjoying spending time with his new girlfriend, but is becoming increasingly attracted to his grandmother's nurse; Julie becomes jealous of Matt and his new girlfriend; and Tami has Lyla and Tyra work together for the annual "Pantherama" event.

Smash makes a college recruiting visit; Matt goes after Carlotta; Tami has words with Julie's teacher; Eric is jealous of Tami's new relationship with a colleague; the brother of Tara's attacker asks to talk with her.

Landy's conscience still haunts him despite having come clean about the murder of Tara's attacker. Meanwhile, Herc tells Jason to move on and begin dating once again; and the tension grows between Tami and Julie as the Taylor's prepare for Gracie's christening.

A rival school comes to Dillon after their school is damaged by a tornado. Meanwhile, Tami, Julie and Riggins all learn to adjust with their new living situation. Also, Lyla's mother plans to remarry, while Tyra and Landry try to move on from the murder.

Smash is pressured to choose a college. Meanwhile, Coach Taylor has his mind on Riggins and Julie as the Panthers prepare for their toughest game of the season so far. Also, Tami and her sister are at odds with each other.

Tami has trouble letting go as the Taylors consider using daycare for Gracie. Lyla begins her job as a DJ for a Christian radio station. Matt makes a decision about his passions for Carlotta. Family and friends wonder about Smash's choices in his love life.

Smash's confrontation at the movie theater turns worse when assault charges are pressed against him. Now, Smash must choose between apologizing or standing up for what is right. As Street begins a new career, Tami also takes on a new job when Coach Taylor hires her as the girls' volleyball coach. Meanwhile, Riggins tries to express his true feelings to Lyla.

Tami's newfound bond towards Tyra has Julie feeling jealous once again. Meanwhile, Landry finds a new love, Coach Taylor gives guidance to Smash during his suspension and Matt has lost sight of what matters anymore.

Smash will not give up on his plans for a future in college football. Coach Taylor is irked when Tami's ex-boyfriend comes to town for a visit. Meanwhile, Street receives news that will change his life forever, and despite Layla's new relationship with another guy, Riggins refuses to give up yet.