Making the case for Carolina Panthers' rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian to win the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
As the Carolina Panthers continue their quest for a chance at a playoff spot, the organization is on the brink of having the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year in star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian.
After a rough rookie season from former 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette, general manager Dan Morgan decided to use the franchise’s first-round pick in 2025 on McMillan. At the time, the selection was considered questionable due to the Panthers' need for a pass rusher.
However, this decision has ultimately turned out to be an excellent move for Carolina’s offensive attack, as McMillian has quickly become one of the best playmakers in the NFL as a rookie.
Through 11 games this season, the former Arizona Wildcats’ wideout has recorded 748 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 54 catches. His incredible stint has led to him having the sixth-most receiving yards in the NFL, as well as the most receiving yards from a rookie through Week 11.
In addition to his consistent play this season, McMillan has had four games of 70 or more receiving yards, along with two games of 100 or more receiving yards. In the Panthers’ most recent contest against the Atlanta Falcons, the 22-year-old finished with eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns to help lead Carolina to a huge overtime victory.
It’s clear that the standout rookie will likely be a top-three choice for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but will he be the one who hoists the trophy at the end of the season?
Looking at the rest of his competition, there is only one rookie that is close to McMillan’s production this year in Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
The former Ohio State Buckeye had an incredible start to the 2025 season, tallying 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns in his first five games at the NFL level. However, Egbuka eventually began to cool off after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 6, and now sits at 717 receiving yards and six touchdowns through nine games.
McMillan’s recent performance in Week 11 has skyrocketed his chances of becoming the favorite for the OROY. In order for him to secure the award, McMillan must continue his dominant stretch and close out the regular season on a high note. The Panthers' upcoming schedule features the likes of the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, along with two games against the Buccaneers.