The NFL’s rookie class was loaded with talent this season, but one name stood above the rest when the dust settled: Tetairoa McMillan. The Carolina Panthers wide receiver didn’t just make an impact - he rewrote parts of the Panthers’ record book and earned some serious hardware along the way.
The Pro Football Writers of America named McMillan both Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he also earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team. That’s a clean sweep of the league’s top honors for a first-year offensive player - and it’s hard to argue with the resume.
McMillan led all rookies in receiving yards (1,014), receiving yards per game (59.6), and touchdown catches (seven). He also finished third among rookies in receptions with 70 - a number that also broke the Panthers’ franchise record for most receiving yards by a rookie. That’s not just a good debut season; that’s franchise cornerstone material.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan wasn’t shy about his expectations for McMillan when they took him with the No. 8 overall pick, and the rookie lived up to the billing.
“I think we definitely envisioned what we got, otherwise, I don't think we would have drafted him at No. 8,” Morgan said in his end-of-season press conference.
“So, he's done a great job. Just another guy that comes in, he works, attention to detail, and it shows out on the field on Sundays.”
And it certainly did. McMillan’s breakout moment came in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, when he hauled in his first two career touchdowns and claimed Rookie of the Week honors. From there, he didn’t look back, becoming a consistent weapon in the Panthers’ offense and a go-to target for quarterback Bryce Young.
Speaking of Young, the former No. 1 overall pick showed major growth in his sophomore season, throwing for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns. But perhaps more importantly, he and McMillan developed a connection that looked more like a veteran duo than a pair of young players still finding their footing in the league.
That chemistry was on full display in the Panthers’ Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Even in a losing effort, McMillan caught five passes for 81 yards - the kind of performance that shows up when the lights are brightest.
“TMac, he was him,” Young said after the game. “He was, he's exactly who he's been.
He was elite; he's a special player. He'll be the offensive rookie of the year.
I have all the confidence in the world. Again, a special guy - stuff you can't teach, and all the stuff that you can, he's working super hard at, he's working to perfect it, and cares about the craft.
Again, a special guy. I'm super grateful that he's on the team.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly - especially from a quarterback who’s quickly becoming the face of the franchise. Carolina has already picked up Young’s fifth-year option, doubling down on their belief in him as their long-term leader. And with McMillan by his side, the Panthers are building something real.
This was Carolina’s first playoff appearance since 2017, and while it ended earlier than they’d hoped, it’s clear the foundation is in place. McMillan’s historic rookie season is just the beginning - and if this is what he looks like in Year 1, it’s fair to say the rest of the league should be on notice.