Tetairoa McMillan’s Rookie Campaign Deserves the Spotlight - And the Hardware
When the Carolina Panthers used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, they weren’t just hoping for a contributor - they were banking on a game-changer. Fast forward to the end of his rookie season, and it’s clear: McMillan didn’t just meet expectations, he exceeded them in a way that’s hard to ignore. Now, he’s a finalist for the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award, and the numbers - and impact - speak for themselves.
Let’s start with the production. McMillan led all rookies in receiving yards (1,014), receiving yards per game (59.6), and touchdown receptions (seven).
He also ranked third among rookies with 70 catches. That’s not just solid - that’s elite rookie output, especially when you consider the growing pains that often come with transitioning to the NFL.
And for a Panthers team that’s been searching for a true No. 1 target, McMillan delivered in a big way.
His performance didn’t just pad the stat sheet - it helped shift the trajectory of the franchise. Carolina made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and McMillan played a key role in that resurgence.
In the Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, he posted five catches for 81 yards, showcasing the same poise and playmaking ability that defined his rookie campaign. Even in a loss, McMillan looked every bit the part of a future star.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan made it clear during his end-of-season press conference that this kind of breakout wasn’t a surprise inside the building. “I think we definitely envisioned what we got, otherwise, I don’t think we would have drafted him at No.
8,” Morgan said. “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.”
That work ethic and attention to detail paid off early. McMillan earned Rookie of the Week honors in Week 6 after hauling in his first two career touchdowns in a win over the Dallas Cowboys. It was a glimpse of what was to come - and a sign that McMillan could be a legitimate difference-maker from Day 1.
And while the Rookie of the Year award is decided by fan vote, McMillan’s case is as strong as any of the other five finalists: New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart, Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, New England Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson, Cleveland Browns LB Carson Schwesinger, and New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough. Each had standout moments, but McMillan’s consistency and production - especially in a position that often takes time to develop - sets him apart.
He’s also in the running for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see his name called when the honors are handed out.
Looking ahead, the Panthers’ future on offense looks promising with McMillan and quarterback Bryce Young forming a young and dynamic duo. Young threw for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season, and the organization has already picked up his fifth-year option - a clear sign of confidence in their franchise QB.
“Bryce has shown flashes of greatness this year against high-level competition,” Morgan said. “Just as a team we weren’t as consistent as we want to be on a game-to-game basis, but that’s part of what happens with a young team. Bryce did a great job this year, and I’m just really excited about moving forward and still developing chemistry with our receivers and just the pieces around him.”
That chemistry with McMillan is already taking shape - and if this rookie season is any indication, the Panthers may have found a cornerstone wideout for years to come.
So yes, the Rookie of the Year race is crowded. But if you’re looking for the guy who made the biggest impact, broke records, and helped turn a team’s fortunes around - Tetairoa McMillan has more than earned your vote.