Jaxon Smith-Njigba Caps Breakout Season with Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t just take a leap this season-he launched himself into the NFL elite. In a year defined by big-time playmakers and highlight-reel performances, the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver quietly put together a campaign that now stands as the best by any offensive player in the league.
And the league took notice. Smith-Njigba is your 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
It was a tight race, with San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey right on his heels. McCaffrey, who also earned Comeback Player of the Year honors, put up a stellar season of his own, but Smith-Njigba edged him out in the final vote tally: 271 to 223, with 14 first-place votes to McCaffrey’s 12. It’s a testament to just how impactful Smith-Njigba was from start to finish.
And let’s be clear-this wasn’t just a good season. It was historic, both for the Seahawks and for Smith-Njigba personally.
In just his third year in the league, he became only the second player in Seattle franchise history to win the award, and the first since 2005. That’s elite company.
Smith-Njigba’s rise also adds another chapter to Ohio State’s growing legacy of NFL wide receiver dominance. He’s the first Buckeye to win the award since Michael Thomas in 2019, and his performance this year adds fuel to the conversation about which former Ohio State pass-catcher holds the crown as the best in the league. If there’s a belt for that title, JSN might be wearing it right now.
Let’s talk numbers, because they tell the story. Smith-Njigba hauled in 119 receptions for 1,930 yards during the regular season-an eye-popping jump of 600 yards from his 2024 campaign.
He averaged 15.1 yards per catch, showing not just volume, but explosive efficiency. Add in 10 touchdowns, and you’re looking at a complete, game-breaking receiver who was the heartbeat of Seattle’s offense.
This wasn’t just a breakout season-it was a statement. Smith-Njigba didn’t just improve; he transformed into one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football. His ability to stretch the field, find soft spots in coverage, and turn short gains into big plays made him a nightmare for opposing defenses all year long.
And he wasn’t alone. This season was a showcase for Ohio State receivers across the NFL.
Alongside Smith-Njigba, rookie Emeka Egbuka made waves, while Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, and Marvin Harrison Jr. all continued to prove that the Buckeyes are producing NFL-ready wideouts at an unmatched rate. But among that loaded group, it was Smith-Njigba who stood tallest in 2025.
Now, with the Offensive Player of the Year trophy in hand, Smith-Njigba has a chance to complete his dream season with the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl ring. The Seahawks are back on the biggest stage for the first time since 2015, and their WR1 has been a driving force behind that run.
From Columbus to Seattle, Smith-Njigba’s journey has been about rising to the moment. This year, he didn’t just rise-he soared.