Emeka Egbuka’s Rookie Year Deserved More Love-But His Best Football’s Still Ahead
Emeka Egbuka’s rookie season didn’t end with any hardware, but don’t let the lack of votes fool you-he quietly put together one of the most productive first-year campaigns in Buccaneers history. In fact, his 2025 numbers were good enough to rank fourth all-time among Bucs rookies in receiving yards. That’s no small feat, especially considering the names that have come through Tampa Bay.
Egbuka came out of the gate firing. In the first 10 weeks of the season, he posted three 100-yard games and looked every bit like a rising star.
He was creating separation, showing reliable hands, and flashing the kind of route-running polish that usually takes young receivers a year or two to develop. For a while, he was right in the thick of the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation.
But after Week 10, the production tailed off. Whether it was a shift in game plan, defensive adjustments, or just the grind of a long NFL season catching up to him, Egbuka’s numbers dipped, and so did his award stock.
By the time the NFL Honors rolled around Thursday night, his name wasn’t even on the radar. He didn’t receive a single OROY vote.
That award went to Panthers wideout Tetairoa McMillan, and it wasn’t particularly close-McMillan snagged 41 of the 50 votes. He earned it, no doubt.
With 70 catches, 1,014 yards, and seven touchdowns, McMillan was a reliable weapon all season long. But when you dig into the numbers, the gap between him and Egbuka isn’t as wide as the vote count suggests.
McMillan averaged just three more receiving yards per game than Egbuka, despite playing significantly more snaps and not having to share targets with a future Hall of Famer like Mike Evans. That context matters. Egbuka had to carve out his role in a crowded offense, and he still made a major impact.
The final OROY standings had Egbuka in fifth place-a surprising drop given how strong his first half was. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough finished second thanks to a late-season surge where he led New Orleans to an undefeated December, including a tight win over the Bucs.
Jaxon Dart came in fourth, despite leading the Giants to a 4-8 record in his 12 starts and getting sacked 35 times. Egbuka’s numbers stack up favorably, especially when you consider the position and the situation he was in.
It’s not the first time a Bucs rookie receiver has been overlooked. Back in 2014, Mike Evans put up 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns and still only got one first-place vote for OROY. Egbuka’s rookie year wasn’t quite that prolific, but the parallels are hard to ignore.
The upside? Egbuka’s just getting started.
With Zac Robinson stepping in as offensive coordinator and Chandler Whitmer taking over as quarterbacks coach, the Bucs’ offense is trending in a more modern, dynamic direction. That’s great news for a young receiver who thrives on timing and precision.
There’s also the looming question of Mike Evans’ future. If the veteran decides to move on or retire, it could open the door for Egbuka to become the go-to option in Tampa Bay. Even if Evans stays, Egbuka has already proven he can produce alongside him.
The next step for Egbuka is cleaning up the details-improving on a 49% catch rate and cutting down a 7.1% drop rate. Those numbers aren’t uncommon for rookies, but if he tightens those up, he’s got the tools to become a legitimate No. 1 receiver in this league.
Egbuka didn’t get the accolades this time around, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t earn respect. He’s laid a strong foundation, and 2026 could be the year he turns potential into stardom.
For Bucs fans, the future at wide receiver looks bright-and it starts with No. 12.