CBS Sports Overlooks Tetairoa McMillan in ROY Race Rankings
A recent selection by CBS Sports has raised eyebrows among NFL fans and analysts alike. In a midseason assessment of the Offensive Rookie of the Year (ROY) race, the panel excluded Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, despite his impressive performance this season. The panel, consisting of 15 editors, writers, and analysts, named their top three contenders, which included Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Indianapolis Colts’ tight end Tyler Warren, and New York Giants’ quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Emeka Egbuka emerged as the frontrunner with 10 of the 15 votes. According to CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo, Egbuka has been pivotal for the Buccaneers, especially with star receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans sidelined due to injuries. DeArdo noted, “Egbuka has stepped up for a Buccaneers team that has overcome a myriad of injuries during the season’s first half.” Egbuka’s performance is seen as a continuation of the legacy of successful receivers from Ohio State University, following in the footsteps of players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson.
Despite this recognition, Tetairoa McMillan has had a standout season that merits attention. The Panthers selected McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at the University of Arizona. He leads the Panthers with 41 receptions and 558 receiving yards, along with two touchdowns. Notably, his reception total surpasses Egbuka’s by seven catches, and he trails Egbuka in receiving yards by just four, despite having played one additional game.
As the season progresses, McMillan’s contributions to the Panthers could significantly impact the team’s performance. With nine weeks remaining in the regular season, there is ample opportunity for him to enhance his candidacy for the ROY award. Many observers argue that McMillan’s overall production may even surpass that of Warren, who has 518 receiving yards this season.
The omission of McMillan from the CBS Sports rankings has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, questioning the criteria used to evaluate rookie performances. As the NFL season continues to unfold, McMillan’s development and impact on the Panthers could elevate him into the conversation for rookie honors.
In conclusion, while CBS Sports has spotlighted Egbuka, Warren, and Dart as the current frontrunners, the performance of Tetairoa McMillan demonstrates that the race for the Offensive Rookie of the Year is far from settled. As the season progresses, the recognition of outstanding talent like McMillan could reshape the narrative of this year’s rookie class.
