6 Named Finalists for 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year

TYLER, Texas (TXAN 24) — The NFL has announced six finalists for the 2025 Pepsi® Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Award, recognizing the league’s top first-year performers following standout rookie seasons.

Fans will determine the winner through a vote at nfl.com/rookies, with voting open through Friday, January 30. The award recipient will be revealed during Super Bowl Week in the Bay Area and will receive a custom Pepsi Zero Sugar-themed trophy.

The finalists represent a mix of offensive firepower and defensive dominance:

• Jaxson Dart (QB, New York Giants) emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic rookie quarterbacks, leading all rookie QBs in rushing yards (487), rushing touchdowns (nine), and passer rating (91.7). Dart also became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to record a rushing touchdown in five straight games.

• TreVeyon Henderson (RB, New England Patriots) averaged a league-best 5.1 yards per carry among rookies and totaled 1,132 scrimmage yards. His four rushing touchdowns of 50-plus yards placed him in elite historical company.

• Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders) led all rookies in scrimmage yards (1,321) and set a Raiders franchise record for rookie production.

• Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Carolina Panthers) paced all rookies in receiving yards (1,014), touchdowns (seven), and yards per game, breaking the Panthers’ rookie receiving record.

• Carson Schwesinger (LB, Cleveland Browns) dominated defensively, leading all rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.

• Tyler Shough (QB, New Orleans Saints) posted the highest completion percentage among rookies (67.6%) while setting multiple Saints rookie passing records.

This marks the 25th year Pepsi has partnered with the NFL, continuing its long-running celebration of the league’s rising stars.