Saints Rookie Tyler Shough Earns NFL Rookie Of The Year

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough’s storybook rookie campaign reached a thrilling new chapter on February 5, 2026, as he was named the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year. The honor, determined by fan vote on NFL.com, cements Shough’s place among the league’s most exciting young talents and caps a remarkable season that saw him rise from backup to franchise record-breaker.

Shough, a 6-foot-5, 219-pound signal-caller, wasn’t the obvious choice to lead the Saints when the 2025 season began. Selected 40th overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisville, he entered a crowded quarterback room and initially lost the starting job to Spencer Rattler. The Saints stumbled to a 1-7 start, and it wasn’t until November that Shough got his first shot under center. But once he did, the trajectory of both his career and the Saints’ season shifted dramatically.

In just 11 games, including nine starts, Shough completed 221 of 327 passes, notching a 67.6% completion rate—the highest among all NFL rookies this season. He racked up 2,384 passing yards, threw 10 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and posted a 91.3 passer rating. On third down, he was especially lethal, leading the entire league with a 103.3 third-down passer rating. These numbers didn’t just stack up well among rookies; they shattered Saints franchise rookie records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completion percentage.

Shough’s performance wasn’t just about steady play—it was about rising to the occasion. In Week 17 against the Tennessee Titans, he became only the second rookie in NFL history to complete 80% or more of his passes (81.5%), throw for at least 300 yards (333), and post a passer rating above 140 (142.7) in a single game. The only other rookie to achieve that feat? Bo Nix, who did it twice with the Denver Broncos in the 2024 season.

"I’m truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award," Shough said after receiving the news. "Coming in as a rookie, my goal was to do anything I could to contribute to our team’s success. Whatever I was asked to do, I just wanted to help the team. This wouldn’t be possible without all my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win. This award is truly a reflection of all their hard work. I also want to say thank you to our amazing fans. Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us! I can’t wait to see where we go from here!"

The fan-voted Rookie of the Year award is part of Pepsi’s long-standing partnership with the NFL, now in its 25th year as the league’s official soft drink sponsor. For the 24th year, Pepsi presented both the Rookie of the Week and Rookie of the Year awards, with weekly nominees whittled down to six season-long finalists. Shough emerged victorious over a talented group that included Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.

Shough’s journey to NFL stardom was anything but typical. At 26, he took a winding road through college football, suiting up for Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville before finally hearing his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. That breadth of experience may have helped him weather the early adversity in New Orleans, where he waited patiently for his chance before seizing it with both hands.

Once he got the nod, Shough wasted little time making his presence felt. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for December and January, a period in which his precision and poise helped the Saints find their footing. He also earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team, further testament to his impact in just a partial season of starts.

His 67.6% completion percentage stands as the third-highest among qualifying rookies in NFL history—a remarkable achievement for a player who didn’t even begin the season as the starter. In fact, Shough’s accuracy, decision-making, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments quickly became hallmarks of his game. Saints fans, renowned for their passion and loyalty, were quick to embrace the rookie, whose humility and work ethic resonated throughout the city.

Pepsi presented Shough with a custom-designed Rookie of the Year trophy in San Francisco, where the NFL Honors ceremony was set to take place. The timing was fitting, as Shough was also a finalist for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which would be announced later that evening at the Palace of Fine Arts. Last year’s winner, Jayden Daniels, had taken home both the Pepsi and AP honors, and Shough was looking to follow in those illustrious footsteps.

Reflecting on his journey, Shough credited his teammates and coaches for their unwavering support. "This wouldn’t be possible without all my teammates and coaches giving everything they had each and every week to help us win," he said. "This award is truly a reflection of all their hard work." His gratitude extended to the Saints’ faithful, whose enthusiasm helped fuel his rise: "Your unbelievable passion for the Saints and the city of New Orleans inspires all of us!"

Shough’s rookie campaign was filled with standout moments—none bigger than his Week 17 performance, but he also delivered clutch plays throughout the season. Whether it was threading a needle on third down, escaping pressure to extend a drive, or rallying the team from behind, Shough consistently demonstrated the qualities of a franchise quarterback.

As the NFL world turned its attention to the Super Bowl and the upcoming NFL Honors, Shough’s rapid ascent was the talk of New Orleans and beyond. The Saints, once mired in a difficult season, now have a new face of the franchise and a beacon of hope for the future. With his name etched in the record books and a trophy in hand, Tyler Shough’s rookie season won’t soon be forgotten. The only question now: just how high can he and the Saints soar from here?