Tyler Shough Wins NFL Rookie Of The Year Honors

In a season defined by resilience, late surges, and the roar of the Superdome crowd, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough has etched his name into NFL history. On February 5, 2026, Shough was officially named the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, an honor determined by a nationwide fan vote and announced just days before Super Bowl LX in San Francisco. For the 26-year-old rookie, it was the culmination of an unlikely journey and a testament to the power of perseverance.

Shough’s path to stardom was anything but straightforward. After a winding college career that saw him suit up for Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, he was selected 40th overall by the Saints in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 219 pounds, Shough arrived in New Orleans as part of a three-way competition for the starting quarterback role—a battle he initially lost to Spencer Rattler. The Saints, mired in a disappointing 1-7 start, appeared destined for another lost season.

But football has a way of surprising even the most jaded fans. Shough didn’t make his first start until November, yet when he finally took the reins, everything changed. In just 11 games, with nine starts, he completed 221 of 327 passes, notching a sparkling 67.6% completion rate—the highest among all rookies in the league. He threw for 2,384 yards, racked up 10 touchdowns against just six interceptions, and posted a passer rating of 91.3. To add to his legend, Shough’s 103.3 passer rating on third down led the entire NFL.

His performance wasn’t just solid; it was record-shattering for a Saints rookie. Shough set new franchise marks for most passing yards, most passing touchdowns, and highest completion percentage by a rookie quarterback. That completion percentage, 67.6%, also stands as the third-highest among qualifying rookies in NFL history. And in Week 17, he delivered a game for the ages: completing 81.5% of his passes for 333 yards and a passer rating of 142.7. In doing so, he became only the second rookie ever to post an 80% completion rate, at least 300 yards, and a passer rating over 140 in a single game—a feat previously accomplished only by Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos.

"I’m truly humbled and honored to be chosen for this award," Shough said during the award presentation, echoing the gratitude that’s become a hallmark of his interviews. "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!"

Shough’s competition for the coveted Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year trophy was fierce. The other five finalists included New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Each had a standout campaign, but it was Shough’s late-season heroics and statistical prowess that captured the imagination—and the votes—of fans across the country.

This fan-driven award, now in its 24th year, is part of Pepsi’s long-standing partnership with the NFL, celebrating the league’s brightest new stars. Each week throughout the season, fans voted online for their favorite rookies, narrowing the field to the six finalists who exemplified both on-field excellence and the spirit of the game. The presentation of a custom-designed Rookie of the Year trophy to Shough, ahead of the Super Bowl in San Francisco, marked a crowning achievement for a player whose journey was anything but guaranteed.

Shough’s accomplishments didn’t end with the Pepsi award. He was also named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for December and January, recognizing his stellar play down the stretch. The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) selected him for their All-Rookie team, further cementing his status as one of the league’s top newcomers. And as the NFL Honors ceremony unfolded in San Francisco, Shough was a finalist for the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year—an accolade that last year went to Jayden Daniels, former LSU and Commanders quarterback.

What makes Shough’s story even more remarkable is how quickly he turned the Saints’ fortunes around. When he took over as starter, New Orleans was languishing at the bottom of the standings. With Shough under center, the team found new life, and the Superdome crowd rediscovered its voice. Fans rallied behind their rookie quarterback, whose poise and accuracy brought hope to a franchise in need of fresh energy. His leadership, both on and off the field, earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike.

"The award is truly a reflection of all of their hard work," Shough emphasized, always quick to share credit. "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!"

Shough’s season wasn’t just about numbers. It was about moments—like his breakout performance in Week 17, or the way he rallied the team after a slow start. It was about the way he handled adversity and seized his opportunity when it finally arrived. In a league where rookies often struggle to adapt, Shough looked every bit the part of a seasoned veteran.

As Super Bowl weekend approaches and the city of New Orleans buzzes with anticipation, Tyler Shough’s name is on everyone’s lips. Whether he adds the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year to his growing list of accolades remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Saints have found their quarterback of the future. The fans, the franchise, and the city are all-in on Shough, whose remarkable rookie campaign has breathed new life into the Crescent City’s football hopes.

For now, Shough can savor the recognition from fans and peers alike. His journey from overlooked draft pick to record-breaking starter is a reminder that, in the NFL, anything is possible. As the Saints look ahead to next season, they do so with a renewed sense of optimism—and a young quarterback ready to lead the charge.