The 2026 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, with all 32 teams preparing for the upcoming season. Rookies are meeting new teammates, learning playbooks, and adjusting to the NFL level. Which rookies on the offensive side of the ball are early front-runners to be instant contributors? Winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is something players only get one chance of doing. There are several viable candidates this season, but who stands out from the pack? Given that the award has only been won by quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen face an uphill battle. Who are the early 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates?
Early Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2026
1. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s selection of Jeremiyah Love with the third-overall pick drew mixed reactions. Regardless of the debate over whether using a premium pick on a running back is worth it, Love will be a focal point in the Cardinals’ offense. Love is a blue-chip talent, as he uses elite power, vision, and acceleration as a runner. He is also a capable pass catcher out of the backfield, being able to attack defenses in a variety of ways.
The biggest question regarding his production in 2026 is Arizona’s offensive line. While it made improvements this offseason, will the unit give Love clear rushing lanes to work with? Ashton Jeanty was limited in 2025 due to poor offensive line play. With this class being thin at quarterback, Love is the best among early offensive rookie of the year candidates.
2. Jadarian Price, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Love’s college teammate was also picked in the first round and is going to an ideal situation to succeed early. Jadarian Price has game-breaking speed and the burst to reach that top-end speed quickly. He can also fight for yards after contact and possesses an excellent combination of vision and agility to make defenders miss. With Kenneth Walker III off to Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs, Price is in line to be the lead back for Seattle. It’s uncertain when Charbonnet will return, so Price has the opportunity to be RB1 for a contender.
Of all the top offensive rookie of the year candidates, he is the only one on a playoff team from 2025. Although being on a good team isn’t a prerequisite for rookie of the year, the way it is for MVP, it certainly helps. Price was the second-best running back in this class, and teams don’t spend first-round picks at the position unless they’re expected to be the primary option in the backfield.
3. Carnell Tate, WR, Tennessee Titans
The Titans won just three games in 2024 and 2025, respectively, largely due to a lack of pass catchers. After signing Wan’Dale Robinson and drafting Carnell Tate with the fourth pick, Tennessee has promise at wide receiver for the first time in a while. Tate is yet another premier talent at the position out of Ohio State, and looks to have a major role in the Titans’ offense. He has reliable hands and impressive play strength to win contested-catch situations. His football IQ is evident against zone coverage, and he’s a dangerous threat over the middle.
While it’s debatable whether Tate is the best receiver in this class, he has the best chance to be WR1 as a rookie. Offensive rookie of the year candidates are based on situation just as much as talent. Tate has both, but there are some factors that go into his chances. Cam Ward’s progression in year two is key; how he performs directly affects Tate’s production. Another factor is who Ward’s favorite new target will be: Tate or Robinson? Although there is some uncertainty, Tate has a strong chance of emerging as a rookie.
4. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Among all the premier offensive rookie of the year candidates, the only signal-caller is Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner racked up 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions en route to an undefeated season. He is the only rookie quarterback expected to see significant action in 2026. Quarterbacks have a built-in advantage compared to other positions, as great rookie seasons from a quarterback have beaten out elite rookie campaigns from other positions in rookie of the year voting. Justin Herbert won comfortably over Justin Jefferson in 2020, and Jayden Daniels beat Brock Bowers convincingly for the award in 2024. Speaking of Bowers, he will be Mendoza’s top target, giving the rookie quarterback a dominant weapon to work with.
While quarterbacks are usually prime offensive rookie of the year candidates, an important factor is limiting Mendoza’s hopes. That being the possibility of him not starting Week 1. While he should see plenty of action in 2026, there’s a good chance that Kirk Cousins is starting for Las Vegas for a portion of the season. If Cousins, in fact, lines up under center for the Raiders to start the season, Mendoza’s rookie of the year hopes take a massive hit. While other offensive rookie of the year candidates are set to be day-one starters, it’s uncertain whether the first-overall pick will be.
5. Jordyn Tyson WR, New Orleans Saints
Many believe that Jordyn Tyson is the best receiver coming out of the 2026 class. Tyson is a threat on all three levels and is incredible after the catch. He’s a smooth route runner who creates separation at the top of routes. His skill set allows him to be productive as both a boundary and slot receiver. Tyson has tremendous upside, and if he stays healthy, he can easily be the best rookie in all of football. His injury history is a concern, however, as it remains to be seen how he holds up over a 17-game season at the next level.
Tyson’s numbers may also be limited by the Saints already having an established WR1 in Chris Olave. Whereas Tate can easily be his team’s top target in 2026, Tyson has a tougher road to doing so. If Tyson can stay healthy and get his share of targets, there’s no reason to believe he can’t leave his rookie season with some hardware.
