The 2026 NFL Draft has officially wrapped up, and a new wave of offensive talent is set to take the league by storm. While it's still early, the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) is already taking shape, with several first-year players poised to make an immediate splash. Historically, this award favors rookies who land in the perfect system, see plenty of early touches, and put up big numbers fast—and this year's class is loaded with candidates who check those boxes.
According to the initial odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love opens as the favorite after being selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. His 2025 college season was electric: 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, showcasing breakaway speed that translates perfectly to the pro game. Right behind him is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, who threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 72% of his passes. Even if he doesn't start Week 1, his talent and draft pedigree keep him firmly in the conversation.
The next tier includes Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, who went fourth overall to the Tennessee Titans. Tate was a contested-catch machine in 2025, hauling in 12 of 14 contested targets without a single drop, and ranked second nationally with nine catches of 40-plus yards. If Tennessee's passing game gets him the volume he deserves, he'll climb the OROY ladder quickly. Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson, picked eighth by the New Orleans Saints, is another name to watch. Despite a hamstring injury cutting his 2025 season short, he still managed 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns, with elite route-running and vertical speed that could make him a favorite target early on.
Rounding out the early contenders are Jadarian Price and a handful of other rookies from teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns. The odds spread out quickly after the top tier, signaling that this race could shift dramatically once the regular season begins. Some rookies will need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, others will rely on strong quarterback play, and a few might need an injury or depth chart shakeup to get their shot. For now, though, this is the early pecking order—and it's already shaping up to be one of the most exciting OROY races in recent memory.