NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

(Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)With rookies, their performance, usage, and team fits are not fully guaranteed. There's a good amount of uncertainty; however, the payout can be rewarding. The OROY award honors the rookie with the greatest impact on their team. In 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was named OROY.

In this article, you will find the top OROY candidates and current betting odds. That includes dark-horse candidates, and expert predictions for the upcoming 2025—2026 NFL season.  Find the best value odds when you bet with Ballislife Bets!

2025—2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) Betting Odds: Top 20 Players

If you plan to bet on the NFL and the Offensive Rookie of the Year, here are the top 25 players predicted to win the OROY award, along with the best betting odds.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (+300) is the slim favorite to win the OROY award over Titans quarterback Cam Ward (+350).

Former Colorado star Travis Hunter is a dual-threat, listed as a starting wide receiver, and backup cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A standout at the collegiate level, Hunter has the unique opportunity to win both offensive and defensive Rookie of the Year.

Unlike the MVP, the OROY signals a mixed bag, featuring both running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks. After Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward, there is a large drop off in odds and value starting with Omarion Hampton.

Let's take a look at my top OROY candidates and dark-horse players. This article will feature my final prediction who will win the 2025—2026 Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Leading Candidates

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (+300 Caesars)

Ashton Jeanty was clearly the No.6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for a reason. The second first-round running back to be drafted since Bijan Robinson in 2022, there's tremendous hype surrounding Jeanty.

The Raiders get their running back of the future. In addition, Jeanty was runner-up for the 2024 Heisman Trophy award behind Travis Hunter. Setting a single-season rushing record with 2,601 yards in 2024, Jeanty had quite the prolific career with Boise State.

With 29 rushing touchdowns last season, Jeanty is an explosive back, that has exceptional receiving ability in the backfield. Often compared to Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson, he tallied 862 receiving yards alone in three years at Boise State.

Jeanty joins a Raiders team who put up the fourth-least total points per game last season (18.2), and put up just 303.2 offensive yards per game.

Ashton Jeanty Is The Overall Favorite To Win OROY

Now he gets a shot with a newly revamped coaching staff. That includes head coach Pete Carroll, and new offensive coordinator, Chip Chelly. With Geno Smith at the helm as quarterback, the Raiders are slowly rebuilding the offense, which started with tight end Brock Bowers, and now Jeanty.

While Kelly is known for a balanced attack of both passing and rushing, Jeanty should fit in perfect. Although only 5'8, Jeanty should be the lead back ahead of Zamir White and Raheem Mostert. The overall leading favorite Offensive Rookie of the year at +300 odds on Ceasars, Jeanty should be the focal point on offense.

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (+350 DraftKings)

Selected No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward will be projected as the future quarterback in Nashville.

Over the years, quarterbacks such as as Malik Willis and Will Levis didn't quite live up the the draft hype. The Titans have housed legendary signal callers in Steve McNair and Warren Moon. This time, the team is hoping Ward will live up to expectations.

Named a 2024 Heiseman Trophy finalist in 2024, Ward transferred to the University of Miami. From there, he threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. Making the move after two years at Washington State, Ward finished with 11,281 passing yards, 87 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in three years at the collegiate level.

Ward joins a Titans team, who's coming off a dreadful 3-14 season. Averaging just 18.3 points per game, Tennessee averaged below 200 passing yards per game (195.1).

The clear starter over Brandon Allen and Levis, Ward doesn't exactly have the strongest receiving core in Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Tyler Lockett. Despite the lack of weapons, the Titans are projected to have the fourth-easiest schedule in the NFL.

The second favorite to win OROY with +350 odds, Ward did lead the Miami Hurricanes to ten wins last year, and led the nation in passing touchdowns. An excellent quarterback in the pocket, Ward has an incredible arm who can use his legs to move the chains.

A humble, yet confident rookie, how will he fair on a subpar Titans team in his rookie season?

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (+900 Caesars)

Drafted No. 22 overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Omarion Hampton joins a Chargers team led by Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Having worked together with the San Fransisco 49ers organization, Hampton should fit nicely in Roman's system thats run heavy. While it was the defense that led the Chargers last season, they ranked 17th in rushing yards per game (110.7). As much as the run game showed promise, running backs J.K Dobbins and Gus Edwards were plagued by injuries last season.

The Chargers may have a back committee after signing former Steelers running back Najee Harris to a one-year, $5.25 contract in the offseason. Although there are questions regarding how much work will be split between the two, Hampton is currently listed no. 1 overall on the depth chart. After all, LA did not place Harris on the injured reserve after suffering an eye injury.

Will Omarion Hampton Win The Backfield Over Najee Harris?

A Heisman finalist trophy candidate in 2024, Hampton was named All-ACC at UNC, and rushed for 1500+ yards in two consecutive seasons. His junior and final season in Chapel Hill, Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and tallied 15 touchdowns. Known for his receiving capabilities, he totaled 373 receiving yards for two touchdowns last season.

With 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons, I can see Hampton taking over the workload. The Chargers have young talent in wideouts Ladd McConkey and Tre' Harris with Justin Herbert at center, however, I expect Roman to crank up the run.

The third favorite to win OROY at +900 odds, he has great value here. We are talking about a running back that can handle all three downs. I do believe Hampton would have gotten drafted much higher if Jeanty wasn't in the mix. Expect him to thrive under Roman's system, even splitting carries.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Dark-Horse Candidates

Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (+1600 DraftKings)

Selected N0. 8 by the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tetairoa McMillan was the first receiver off the board in the draft. Now he joins Carolina as Bryce Young's No. 1 option, and clear top receiver for the Panthers.

McMillan shouldn't have much of a challenge competing for the top wideout spot next to Xavier Legette, and David Moore. It's even more clear now that receiver Adam Thielen was recently traded back to the Vikings

A long shot to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year at +1600 odds, there's still a case for McMillan to win as a dark-horse candidate. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, McMillan has incredible size with great hands. Not to mention, he is a true top wideout that can make plays down the field.

Why McMillan Is A ROY Dark-Horse Sleeper Candidate

I'm expecting McMillan to make a good amount of highlight reel plays this season. Although the question remains: Can Bryce Young elevate his game heading into his third professional season? Throwing just 15 touchdowns with nine interceptions in 2024, McMillan should instantly provide a boost to this offense.

Posting back-to-back +1300 plus seasons with Arizona, McMillan tallied 1,319 receiving yards and eight touch downs his junior and final season.

Overall, McMillan should have to put up godly numbers to win the NFL ROY. The Panthers averaged one of the least amount of offense last season (298 yards per game), and their defense ranked near last in the NFL.

It is my impression the Panthers will have a less than efficient defense, which could limit rest and increase fatigue on both sides of the ball. Either way. McMillan should provide an instant boost under Dave Canales.

Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers (+2500 BetMGM)

The streak of not drafting a wide receiver in the first-round is over for the Packers. Having drafted wideout Matthew Golden No. 23 in the 2025 NFL Draft, it's been 23 years since Green Bay has taken a receiver in the first-round.

The Packers have established Jordan Love as their franchise quarterback after signing him to a four-year, $220 million contract extension last year. Post Aaron Rodgers era, the Packers are in full-compete mode.

It makes sense the Packers drafted Golden after wideout Christian Watson hasn't lived up to the hype due to injuries. Jayden Reed is a stud, however, he's failed to top 1,000+ receiving yards in two seasons. While Love has a plethora of weapons, including Dontayvion Wicks, will Golden lead the pack?

Golden is explosive, and has the speed to get down field to connect with Love. Considered one of the fastest receivers in the NFL Draft, it's unclear what Golden's role will be with Green Bay.

Failing to eclipse over 1,000+ receiving yards in three years with Houston and Texas, he's considered a standout receiver. Recording just shy of 1,000 yards (987) last season, Golden did connect for nine touchdowns.

A long shot to win Offensive Rookie of the Year award at +2500 0dds, that's a great price. However, he joins a crowded receiver core, and hasn't proved anything yet at the professional level. He is poised to be included in a potent Packers offense, and may find himself a the true No.1 threat.

Nothing is promised, however, he did complete a 39 yard catch in the Packers' 20-7 preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1800 DraftKings)

One of my top dark-horse candidates to win the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year is Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Drafted No. 19 overall by the Buccaneers in the 2025 NFL Draft, Egbuka is in line to line up as the potential No. 2 receiver behind Mike Evans.

Chris Godwin was activated off the PUP list with an ankle injury. Therefore, Egbuka production is contingent on Godwin's health.

With +1800 odds to win the ward, Egbuka joins a loaded Buccaneers offense that has a crowded receiving core. However, he played a full four years at Ohio State University, and won a National Championship.

Totaling over 1,000+ receiving yards twice (2022, 2024), Egbuka is my second-highest rated receiver behind McMillan.

The Buccaneers have dominated with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for years, and drafting Egbuka shows how much faith Todd Bowles has in quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield is coming off 41 passing touchdowns, and get's an elite route runner in the slot. While I consider Egbuka more of a future pick, his impact this season could be profound.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Prediction

Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars (+1000 FanDuel)

Drafted No. 2 overall, the Cleveland Browns were poised to select the two-way star out of Colorado. However, they traded the pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Listed as a wide receiver, Travis Hunter is named second-string cornerback for the Jaguars. While it's highly unlikely he will play full-time on both sides of the ball, his percentage of snaps on offense seems to be the trending upward.

Hunter joins a Jaguars squad, who's coming off a 4-13 record in the AFC South, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence was limited to just 10 games with injury.

Jacksonville made changes in the offseason, hiring head coach Liam Coen from the Buccaneers, along with offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.

Hunter joins the rebuild in Jacksonville, but could potentially become a 1-2 threat with former LSU standout receiver Brian Thomas Jr. With Trevor Lawrence fully healthy, the Jaguars have the chance to be lethal on offense.

Winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy, Hunter compiled 1,258 receiving yards with 15 touchdowns under head coach Dion Sanders. Playing over 10 snaps on offense against the Steelers in preseason, he's has one of the best hands in this draft class. Combine that with an explosive receiver, who has the speed and agility to run routes.

Final 2025-2026 OROY Prediction

The Jaguars do have a running back committee of Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bisby, and Bhayshul Tuten. While Udinski has options on the ground, I do expect Coen to call a majority of the plays. While he will continue to build the offense around Trevor Lawrence, he's coming from a potent offensive Buccaneers team.

If you're betting on Offensive Rookie of the Year, Hunter has great value (+1000). With unique situation to win Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, Travis Hunter is my OROY predicted winner. Only one wide receiver has won the OROY award, can Hunter be the second?