How Tetairoa McMillian Will Be the Next Big Thing in Carolina
After a 5-12 season in 2024, the Carolina Panthers were heading into the 2025 season on bad terms. Bryce Young was benched. Carolina’s offense was ranked 29th in total yards with 5,066. The defense suffered yet again, being ranked 32nd in total yards given up by a team in the league with 6,877. Even with the hiring of Dave Canales before the 2024 season on January 25, 2024, the Panthers weren't exactly clicking on any cylinders.
However, there was still hope of optimism amongst the Carolinas as they had the eighth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that pick, the Panthers rightfully chose Tetairoa McMillian as their next receiver for the future. The sky was the limit for McMillian coming out of Arizona. He had 3,423 receiving yards through his three years, with 1,319 of them completed in his junior season.
What an outstanding player who’s coming into a perfect scenario to be the next big star for the Carolina Panthers is what’s needed for this rebuild. During one of his press conferences after being drafted, T-Mac simply stated that he’s “all in” for Carolina and is ready to elevate this team to another level.
Throughout training camp, T-Mac’s focus was on building chemistry with QB1 Bryce Young, getting into NFL-ready shape for his rookie season, bringing some wins to this team, and getting to the playoffs.
McMillian played well in the two preseason games that the fans got to see him in—with just two receptions for 43 yards in Carolina’s first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, the fans were left clamoring for more. He was targeted twice in their second preseason game, visiting the Houston Texans this past Saturday, but nothing to note from him.
Carolina’s starters on offense have struggled and have yet to showcase their fullest potential in the preseason, which hasn’t allowed McMillian to burst into stardom. T-Mac’s stock will rise throughout the regular season, and the excitement level within the franchise is at an all-time high.
During practice this week, the Carolina Panthers temporarily shut down McMillian after suffering a hamstring injury. He will not play Carolina’s final preseason game as Pittsburgh visits Charlotte this Thursday at 7:00 pm.