The 2025 NFL season is poised to start with an exhilarating clash featuring two top-tier rookies: Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan. These standout players, who were both drafted in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft, will face off when the Jaguars host the Panthers in Week 1. Hunter, a versatile cornerback, may also see action as a receiver, making this matchup particularly intriguing for fans eager to witness their on-field battle.
Previously, Hunter and McMillan competed against each other during their college careers, when Arizona faced Colorado in the past two seasons. In those matchups, McMillan recorded a total of 15 catches for 150 yards, achieving impressive PFF receiving grades of 76.6 and 64.0. Notably, three of those receptions were made against Hunter in single coverage during their 2023 encounter, including a touchdown, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch in the NFL.
Another exciting rookie matchup is scheduled for Week 5, featuring Donovan Jackson and Mason Graham. Assuming both players secure starting roles, fans can expect a competitive battle in the trenches. The rivalry between these two stems from their time in college, where Graham excelled against Jackson's Ohio State team. Over the past two years, Graham achieved PFF overall grades of 75.1 and 88.4 in their previous matchups, showcasing his prowess on the field.
Although Jackson primarily played left tackle in 2024, he previously faced Graham at left guard in 2023, when Graham successfully recorded two pressures and a sack against him. This matchup promises to reignite their fierce rivalry at the professional level, making it a key game to watch.
In Week 5, fans can also look forward to a compelling quarterback duel between Tyler Shough and Jaxson Dart. With the retirement of Derek Carr, Shough, a second-round pick, has a significant opportunity to claim the starting quarterback position for the Saints. Meanwhile, the Giants, led by veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, may see Dart emerge as a contender for the starting role as well.
This matchup will feature the top two quarterbacks from the draft, with Dart earning an impressive PFF passing grade of 91.9 in 2024 and Shough closely following with a grade of 87.1. Additionally, the game will likely include a rookie face-off between Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter and Saints left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., adding even more first-year excitement to this contest.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, fans can anticipate a thrilling matchup between the Cowboys and the Chiefs in Week 13. By this time, both rookie players Josh Simmons and Donovan Ezeiruaku are expected to be key starters for their respective teams. Simmons, a top-20 player in the 2025 draft, showcased his skills with an 82.5 PFF pass-blocking grade before an injury curtailed his season last year.
In contrast, Ezeiruaku established himself as one of the most productive players in college football, achieving a remarkable 90.5 PFF pass-rush grade along with a 19.6% pass-rush win rate in 2024. Fans should keep an eye on Ezeiruaku as he becomes an integral part of the Cowboys' pass-rush strategy this season.
Finally, in a captivating Black Friday matchup, the Eagles will face off against the Bears in Week 13. This encounter will spotlight rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell as he goes toe-to-toe with Bears tight end Colston Loveland. While veterans like Zack Baun and Cole Kmet engage in their own battles, the matchup between Campbell and Loveland promises to deliver thrilling moments as the rookies test their skills against one another.
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, these rookie matchups are just a glimpse of the excitement that awaits fans. From cornerbacks and wide receivers to quarterbacks and linemen, the talent of the newest NFL players will shine brightly throughout the season.
