A trio of former LSU stars have been named finalists for the 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Award.
The NFL and Pepsi unveiled the six finalists for the award on Tuesday and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, and Jacksonville wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. were three of the six finalists. The other three were Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving, and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
Daniels — who won the Heisman Memorial Trophy at LSU in 2023 — led all qualified rookie quarterbacks in passer rating (100.1), completion percentage (69.0), rushing yards (891), and rushing touchdowns (six). He was also ranked second in passing yards (3,568) and touchdown passes (25). Daniels had the highest completion by a qualified rookie quarterback ever, the most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, and the fourth-highest passer rating by a qualified rookie quarterback all-time.
Nabers — who attended both Comeaux High and Southside High Schools — was ranked second in receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,204) as well as tied for fourth-most touchdown receptions (seven) among rookies this season. Nabers recorded the second-most receptions by a rookie in a season in NFL history. He had 14 games with at least five receptions this season.
Thomas Jr. was ranked third in the NFL with 1,282 receiving yards, first in touchdown receptions (10), and third in receptions (87) among rookies this season. Thomas Jr. became the fourth rookie in the Super Bowl era with at least 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions.
The 2024 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award winner will be recognized during Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas and presented with a custom, Pepsi Zero Sugar-themed trophy.
A fan vote through nfl.com/rookies will determine the winner and the voting period ends on Friday, Jan. 31.