The National Football League (NFL) and the Associated Press have officially released the complete list of finalists for the league's eight major individual awards, capping off the thrilling 2025 regular season. With nominations that largely align with expectations, the spotlight has swiftly shifted to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) category, where a seasoned quarterback maintains a slight edge over an electrifying second-year sensation. This showdown is poised to become one of the most fiercely contested MVP votes in recent memory, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
MVP and Coach of the Year Races Heat Up
In the MVP race, the competition is razor-thin, reflecting the high-caliber performances that defined the season. Multiple athletes have earned nominations across various categories, underscoring their dominant campaigns that left a significant impact on both offensive and defensive fronts. The Coach of the Year category adds another layer of intrigue, featuring mentors who masterminded remarkable team turnarounds alongside those who elevated already talented rosters to unprecedented heights.
Live Streaming and Ceremony Details
All award winners will be revealed during the live broadcast of the 2026 NFL Honors show, scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 9 PM ET. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Jon Hamm, the prestigious ceremony will be aired on NBC and its streaming platform Peacock. This event is set to take place just three days before Super Bowl 60 commands the global stage, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the NFL's postseason festivities.
Complete List of Finalists Across Categories
Most Valuable Player (MVP) Finalists
- Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
- Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Drake Maye, Quarterback, New England Patriots
- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
- Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
Coach of the Year Finalists
- Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
- Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
- Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
- Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
Assistant Coach of the Year Finalists
- Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles
- Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
- Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos
- Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks
- Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots
Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
- Stefon Diggs, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
- Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End, Detroit Lions
- Trevor Lawrence, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
- Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
Offensive Player of the Year Finalists
- Drake Maye, Quarterback, New England Patriots
- Christian McCaffrey, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
- Puka Nacua, Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams
- Bijan Robinson, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks
Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
- Will Anderson Jr., Defensive End, Houston Texans
- Nik Bonitto, Linebacker, Denver Broncos
- Myles Garrett, Defensive End, Cleveland Browns
- Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End, Detroit Lions
- Micah Parsons, Defensive Lineman, Green Bay Packers
Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, New York Giants
- Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back, New England Patriots
- Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
- Tyler Shough, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Abdul Carter, Linebacker, New York Giants
- Nick Emmanwori, Safety, Seattle Seahawks
- James Pearce Jr., Defensive End, Atlanta Falcons
- Carson Schwesinger, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns
- Xavier Watts, Safety, Atlanta Falcons
As the NFL community eagerly awaits the results, these finalists represent the pinnacle of achievement from the 2025 season, highlighting the exceptional talent and strategic brilliance that define the league. The upcoming NFL Honors show promises to be a memorable celebration of these outstanding contributions to the sport.
