Tetairoa McMillan Ready to Shine: NFL Draft's 'Guy That People Play For'

Tetairoa McMillan, star wide receiver for the Arizona Wildcats, is set to experience the thrill of a lifetime Thursday night in Green Bay as he steps into the NFL limelight. After years of grinding it out on the field, he's finally about to see his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft—talk about a dream in motion.

McMillan, widely considered one of the top receivers in this draft class, isn't just hoping to make a roster. He's aiming to make an instant splash, no matter where he lands. When asked about his jitters, McMillan made it clear he's more pumped than nervous, soaking in every second of the pre-draft buzz. "Super grateful for this moment, and I’m ready to hear my name called, embrace my family, embrace this whole moment and take it all in," he shared, fresh off a pre-draft shift at Raising Cane's in Green Bay. (Yes, even future NFL stars need their chicken finger fix.)

While the draft boards have him pegged as a likely first-rounder, the suspense hangs over which jersey he’ll actually wear. The Dallas Cowboys have shown particular interest—McMillan said his visit to Dallas left him feeling the love, with their legendary hospitality on full display. Still, nothing’s set in stone, and the draft is known for its wild curveballs.

One thing’s for sure: McMillan already knows what he brings to any team willing to bet on him. "I would just say a bigger receiver that’s versatile inside and out that can run every route on the tree," he explained. Plus, he’s all about bringing good vibes to the locker room and being the kind of teammate others rally around. That kind of confidence and leadership isn’t something you measure in combine stats.

His on-field aggression—snagging any ball within reach—will likely serve him well at the next level. As McMillan put it, "I feel like I’ve got to this point for a reason. I have to be confident in myself and be confident in the team that picks me. Go out there and perform, and continue to do what I do."

Across three seasons at Arizona, McMillan racked up a whopping 3,423 receiving yards, including 1,319 yards in 2024 alone, earning himself a Consensus All-America nod. He notched 26 touchdowns in 37 games, making him one of the most productive receivers in the college game. Now, all that’s left is to see which NFL team gets to claim the guy everyone wants to play for.