Tetairoa McMillan is on the doorstep of joining elite NFL company.
The Waimanalo native and former Arizona wide receiver is projected to be a top-10 pick in Thursday’s first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
If selected, McMillan would become just the sixth player born in Hawai‘i to be taken in the opening round.
The 6-foot-5 junior accepted an invitation to attend the draft and is widely regarded as one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the class.
“I’m just a super competitive person,” McMillan said. “I’m ready to play the best in the world. This is the highest level you can possibly play in this game, and I’m excited for the opportunity.”
A product of Southern California’s Servite High School, McMillan began his football journey in Hawai‘i before breaking out in the Golden State. He led all FBS freshmen in 2022 with 702 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
After a strong sophomore campaign, he entered his junior season as a preseason Associated Press All-American and delivered a dominant year — finishing with 84 receptions for 1,319 yards, both top-five marks nationally, en route to first-team All-Big 12 honors.
McMillan leaves Arizona as the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,423.
Pro Football Focus projects McMillan to be drafted by the New York Jets at No. 7 overall, while ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has the Las Vegas Raiders selecting him at No. 6.
As for where he ends up, McMillan says he’s prepared to thrive in any environment.
“I feel like I can be placed in any locker room, any place in the world, and adjust,” he said. “Whether it’s hot or cold, it doesn’t matter. I just want to win and be great.”
McMillan would join an elite group of Hawai‘i-born first-round NFL Draft picks:
• Chris Naeole (Kahuku) – No. 10 overall, 1997 (New Orleans Saints)
• Tyson Alualu (Saint Louis) – No. 10 overall, 2010 (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• DeForest Buckner (Punahou) – No. 7 overall, 2016 (San Francisco 49ers)
• Tua Tagovailoa (Saint Louis) – No. 5 overall, 2020 (Miami Dolphins)
• Marcus Mariota (Saint Louis) – No. 2 overall, 2015 (Tennessee Titans)
It should be noted that Radford graduate and former University of Hawaii wide receiver Ashley Lelie was selected 19th overall by the Broncos in 2002, however, Lelie was born in Bellflower, California.
The first round of the NFL Draft begins Thursday, followed by rounds two and three on Friday. The final four rounds will be held Saturday.