Panthers’ Bryce Young achieves career first amid 2026 buzz

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Panthers’ Bryce Young achieves career first amid 2026 buzz

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Benedetto Vitale, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jun 24, 2026 7:08 PM ET

Former No. 1 pick overall Bryce Young flashed major potential last season for the Carolina Panthers. To the point that many believe that the 2026-27 campaign could be a career year for him. Things are looking up for Young right now, as he achieved a career first before the new season even started.

The 24-year-old quarterback was named in the NFL’s Top 100 for the first time in his career. He comes in as the No. 98-ranked player due to his big jump in production last season.

“Young recorded career bests in passing yards, touchdowns, success rate, and yards per game in 2025,” said the NFL. “Young was 25-53 for 306 yards and five touchdowns on extended dropbacks (4+ seconds after the snap).”

Bryce Young enters the Top 100 for the first time!#NFLTop100 | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/1puUc9pqTh

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) June 24, 2026

In his third season with the Panthers, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star recorded 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns through the air while completing 63.6% of his pass attempts, all three of which are career highs. He also added 216 yards with an additional two touchdowns on the ground.

Young was solid but still needs some improvement in his game to help the Panthers be more successful next season. However, it is easy to understand the optimism in Carolina, as Bryce Young played a crucial role in helping the franchise reach its first playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season.

The Panthers have ensured to maintain a solid group of weapons for Young to throw to, as Tetairoa McMillan is aiming for a big Year 2 in the NFL. Unfortunately, the offense will likely begin the season without starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, as he is working his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. His official return remains unclear.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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