In recent weeks, we’ve done a lot of simulations on Madden 25 in preparation for the 2025 NFL season, as well as the release of Madden 26, which is due for release on August 14. A lot of these sims have been done based on Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which has ranged from bleak to extremely promising. And rightfully so, as the former 4-time MVP’s landing spot was fervently speculated about for months until finally putting pen to paper on a contract with the Steelers last week. But what about the rookies?
Using Madden 25, we simulated a full season with a custom roster file made to simulate the rosters for teams going into the 2025 season. While we can’t account for bias when it comes to the individual attributes each rookie player has, they are an accurate reflection of the raw ability and hype each player has. So, who wins Rookie of the Year honors in 2025? Let’s see what Madden had to say.
Who Wins Rookie Of The Year Awards In Madden 25?
Ashton Jeanty Captures AFC Offensive Rookie Of The Year
In our simulation, Oakland Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty won Rookie of the Year. And to be fair, to former Boise State HB had a high workload. In total, Jeanty had 237 rushing attempts on the season, totaling 1,051 yards on the ground and averaging 4.4 yards a carry. On top of that, Jeanty had 11 rushing TDs on the season.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson Gets AFC Defensive Rookie Of The Year
It was a clean sweep for the Raiders when it came to AFC Rookie of the Year, with Jamon Dumas-Johnson grabbing Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The undrafted Kentucky linebacker was a shock winner over Jacksonville starlet Travis Hunter, who suited up at CB for the 2025 season, but Dumas-Johnson’s busyness throughout the season likely edged him over the competition. In total, the linebacker combined for 100 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks.
Matthew Golden Walks Away With The NFC Offensive Rookie Of The Year
With the Green Bay Packers’ future firmly in the hands of quarterback Jordan Love, the team selected wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas with the 23rd pick of the 1st round. And in our simulation, that was the right move as Golden was a solid WR 2 next to Jayden Reed. The first-year WR recorded 87 receptions for 1,089 yards and 13 touchdowns in the sim, making him one of the standouts of this draft class.
Jalon Walker Leads Falcons In Sacks And Nabs The NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year
While he didn’t accrue as many tackles as his AFC counterpart, the Atlanta Falcons’ Jalon Walker was a menace to quarterbacks, recording 5.5 sacks. Outside of that, the former Georgia linebacker combined for 80 tackles, 15 assists, and even batted down 4 passes on the year. This performance was good enough to get him into the Pro Bowl.
