Each NFL season brings a fresh wave of talent development, as promising prospects evolve into weekly contributors and, eventually, bona fide stars. For the 2025-26 Cincinnati Bengals franchise, none have elevated their game more than Ja’Marr Chase.
The 25-year-old wideout, who has been nothing short of phenomenal since entering the league in 2021, officially secured the No. 1 spot on The Athletic’s Top 25 Players Under 25 list — a ranking compiled with insight from front office members, coaches and other player evaluators.
For the fourth consecutive year, Chase surpassed the 1,000-yard mark — further proving that his dominance isn’t going anywhere but north. He finished 2024 with a career-best 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the NFL’s fastest rising performers.
Why Chase Deserves No. 1 Ranking
The production is astounding, and even more so when considering his age and the uncertainty of his contract before last offseason.
Every defense knows he is the X-Factor to prepare for on a given week, and it hasn’t seemed to matter thus far in his career. Now, inked to the Bengals for the long haul, he and Joe Burrow stand as the NFL’s most dangerous QB-WR duo going into the upcoming campaign.
Next up, the Bengals need to prove to that Chase’s playmaking ability translates into consistent team success. He’s already shown he can torch defenses, break records, and perform under the brightest lights and harshest atmospheres.
“One of the top two or three most dominant receivers in the game, Chase led the league with 1,708 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns and has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each of his four NFL seasons,” Mike Jones wrote. “He’s also a four-time Pro Bowl selection and took home first-team All-Pro honors last season.”
But the real measure of his No. 1 status will be how far Cincinnati can be carries into January and, ideally, February.
Who Trails the Bengals WR1?
While Chase headlines the rankings, he’s far from alone. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter checked in at No. 2 after an eye-popping postseason run where he demolished the line of scrimmage every week until hoisting the Lombardi.
Washington Commanders quarterback and last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, claimed the No. 3 spot after leading his team to the NFC Championship Game.
Other notables are Aidan Hutchinson, Brock Bowers and Patrick Surtain II — all of whom represent the next generation of NFL superstardom. But even with all the emerging talent storming into 2025, Chase’s rare combination of production, consistency and abnormal quarterback chemistry gives him the edge over his competitors.
As new names rise, and others age out, Chase is firmly placed among the NFL’s elite, and that should continue well into the latter stage of his 20s.
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