INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua did just about everything except find the end zone in the Rams’ big win over the Lions in week 15.
Nacua finished with nine catches for 181 yards as well as two rushes for eight yards.
Matthew Stafford hits Puka Nacua down field!
📺 @NFLonFOX | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/LE4KbAe5my
— x – Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 14, 2025
Nacua’s 181 yards are a new career high for receiving yards in a regular-season game. Ironically, it ties his overall best for yards in a game from the 2023 Wild Card, where he also put up 181 yards on Detroit.
His previous career-high was set earlier this season against the Colts when he had 170 yards.
With Nacua doing much of the heavy lifting between the end zones, the Rams were able to leave with points on seven of their 11 drives. They went on to defeat the Lions, 41-34.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and immediately became a star for the Cougars.
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as well as 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Puka, man.
Gotta catch ’em all 🏈 pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
In April 2023, the Rams selected Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
Nacua finished his first season as a professional with an NFL rookie record 105 receptions for 1,486 yards. He also scored six touchdowns.
The rookie wideout received NFL All-Pro second-team honors for his play in 2023. He finished as the runner-up to C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nacua’s sophomore campaign was plagued with injuries, but he still finished the season with 79 receptions for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
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Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for KSLSports.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.
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