Shough completed his rookie season recording the highest completion percentage among all rookies (67.6, 221 of 337), had the second-most passing yards (2,384) and second-highest passer rating (91.3) among rookies this season. Shough broke the Saints franchise record for most passing yards, passing touchdowns (10) and completion percentage by a rookie. In Week 17, Shough became the second rookie ever with a completion percentage of 80-or-higher (81.5), at least 300 passing yards and a passer rating of 140-or-higher (142.7) in a single game, joining Bo Nix (Nov. 17, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2025, with Denver).
Also nominated for the award include New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson, Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.