Rams WR Puka Nacua With Catch Of The Year Candidate Against Panthers
Nov 30, 2025, 1:47 PM | Updated: 1:48 pm
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 30: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE — Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua put his name in the hat for the best catch of the 2025 season in week 13 against the Carolina Panthers.
Lined up out wide to the left, Nacua rose up over CB Mike Jackson to snag a one-handed catch for 31 yards.
Another look
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) November 30, 2025
The pass from Matthew Stafford was well-placed, but Jackson easily could’ve grabbed his third interception of the season if Nacua hadn’t stuck his right hand in front of the DB.
Nacua finished with six catches for 72 yards against the Panthers.
Carolina held on to shock the Rams and hand them their third loss of the season, 31-28.
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.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.


