Puka Nacua: Path From BYU To NFL’s Most Valuable Contract
Jul 25, 2025, 3:15 PM
PROVO, UT - MARCH 9 : NFL star and former player of the Brigham Young Cougars Puka Nacua waves as he receives an ovation during the second half of the game between the Cougars and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the Marriott Center on March 9, 2024 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua burst onto the NFL scene, but he remains deeply connected to his roots in Provo.
On the “Games with Names” podcast, hosted by former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman, Nacua spoke on his time with BYU and what the Cougar brotherhood has done for him.
“(BYU) is a special place,” Nacua said. “It’s beautiful back there. The mountains and the backdrop. There’s nothing like that alumni base.”
Nacua also talked about what being a student at BYU is like, his younger brother Tei Nacua, and the upcoming season for the football program.
From attending sporting events to vocal support of his alma mater, Nacua makes his appreciation known.
Most Valuable Contract In The NFL?
Earlier this offseason, PFF’s Trevor Sikkema made the point that Nacua is the most valuable non-quarterback contract in the NFL.
Far from a hot take, as Nacua is still on his rookie deal, making around $1 million each season.
He will play one more season at this price, and then he will be extension-eligible after the final game of this season.
The value of Puka Nacua cannot be overstated đ pic.twitter.com/Rsmu9axJNg
â PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2025
Of course, his production and the team’s performance will determine the deal, but we can get a feel for what the number would look like now.
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, also a recent day-three draftee, signed a four-year, $120 million deal last offseason. St. Brown was ranked higher than Nacua on a recent ESPN list. However, Nacua is very likely to become the 10th receiver to join the $100 million club.
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 đ pic.twitter.com/7rsLawwY3S
â 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
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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.
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