The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached their Week 10 bye week, marking the midway point of the regular season and an opportunity to reflect on what’s gone right and wrong through the first nine games.
At 3-6, it’s been a disappointing start to the campaign, but that doesn’t mean there haven't been bright spots. Several Buccaneers players have put together impressive individual performances despite the team’s struggles.
With the first half of the season in the books, it’s time to hand out some midseason awards and recognize Tampa Bay’s biggest standouts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers midseason team awards
MVP: K Chase McLaughlin
Chase McLaughlin has been the Buccaneers’ MVP so far this season, establishing himself as the best kicker in the NFL in the process.
He’s a perfect 22-for-22 on field goal tries, with a long of 59 yards, and has converted all 14 of his extra point attempts. His 84 points scored lead all kickers in the NFL.
Having a kicker who’s virtually guaranteed to put points on the board every time you send him out on the field is a luxury that can’t be taken for granted.
McLaughlin has become even more valuable this year thanks to a sputtering offense that can’t finish drives with touchdowns. His perfect accuracy on field goals has been instrumental in keeping the Buccaneers competitive despite their offensive struggles.
Offensive Player of the Year: RB Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving is running away with the team’s Offensive Player of the Year honor.
The Buccaneers boast the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL, and Irving has established himself as the bellcow of the backfield.
He’s rushed for 825 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an efficient 4.9 yards per carry. He’s on pace to surpass 1,500 rushing yards, which would mark a new career high. He’s also contributed through the air with 22 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown.
He’s the engine that powers the Buccaneers offense, and thank God for him. Tampa Bay ranks dead-last in passing offense, and this offense would be an absolute disaster without Irving carrying the entire unit on his back.
Defensive Player of the Year: CB Jacob Parrish
Considering the Buccaneers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, there were several options for the Defensive Player of the Year honor. But right now, the edge goes to second-year cornerback Jacob Parrish.
Parrish made the jump from nickel to outside corner, and he’s made the transition seamlessly, immediately cementing himself as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks.
He leads the league with 14 passes defensed, and his 65.9 opponent passer rating when targeted ranks ninth among all cornerbacks. He’s also notched two interceptions on the season to add to his All-Pro-caliber résumé.
It’s hard to argue against Parrish as the Buccaneers’ best defender this season, and he’s going to be a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defense for years to come.
Rookie of the Year: LB Josiah Trotter
Following the Buccaneers’ 2026 NFL Draft, most of the hype centered on first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. and third-round pick Ted Hurst. But it’s actually been the team’s second-round draft choice, linebacker Josiah Trotter, who has been the Rookie of the Year by a wide margin.
Despite missing a game due to injury, Trotter leads the Buccaneers with 76 total tackles. That’s 26 more tackles than the next-closest player on the roster.
He’s also recorded a sack, a pick-six, and three passes defensed. Trotter has made an immediate impact against both the run and the pass, and he’s on track to become the face of Tampa Bay’s defense for years to come.
The Buccaneers hit an absolute home run with Trotter, who’s already blown expectations out of the water just halfway through his rookie season.
Most Improved Player: CB Zyon McCollum
Zyon McCollum earned serious consideration for the Defensive Player of the Year honor, which ultimately went to his fellow cornerback Jacob Parrish. But don’t worry, McCollum is getting his flowers too.
After an up-and-down 2025 season, McCollum has bounced back in a big way, putting together the best season of his career by far.
His 11 passes defensed are tied for second-most among all cornerbacks in the NFL, while his 38.1 passer rating allowed when targeted leads the league at the halfway point of the season.
McCollum isn’t just the most improved player in Tampa Bay; he might just be the most improved player in the NFL. He’s gone from an inconsistent cornerback last season to a legitimate All-Pro candidate in 2026, and his meteoric rise has elevated the entire Buccaneers defense.
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