National recognition has rolled in for the Bucs ‘ top talent as Pete Prisco of CBS Sports included two of Tampa Bay’s cornerstone players, Tristan Wirfs and Baker Mayfield, on his latest Top 100 players list. Wirfs came in at 22nd overall while Mayfield was further back at No. 80.

Bucs’ Tristan Wirfs And Baker Mayfield Among The Best Of The Bunch

Here is what Pete Prisco said about each player:

Tristan Wirfs

“He missed the first three games with a knee issue, but returned to play at his usual high standard. He is outstanding in pass protection.”

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Baker Mayfield

“After a big 2024 season, Mayfield battled through injuries to both himself and several of his offensive teammates in 2025. He wasn’t the same player he was the year before. His numbers all came down, but the talent is still there.”

For the Bucs, it’s a reflection of both elite individual performance and the foundation of a team still very much in contention in the NFC. It can also be a bit frustrating that only two players made this list considering the talent that the Bucs have on their team, and also for the fact that they did not reach the postseason despite a 6-2 start.

Check out the full list from Prisco of the top 100 players.

Tristan Wirfs Continues To Dominate

Tristan Wirfs’ inclusion comes as no surprise. Widely regarded as one of the premier offensive tackles in football, he has seamlessly transitioned into one of the league’s most dominant left tackles. His combination of athleticism, power and technique has made him a cornerstone piece protecting Mayfield’s blindside. He’s a player that opposing defenses must account for every snap.

What makes Wirfs especially valuable is his consistency. Whether facing elite edge rushers or anchoring in the run game, he’s been as reliable as any lineman in the NFL. Recognition like this only reinforces what’s already well known inside the building, that the Bucs have one of the best in the business and a future Hall of Famer. That’s what made Wirfs’ absence at the beginning of the season such a shocking revelation.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Baker Mayfield Still Makes List Despite Worst Year With Bucs

Baker Mayfield’s presence on the list tells a different, but equally compelling story.

He has fully re-established himself as a legitimate starting quarterback, and more than that, a leader capable of elevating the offense. His toughness, playmaking ability and command of the system have been critical to the Bucs’ success, particularly in high-pressure moments.

And yet Mayfield had easily his worst season in Tampa Bay. It certainly was not all his doing by any means, but he and the Bucs mustered only eight wins when the expectations were at a minimum to get back to 10 and likely go even higher than that. Mayfield threw for his fewest amount of passing yards, passing touchdowns and his lowest completion since putting on a Bucs uniform.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

But being on this list shows that it’s still understood that Mayfield and company can still be prolific when they put it all together. The talent is in there with Mayfield, so even what is considered a down year for him is still better than others. Plus having healthier offensive weapons around him for 2026 should see those numbers jump back up.

Were Any Bucs Players Snubbed?

With players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and others continuing to produce at a high level, Tampa Bay could soon see even more representation in future rankings. For now, though, Wirfs and Mayfield stand as clear examples of the team’s high-end talent — and why expectations remain elevated.

Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr. and OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Could anyone else have made the list? It’s tough to say yes for Winfield, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season, or anyone defensively. It was such a bad year for the unit that it’s tough to even make a case for a player such as Vita Vea, who took on so much with the absence of Calijah Kancey for the majority of the season.

Maybe there could be a slight case for second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. But a slow second half probably did him in after a hot start to his rookie season. Egbuka wouldn’t be a surprise if he were to be seen on this list after season. And that would mean a lot more success for Tampa Bay as a result.