Rome Odunze makes bold statement ahead of 3rd season with Chicago Bears

Confidence is growing inside the Chicago Bears locker room as the 2026 NFL season approaches. The team is relying on its young offensive players and expects them to deliver impressive performances this year. That belief has spread throughout the group — something wide receiver Rome Odunze has been vocal about.

For many years, the Bears built their team around strong defense and running the ball, which defined the franchise. However, that identity began to shift during the 2025 season behind quarterback Caleb Williams’ standout performance. 

The Bears dramatically improved last year, finishing 11‑6 after a 3‑14 record the previous year. They won the NFC North title and recorded the team’s first playoff victory in 15 years. At the center of this historic turnaround was Williams.

The 24-year-old quarterback emerged as a breakout star last season, setting a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards. His ability to keep plays alive and create scoring opportunities has made the Bears’ offense more dangerous.

Rome Odunze ranks Chicago Bears’ young core as the league’s best 

Surrounding Williams is a group of promising young playmakers, with Odunze among them. The 23-year-old wideout recently talked about Chicago’s young talent. Odunze said he believes the team’s young offensive core is the best in the NFL. 

He made these bold remarks during a recent guest appearance on the “Down 2 Business” podcast, hosted by Caleb and Josh Downs.

“Caleb (Williams) with his playmaking ability, we have Luther (Burden), C-Love (Colston Loveland), we got several different positions. We got Kyle Monangai,” Odunze said. “I think we’re number one right now.”

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Odunze, alongside wide receiver Burden, tight end Loveland and running back Monangai, has helped create a unit capable of attacking defenses from multiple angles. This group’s flexibility and improving chemistry were evident throughout last season.

Odunze himself delivered a strong second season. He recorded 44 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns in just 12 games. He averaged 15 yards per catch, which ranked 10th among qualified NFL receivers. However, a foot injury forced him to miss five games. He sat out the final stretch of the regular season but returned in the playoffs to bolster the offense.

Right now, the Bears’ young offensive core is preparing to hit the field and make its mark in the 2026 season. What’s truly impressive is that they’re not just talented young players. They’re a group that fits together and came close to reaching the NFC Championship game last year. 

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