The 2025 Jerry Rice Award is standing front and center as the 25 standout freshmen in FCS football get their national spotlight. With the finalists officially announced, collegiate programs across the country and fans alike are watching closely. From record-setting quarterbacks to impactful defenders, the depth of talent this year underscores why this award still resonates so strongly.
What the Award Means
Named for Hall of Famer Jerry Rice—who starred at the FCS level—the Jerry Rice Award recognizes the most outstanding freshman (true or redshirt) in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the honor, and it continues to serve as a springboard for emerging talent.
The selection process involves a national voting panel assessing performance, impact, and consistency. Finalists come from all 13 FCS conferences, ensuring wide representation and showcasing the sport’s diversity of young talent. The ultimate winner will be revealed on December 3, 2025, with the formal presentation slated for the Stats Perform National Awards Show in Nashville on January 3, 2026.
Standout Finalists You Should Know
Below are some of the most notable names from the 25-player finalist list for the 2025 Jerry Rice Award, along with their season highlights:
- Braden Atkinson (Mercer, QB): The rookie quarterback shattered Mercer’s single-season records—3,448 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, and a completion rate just over 68%. In eight of his ten starts he exceeded 300 passing yards, including a 533-yard outing in one game.
- Caden Pinnick (UC Davis, QB): The redshirt freshman became the first Aggie finalist since 2022, logging 2,527 passing yards and 24 TDs in 10 games. He also rushed for 312 yards and scored three times on the ground. He ranked among the national leaders in passing efficiency and yards per game.
- Tony Diaz (UTRGV, WR): Diaz captured attention with 68 receptions for 875 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. He ranked high nationally among freshmen in receptions per game, yards per game, and scoring.
- Nic Yatsko (Indiana State, DB): The first defensive player in program history to reach finalist status, Yatsko compiled around 7.45 tackles per game, multiple tackles for loss, and a sack/fumble recovery combination late in the season.
- Brooks Davis (Montana, WR): Representing the Big Sky among only two nominees in the conference, the freshman notched 48 catches for 611 yards and 5 touchdowns. He produced several game-defining plays and showed big-play ability all season.
- Xai’Shaun Edwards (Houston Christian, RB): The redshirt freshman became his program’s first ever 1,000-yard rusher in a season, piling up 1,019 yards on 194 carries with 12 rushing touchdowns.
- Mitchell Summers (Sacred Heart, RB): With 1,071 yards on 198 carries and 12 rushing touchdowns, Summers exploded for a 243-yard performance in one game and consistently delivered as the Pioneers’ go-to young back.
- Raymond Moore III (Morgan State, QB): Stepping into the MEAC starting role, Moore threw for 1,049 yards with nine TDs and added 414 rushing yards and six TDs, showcasing dual-threat capability for the Bears.
- Rashawn Cunningham (Charleston Southern, WR): With 33 receptions for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns in 12 games, Cunningham averaged over 18 yards per catch and posted one of the most explosive freshman receiving games of the season (216 yards).
- Montreze Smith Jr. (Austin Peay, LB): One of six defensive finalists this year, Smith recorded 74 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions (including a pick-six), and a forced fumble. He led all UAC freshmen in multiple defensive categories and made his presence felt all season long.
Statistical Landscape & Trends
This year’s finalists show some clear trends in freshman breakout paths:
- High-impact production: Many finalists posted over 2,000 passing yards (for QBs) or over 1,000 rushing yards (for RBs). Others achieved double-digit touchdowns in one form or another.
- Versatility matters: Players like Caden Pinnick and Raymond Moore III added rushing offense to their passing totals, showing the modern freshman QB must often move outside the pocket.
- Defense breaking through: The presence of six defensive players on the finalist list—an above-average number—signals recognition that freshmen can impact special teams, defense, and not just offense.
- Conference balance: All 13 FCS conferences are represented, ensuring a broad geographic and competitive spread. Mid-major and smaller conference players are given the same national platform as larger ones.
- Program milestones: Many finalists achieved ‘firsts’ for their programs—first 1,000-yard rusher, first defensive finalist, first finalist in a decade. The award often amplifies the breakthrough narrative.
Why the 2025 Jerry Rice Award Matters
For the U.S. college-football audience, the award signals more than just a freshman star—it often identifies future leaders and NFL-level talents. Past winners have included players who later made significant impacts at the professional level.
Here’s why followers should care:
- Head-turning performances: These freshmen didn’t just play—they stood out. When your season numbers rank in national top-10 or set school records, the freshman spotlight shines brighter.
- Recruitment & program momentum: A finalist nod gives smaller schools national exposure and helps with recruiting momentum, donor engagement, and program branding.
- Talent pipeline visibility: The award shines a light on programs and conferences that may get overshadowed. Fans of FCS football get to see the next wave of performers.
- Baseline for 2026 & beyond: A strong freshman year sets expectations high. This recognition may foreshadow sophomore leaps and postseason breakout seasons.
- National awards ecosystem: The Jerry Rice Award sits alongside the Walter Payton Award, Buck Buchanan Award, etc., giving a complete view of young talent and veteran achievers in FCS football.
Key Dates on the Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 24, 2025 | Finalist list for the Jerry Rice Award announced. |
| Dec 3, 2025 | Winner will be revealed publicly. |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Awards ceremony in Nashville honoring the recipient. |
With these dates confirmed, fans, media, and teams can mark their calendars and follow the countdown closely. The “award season” in FCS is now in full stride.
How Programs & Fans Are Reacting
Many programs have already embraced the spotlight:
- Schools with finalists are releasing media statements and using the recognition in social media campaigns to highlight the players and build excitement around postseason play.
- Fans are debating who has the strongest case—whether it’s a quarterback with massive yardage, a running back who opened every week with a heavy load, or a defensive standout making game-changing plays.
- Analysts note that this year’s finalist list is deeper than usual on defense, which may speak to evolving freshman usage and coaching trends in FCS schemes.
What’s Next for the Finalists
For each of the 25 nominees, the next steps include:
- Maintaining momentum: Many will play in FCS playoffs or conference championships and their performance in these high-pressure games can drive narrative and award voting.
- Off-field spotlight: With national recognition comes additional media attention and possibly NIL considerations for some freshmen in FCS programs.
- Career trajectory: Being named a finalist can boost sophomore expectations—coaches will watch how these players handle increased focus and defensive adjustments.
- Program benefit: Finalist recognition often aids recruiting and program morale, setting the tone for offseason training, spring practice, and recruiting visits.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Jerry Rice Award field showcases a spectrum of freshman excellence—from precision passing to ground-pounding rushing to disruption on defense. It highlights the depth of talent now entering FCS football and underscores how freshmen can immediately move the needle for their teams.
As we await the December announcement of the winner, the award continues to elevate young stars and bring national attention to programs that deserve it.
Which finalist do you believe will bring home the Jerry Rice Award, and how will it impact their program going forward? Let us know your thoughts below.