The college football awards 2025 cycle reflects a season defined by elite quarterback play, dominant defensive performances, and exceptional leadership across the sport. As the regular season and conference championships concluded, national awards confirmed which players and coaches left the biggest mark on college football this year.
These honors collectively showcase the depth of talent across the Football Bowl Subdivision and recognize excellence in performance, consistency, and impact during the 2025 season.
Overview of the 2025 Awards Landscape
The college football awards 2025 announcements unfolded throughout December, with most trophies revealed before postseason matchups fully took center stage. This awards season emphasized complete football players, reliable leaders, and individuals who delivered in high-pressure moments.
Several athletes earned multiple national honors, while others secured their place in college football history with breakthrough seasons that elevated their programs.
Top National Player Recognition
Associated Press Player of the Year
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza emerged as the defining player of the season. He guided Indiana to an unbeaten 13–0 record while displaying poise, accuracy, and control throughout the year. His ability to manage games and produce when it mattered most separated him from the rest of the field.
Walter Camp Player of the Year
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Mendoza’s dominance continued with the Walter Camp honor. Winning both major national awards underscored his influence on the 2025 season and placed him among the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent college football history.
Quarterback Excellence Takes Center Stage
Davey O’Brien Award
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Davey O’Brien Award recognized Mendoza as the nation’s top quarterback. His command of the offense, decision-making, and efficiency defined Indiana’s success and set a standard for quarterback play during the season.
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia earned recognition for leadership and experience. His steady presence and football intelligence helped guide Vanderbilt through a competitive schedule, earning him national respect as an upperclassman quarterback.
Elite Offensive Skill Position Winners
Biletnikoff Award – Wide Receiver
Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon delivered one of the most productive receiving seasons in the country. His combination of speed, route precision, and playmaking ability consistently challenged opposing defenses and fueled USC’s offensive attack.
Doak Walker Award – Running Back
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love powered Notre Dame’s offense with strength, balance, and explosiveness. He carried a heavy workload while maintaining efficiency, making him one of the most dependable running backs in college football.
Dominance in the Trenches
Outland Trophy
Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano’s physical presence anchored Utah’s interior line. His technique and toughness allowed Utah to control the line of scrimmage and establish consistency throughout the season.
Defensive Standouts of 2025
Jim Thorpe Award
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs delivered a complete defensive back performance. His awareness, tackling, and coverage ability made him a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defense and one of the most respected defenders in the nation.
Special Teams Impact Players
Special teams played a decisive role in multiple close games during the season, and the awards reflected that importance.
- Ray Guy Award: Brett Thorson, Georgia
Thorson consistently delivered field-position advantages and performed reliably in critical moments. - Lou Groza Award: Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
Sandell’s accuracy and composure made him a trusted scoring option throughout the season.
Versatility, Perseverance, and Academics
Paul Hornung Award
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion earned recognition for his ability to contribute across multiple roles. His versatility on offense and special teams added a dynamic element to Texas A&M’s game plan.
Burlsworth Trophy
Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Drew Mestemaker’s rise from walk-on status to national recognition highlighted determination and development. His season stood as one of the most inspiring stories in college football.
William V. Campbell Trophy
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Eli Stowers combined academic achievement with on-field excellence. His performance exemplified the balance of leadership, scholarship, and athletic success.
Heisman Trophy Finalists
The Heisman Trophy represents the highest individual honor in college football. The 2025 finalists reflect outstanding performance across multiple programs.
2025 Finalists
- Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
- Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
- Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
Each finalist delivered sustained excellence and national-level impact throughout the season.
Finalists Across Major Awards
Beyond the winners, finalist lists revealed the depth of competition at every position.
Selected Finalist Categories
- Maxwell Award: Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiyah Love, Julian Sayin
- Chuck Bednarik Award: Caleb Downs, Jacob Rodriguez, Cashius Howell
- Biletnikoff Award: Makai Lemon, Skyler Bell, Jeremiah Smith
- Doak Walker Award: Jeremiyah Love, Ahmad Hardy, Kewan Lacy
- John Mackey Award: Eli Stowers, Kenyon Sadiq, Michael Trigg
- Outland Trophy: Spencer Fano, Logan Jones, Kayden McDonald
- Jim Thorpe Award: Caleb Downs, Mansoor Delane, Leonard Moore
These finalists illustrated how narrow the margins were between the nation’s best players.
Coaching Excellence Recognized
Walter Camp Coach of the Year
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Curt Cignetti’s leadership guided Indiana through a historic campaign. His preparation, discipline, and ability to maximize talent earned him national recognition among college football coaches.
How Award Decisions Reflected the Season
The college football awards 2025 outcomes highlighted players who delivered consistently rather than relying on isolated performances. Committees emphasized leadership, durability, and production against high-level competition.
This approach ensured that awards reflected the complete body of work from the season.
What the 2025 Awards Say About College Football
The 2025 season reinforced the importance of quarterback efficiency, defensive adaptability, and special teams reliability. Teams with balance across all three phases consistently competed at the highest level.
Players like Fernando Mendoza and Caleb Downs became symbols of preparation and execution, while others demonstrated the value of versatility and perseverance.
Beyond the Awards
As the awards season concludes, attention shifts to postseason competition and long-term career trajectories. For many recipients, these honors represent milestones that will define their college football legacy.
The college football awards 2025 season stands as a reflection of discipline, talent, and competitive excellence across the sport.
Which player or award result stood out to you most this season? Share your thoughts and stay engaged as college football continues to deliver unforgettable moments.