The college football awards 2025 season stands as one of the most competitive and talent-rich award cycles in recent memory, highlighting elite performances across every position. With the regular season and conference championships complete, national honors now reflect the players, coaches, and leaders who defined college football throughout the year.
From record-setting quarterbacks to dominant defenders and special teams standouts, this awards season captures the full scope of excellence seen across the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 2025 Awards Season
The college football awards 2025 calendar unfolded over several weeks in December, with most trophies announced before the postseason fully began. These honors recognize not only individual statistics, but also leadership, consistency, and impact in high-stakes moments.
Several players earned multiple national awards, while others cemented their legacy with career-defining seasons. The awards collectively reflect how competitive and balanced the 2025 season proved to be.
Major National Player Honors
Associated Press Player of the Year
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza emerged as the most decorated player of the season after leading Indiana to a perfect 13–0 record. His command of the offense, efficiency under pressure, and ability to deliver in close games set him apart nationally. Mendoza’s season became a benchmark for quarterback excellence in 2025.
Walter Camp Player of the Year
Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Mendoza’s recognition continued with the Walter Camp honor, further confirming his status as the most impactful player in college football this year. Winning both awards placed him among rare company and highlighted his dominance throughout the season.
Offensive Skill Position Awards
Davey O’Brien Award – Top Quarterback
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Davey O’Brien Award capped a remarkable year for Mendoza. His consistency, accuracy, and leadership were evident from the opening weeks through conference championship play.
Biletnikoff Award – Top Wide Receiver
Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon delivered explosive performances all season, becoming one of the nation’s most reliable and dangerous receiving threats. His route running, speed, and ability to produce in key moments earned him national recognition.
Doak Walker Award – Top Running Back
Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love powered Notre Dame’s offense with a combination of vision, strength, and breakaway speed. His workload and efficiency made him one of the most dependable running backs in college football during the 2025 season.
Trench and Defensive Excellence
Outland Trophy – Top Interior Lineman
Spencer Fano, Utah
Spencer Fano anchored Utah’s line with physical dominance and technical precision. His ability to control the line of scrimmage played a central role in Utah’s success throughout the season.
Jim Thorpe Award – Top Defensive Back
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs delivered a standout season marked by coverage discipline, physicality, and football intelligence. His performances against elite competition solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs.
Special Teams Standouts
Special teams continued to play a decisive role in close games, and the 2025 awards recognized several elite contributors.
- Ray Guy Award (Top Punter): Brett Thorson, Georgia
Thorson consistently flipped field position and excelled in pressure situations. - Lou Groza Award (Top Kicker): Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
Sandell’s accuracy and reliability made him one of the most trusted kickers in the country.
Versatility, Perseverance, and Academic Excellence
Paul Hornung Award – Most Versatile Player
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
KC Concepcion impacted games in multiple ways, contributing on offense, special teams, and situational packages. His adaptability and athleticism defined versatility in 2025.
Burlsworth Trophy – Top Former Walk-On
Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Mestemaker’s journey from walk-on to national award winner highlighted perseverance and development, earning him recognition as one of the most inspiring players of the season.
William V. Campbell Trophy – Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Eli Stowers combined academic excellence with high-level football performance, exemplifying the balance of scholarship, leadership, and athletic achievement.
Quarterback Leadership Recognition
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt
Diego Pavia earned national praise for his leadership, experience, and command of Vanderbilt’s offense. His poise and consistency made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of the season.
Heisman Trophy Finalists
The Heisman Trophy represents the pinnacle of individual recognition in college football. The finalists for 2025 reflect excellence across multiple programs and playing styles.
2025 Heisman Finalists
- Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
- Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
- Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
- Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State
Each finalist delivered a season defined by high-impact performances, leadership, and national relevance.
Additional Award Finalists Across College Football
Beyond the winners, finalist lists showcased the depth of talent throughout the sport.
Notable Finalist Groups
- 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 reflect how competitive the 2025 season proved to be across every position group.
Coaching Achievement
Walter Camp Coach of the Year
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Curt Cignetti guided Indiana through a historic season marked by consistency, discipline, and strategic excellence. His leadership earned national recognition and set a new standard for the program.
How the Awards Were Decided
The college football awards 2025 process involved ballots from media members, coaches, former players, and award committees. Evaluations focused on performance, impact, consistency, and contributions to team success.
This approach ensured that awards reflected both statistical production and influence in defining moments.
What the 2025 Awards Reveal About the Season
The 2025 season highlighted the growing importance of quarterback efficiency, defensive versatility, and special teams reliability. Teams that excelled in these areas consistently competed at the highest level.
Players like Fernando Mendoza and Caleb Downs emerged as national leaders, while others reinforced the value of balance across offense, defense, and academics.
Looking Ahead After the Awards
With the awards season nearly complete, attention shifts fully to postseason competition and future professional opportunities. For many winners and finalists, these honors serve as milestones in careers that continue to evolve.
The legacy of the college football awards 2025 season will remain tied to the players and coaches who elevated the sport through discipline, preparation, and elite performance.
Which award winner stood out most to you this season? Share your perspective and stay connected as college football continues to deliver unforgettable moments.