The college football awards 2025 season has reached its defining moment as the nation’s top players, coaches, and standout performers receive official recognition for their achievements. With the regular season and conference championships complete, the awards calendar now reflects confirmed winners and finalists across college football, offering a clear snapshot of excellence during the 2025 season.
Latest Overview of the Awards Season
The college football awards 2025 cycle is largely finalized heading into mid-December. Most major individual honors have already been announced, while the Heisman Trophy ceremony takes place on December 13, 2025, in New York City. Together, these awards highlight the athletes and leaders who shaped the season from opening kickoff to championship contention.
Confirmed National Award Winners
Several of the most prestigious honors in college football have already been awarded, recognizing elite performance across offense, defense, special teams, and academics.
Major Player Awards
- Associated Press Player of the Year: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Mendoza delivered one of the most productive seasons in recent memory, leading Indiana to a 13–0 record and national prominence. - Walter Camp Player of the Year: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
This honor further cemented Mendoza’s status as one of the dominant players of the 2025 season.
Positional and Performance Awards
| Award | Winner | School |
|---|---|---|
| Davey O’Brien Award (Top Quarterback) | Fernando Mendoza | Indiana |
| Biletnikoff Award (Top Wide Receiver) | Makai Lemon | USC |
| Doak Walker Award (Top Running Back) | Jeremiyah Love | Notre Dame |
| Outland Trophy (Top Interior Lineman) | Spencer Fano | Utah |
| Jim Thorpe Award (Top Defensive Back) | Caleb Downs | Ohio State |
| Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award | Diego Pavia | Vanderbilt |
| Ray Guy Award (Top Punter) | Brett Thorson | Georgia |
| Lou Groza Award (Top Kicker) | Tate Sandell | Oklahoma |
| Burlsworth Trophy (Top Former Walk-On) | Drew Mestemaker | North Texas |
| Paul Hornung Award (Most Versatile Player) | KC Concepcion | Texas A&M |
| William V. Campbell Trophy (Top Scholar-Athlete) | Eli Stowers | Vanderbilt |
These awards represent confirmed results and reflect performance across every area of the game.
Heisman Trophy Ceremony
The Heisman Trophy remains the centerpiece of the college football awards 2025 season. The ceremony is scheduled for December 13, 2025, and brings together the most outstanding players in the country.
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 consistency, leadership, and high-impact performances on the national stage.
Additional Award Finalists Announced
Before winners were named, several awards released finalist lists that showcased the depth of talent across college football.
Selected Finalists by Category
- 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
- Lou Groza Award: Tate Sandell, Aidan Birr, Kansei Matsuzawa
- Ray Guy Award: Brett Thorson, Evan Crenshaw, Palmer Williams
- 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 represent the strongest performers at their respective positions throughout the season.
Coaching and Leadership Honors
Coaching excellence also played a central role in the college football awards 2025 landscape.
- Walter Camp Coach of the Year: Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Cignetti guided Indiana to a historic season, earning national recognition for leadership and program development.
Timeline of Key Award Announcements
- Early December 2025: Positional awards and scholar-athlete honors announced
- December 8–12, 2025: Final major national awards confirmed
- December 13, 2025: Heisman Trophy ceremony concludes the awards season
This schedule ensured that top performers were recognized promptly as postseason play began.
What the 2025 Awards Reveal
The college football awards 2025 season reflects a year defined by standout quarterback play, balanced offensive production, and elite defensive performances. Players like Fernando Mendoza and Caleb Downs emerged as household names, while versatile contributors and special teams standouts also earned national recognition.
These honors not only celebrate individual achievement but also provide a lasting record of the players and coaches who shaped the 2025 college football season.
What are your thoughts on this year’s award winners and finalists? Share your take and stay tuned as the season’s biggest honors are officially finalized.