Shocking College Football Awards 2025: Who's Leading the Race and Who's Facing Disgrace?

As college football enters its festive awards season, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. With conference championship games just wrapped up, attention now shifts to the announcement of prestigious honors. This Friday, ESPN will recognize 22 award winners, culminating in the highly anticipated reveal of the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night in New York City.

The Heisman Trophy: A Time-Honored Tradition

Since its inception in 1935, the Heisman Trophy has stood as a symbol of excellence in college football, awarded to the nation's best player. This year’s finalists include:

• Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Notre Dame
• Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
• Diego Pavia, Quarterback, Vanderbilt
• Julian Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State

Fans and analysts are eagerly discussing the potential outcomes, and social media is abuzz with speculation. The Heisman winner will be revealed Saturday on ESPN.

Defensive Standouts Shine

On the other side of the ball, Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech has made waves, winning two major awards in rapid succession. He was announced as the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player, and the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. Rodriguez, who leads the FBS with seven forced fumbles, has made history as the first Red Raider to win these accolades and the first Big 12 player since 2009.

Quarterback Excellence Recognized

Meanwhile, Diego Pavia's performance has also drawn accolades. He received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, recognizing him as the best upper-class collegiate quarterback in the nation. Notably, Pavia is the first player in Vanderbilt history to earn this honor, boasting nearly 3,200 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and impressive rushing stats with 826 yards and nine scores. He will be honored at a ceremony in Baltimore.

Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs in Focus

The awards continue to reflect the diverse talents in college football. The Biletnikoff Award, presented to the best wide receiver, has gone to Makai Lemon of USC. Meanwhile, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back will see finalists Mansoor Delane (LSU), Caleb Downs (Ohio State), and Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) in the spotlight.

Recognizing the Best in the Game

Beyond these awards, several others will also celebrate excellence in the sport. The Maxwell Award, which honors the player of the year, has finalists including Love, Mendoza, and Sayin. The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, named after the legendary 1938 Heisman winner, will honor Mendoza as its recipient. Additionally, the Lou Groza Award will recognize the best kicker, with finalists including Aidan Birr (Georgia Tech) and Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawaii).

As the awards season progresses, each accolade not only recognizes individual talent but also reflects the incredible competitive spirit of college football. Fans will continue to follow these developments closely, with the Heisman Trophy as the ultimate prize yet to be claimed.