The spotlight shone brightly on college football’s finest during the annual College Football Awards held on December 12, 2025. Notably, Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza made history by winning the Davey O’Brien Award, becoming the first player from Indiana to achieve this honor. Mendoza also secured both the Walter Camp Award and the Maxwell Award, positioning himself as a top contender in college football.

Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez celebrated a remarkable night, amassing the Bednarik Award as the country’s leading defensive player, in addition to the Butkus Award for being the best linebacker.

Meanwhile, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon clinched the Biletnikoff Award, marking him as the outstanding receiver, and Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love was recognized with the Doak Walker Award as the best running back. Love is also among the finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy alongside Mendoza, Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. The Heisman will be officially announced this Saturday.

For further updates on award winners from the 2025 college football season, see the table below:

Award	Category	2025 Winner
Maxwell Award	Player of the Year	Fernando Mendoza
Walter Camp Award	Player of the Year	Fernando Mendoza
Home Depot Award	Coach of the Year	Curt Cignetti
Jim Thorpe Award	Best Defensive Back	Caleb Downs
Davey O’Brien Award	Best Quarterback	Fernando Mendoza
Rimington Award	Best Center	Logan Jones
Lou Groza Award	Best Placekicker	Tate Sandell
Butkus Award	Best Linebacker	Jacob Rodriguez
Doak Walker Award	Best Running Back	Jeremiyah Love
Biletnikoff Award	Outstanding Receiver	Makai Lemon

Where to Watch the Awards Show

• Date: Friday, Dec. 12 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN | Live Stream: Fubo (Try for free)