The 2025 college football season ended in storybook fashion as No. 1 Indiana celebrated its first national championship and a perfect 16-0 season. Their success, highlighted by star players, cannot be easily repeated. Coach Curt Cignetti gained recognition for his pivotal role in reshaping Indiana’s fortunes.

Miami led all selections with nine players on the All-College Football Playoff team, significantly ahead of Indiana’s six. This reflects the prowess displayed throughout the season, even though Miami fell just short of securing the title.

Offense

QB: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza’s performance in the playoffs was tremendous, demonstrating skill and composure, particularly in the national title game where he scored a critical touchdown on a fourth-and-5 play.

Play of a lifetime

FERNANDO. MENDOZA.
THE PLAY OF A LIFETIME ‼️ pic.twitter.com/g3o5nNNslr
— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026

RB: Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami

Fletcher had an impressive run during the playoffs, highlighted by a stellar performance against Texas A&M and significant contributions in the national title game.

TE: Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss

Wright was a reliable target throughout the playoffs, contributing both in receiving and blocking.

WR: Malachi Toney, Miami

He became a standout playmaker for Miami with extraordinary catches in pivotal spots.

WR: Charlie Becker, Indiana

Becker made crucial catches and helped maintain Indiana’s offensive momentum in the national title game.

WR: De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss

Stribling’s skills shone brightly during the playoffs, making significant contributions to Ole Miss’s passing attack.

Special Teams

K: Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss

He played a decisive role in securing victories with clutch field goals, proving his reliability.