With the final week of the 2025 college football regular season taking place this weekend, it’s almost time for awards season.
As teams prepare for the College Football Playoff, bowl games, and/or the transfer portal next month, the top players in the nation will be honored and recognized with some of the sport’s most prestigious honors.
The majority of the awards listed below will be announced on Dec. 12, with the Heisman Trophy ceremony taking place on Dec. 13.
Before the award winners are announced in the coming weeks, here’s a look at the finalists.
Named in honor of Hall of Fame Penn center and linebacker Chuck Bednarik, the Chuck Bednarik Award has been given to the best defensive player of the year in college football since 1995.
The Biletnikoff Award, named in honor of Hall of Fame Florida State receiver Fred Biletnikoff, is given annually to the most outstanding receiver in college football
Named in honor of former Ohio State kicker Lou Groza, the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award is presented annually to the top kicker in college football.
The Ray Guy Award, named in honor of Hall of Fame Southern Miss punter Ray Guy, is given annually to the most outstanding punter in college football.
The Maxwell Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college football. It is named after former Swarthmore college player Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who went on to become a referee and sportswriter.
Named in honor of Hall of Fame TCU quarterback Davey O’Brien, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is bestowed annually to the best quarterback in college football.
Since 1946, the Outland Trophy has been awarded to interior lineman in college football each year. The award is named after College Football Hall of Fame player and coach John H. Outland.
The Jim Thorpe Award is named in honor of Hall of Fame football player Jim Thorpe, and given each year to the best defensive back in college football.
The Doak Walker Award is given each year to the best running back in college football. The award is named after Hall of Fame SMU running back Doak Walker.
Named in honor of Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is given to the top upperclassman quarterback that year.
Named in honor of Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, the John Mackey Award goes to the best tight end in college football.
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