Mendoza Sweeps College Football Awards, Headlines Heisman Race
Table of Contents
The pinnacle of college football achievement was celebrated Friday night at the annual College Football Awards, where Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza emerged as the dominant force, securing multiple prestigious honors. More then 20 trophies were awarded throughout the evening, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding players and coaches.
Mendoza’s Historic Night
Mendoza’s remarkable season reached new heights as he claimed the Davey O’Brien Award, presented to the nation’s top quarterback – a first for an Indiana player. He continued his award haul by also being named the Walter camp Award winner, recognizing college football’s player of the year. This followed his earlier recognition this week with the Maxwell Award, another highly coveted player-of-the-year honor. “He’s truly a special talent,” a senior official stated,reflecting the widespread admiration for Mendoza’s performance.
Defensive Dominance and Other Standouts
While Mendoza stole the spotlight, other players also received well-deserved recognition. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez had a phenomenal night, winning both the Butkus Award (Best Linebacker), the bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year), and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Defensive Player of the year). Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love was awarded the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back. Love is now a Heisman trophy finalist, alongside Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Ohio State quarterback julian Sayin. The Heisman winner will be announced Saturday. Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers was also recognized, taking home the John Mackey award as the nation’s best tight end.
A Complete List of Friday Night’s Honorees
Here’s a extensive list of the award winners from Friday night’s ceremony:
- Maxwell Award (Player of the Year): Fernando Mendoza,Indiana
- Walter Camp Award (Player of the Year): Fernando Mendoza,Indiana
- Home Depot Award (Coach of the Year): Curt Cignetti,Indiana
- Jim Thorpe Award (Best Defensive Back): Caleb Downs,Ohio State
- Davey O’Brien Award (Best Quarterback): Fernando Mendoza,Indiana
- Rimington Award (Best Center): logan Jones,Iowa
- Groza Award (Best Placekicker): Tate Sandell,Oklahoma
- Butkus Award (Best Linebacker): Jacob Rodriguez,Texas Tech
- Doak Walker Award (Best Running Back): Jeremiyah Love,Notre Dame
- Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Receiver): Makai Lemon,USC
- John Mackey Award (Best Tight End): Eli Stowers,Vanderbilt
- Outland Trophy (Best Interior lineman): Spencer Fano,Utah
- Ray Guy Award (Best Punter): Brett Thorson,Georgia
- Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year): Jacob rodriguez,Texas Tech
- Bronko Nagurski trophy (Defensive Player of the Year): Jacob Rodriguez,Texas Tech
- Burlsworth Trophy (Top Former Walk-On): Drew Mestemaker,North Texas
- Disney Spirit Award (Most Inspirational): Jeremiyah Love,Notre Dame
- William V. Campbell Trophy (Academic Heisman): Eli Stowers,Vanderbilt
- Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service): Michael Taaffe,Texas
Where to Watch the College Football Awards Show
The college Football Awards show aired live on Friday,December 12th,at 7 pm ET on ESPN.Viewers could also stream the event live on Fubo (try for free).
As the college football season draws to a close, the anticipation builds for Saturday’s Heisman Trophy declaration, capping off a memorable awards weekend.
