College football’s biggest individual stage once again delivered a sweeping celebration of excellence, leadership, and legacy as ESPN hosted the 35th annual Home Depot College Football Awards. Across a two‑hour live broadcast, the sport’s most impactful performers were honored not just for dominant Saturdays, but for seasons that reshaped expectations and left permanent imprints on the game.
When the night ended, two names stood tallest.
Fernando Mendoza of Indiana and Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech emerged as the defining figures of the awards show, each claiming multiple national honors and symbolizing excellence on opposite sides of the ball.
Fernando Mendoza: The Season’s Standard at Quarterback
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza capped a remarkable season by sweeping two of college football’s most prestigious individual awards. Mendoza was named the recipient of the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, recognizing the nation’s best signal-caller, and the Maxwell Award, honoring college football’s overall Player of the Year.
The dual recognition underscored Mendoza’s complete command of the game—his efficiency, poise, and consistency elevating Indiana throughout the season. In a year defined by elite quarterback play across the country, Mendoza separated himself as the sport’s most indispensable offensive force.
Jacob Rodriguez: A Defensive Force Without Equal
On the other side of the ball, Jacob Rodriguez authored one of the most dominant defensive seasons in recent memory. The Texas Tech standout was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award as Defensive Player of the Year, while also capturing both the Nagurski Trophy and the Butkus Award.
Rodriguez’s sweep of the sport’s top defensive honors reflected more than raw production. His presence dictated game plans, erased mistakes, and anchored a Texas Tech defense with relentless physicality and football intelligence. Few defenders in recent history have so comprehensively owned their season.
Skill Position Stars Take Center Stage
Several of the nation’s most electric playmakers were also honored for their excellence.
- Makai Lemon (USC) claimed the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s outstanding receiver, recognizing his explosive playmaking and consistency in high‑leverage moments.
- Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) earned the Doak Walker Award as college football’s premier running back, a testament to his vision, balance, and production in the Irish backfield. Love’s impact extended well beyond the stat sheet, as he also received the Disney Spirit Award for Most Inspirational Player.
Coaching, Leadership, and Innovation
The evening also highlighted leadership beyond the field of play. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake was honored with The Buddy Teevens Award, recognizing innovation, integrity, and lasting impact on the game. Named after the legendary Dartmouth coach, the award celebrates leaders who shape not only schemes, but culture.
Indiana’s rise was further validated when Curt Cignetti was named The Home Depot Coach of the Year, recognizing his role in guiding one of the season’s most compelling programs.
Excellence Across the Game: NCFAA Honors
The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) announced a wide range of additional honors during the broadcast, celebrating excellence at every position:
- Caleb Downs (Ohio State) – Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (Best Defensive Back)
- Tate Sandell (Oklahoma) – Lou Groza Collegiate Place‑Kicker Award
- Spencer Fano (Utah) – Outland Trophy (Most Outstanding Interior Lineman)
- Logan Jones (Iowa) – Rimington Trophy (Outstanding Center)
- Brett Thorson (Georgia) – Ray Guy Award (Punter of the Year)
Additional multiple‑award winners included:
- Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt) – John Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End) and William V. Campbell Trophy (Scholar‑Athlete)
- Michael Taaffe (Texas) – Wuerffel Trophy and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain
- Drew Mestemaker (North Texas) – Burlsworth Trophy (Outstanding player who began his career as a walk‑on)
The evening also paid tribute to college football history, as Archie Griffin was honored with the NCFAA Contributions to College Football Award, recognizing his enduring legacy as one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
The Full List: Home Depot College Football Awards Winners
- Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year): Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
- Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Receiver): Makai Lemon, USC
- Lou Groza Award (Place‑Kicker): Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
- Ray Guy Award (Punter): Brett Thorson, Georgia
- Maxwell Award (Player of the Year): Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- Davey O’Brien Award (Quarterback): Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- Outland Trophy (Interior Lineman): Spencer Fano, Utah
- Jim Thorpe Award (Defensive Back): Caleb Downs, Ohio State
- Doak Walker Award (Running Back): Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
- Butkus Award: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
- Nagurski Trophy: Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
- Rimington Trophy: Logan Jones, Iowa
- John Mackey Award: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
- William V. Campbell Trophy: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
- Burlsworth Trophy: Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
- Wuerffel Trophy: Michael Taaffe, Texas
- Buddy Teevens Award: Kalani Sitake, BYU
A Celebration of What College Football Represents
Beyond trophies and titles, the 35th annual Home Depot College Football Awards reaffirmed what makes the sport singular: excellence forged through preparation, leadership grounded in accountability, and stories that extend far beyond the scoreboard.
For Mendoza and Rodriguez, the night served as validation of seasons that defined excellence. For everyone else honored, it was a reminder that college football’s impact is measured not only in wins—but in influence, character, and legacy. The only disappointment of the night was Haynes King (Georgia Tech) being shut out. That was inexcusable.