UPDATE: The finalists for the prestigious 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football have been confirmed! Tonight, during the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith will battle for the title of the Big Ten’s best player.
The stakes are incredibly high as all three athletes have led their teams to a remarkable 12-0 regular season. The No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will face off against the No. 2 ranked Hoosiers. This game not only decides the conference champion but also puts these players in the spotlight as potential Heisman Trophy contenders.
Each finalist has showcased extraordinary talent throughout the season. Mendoza tops all FBS quarterbacks with a staggering 32 touchdown passes, while Sayin follows closely with 30. Remarkably, Sayin leads the nation with a passing efficiency rating of 184.9, just ahead of Mendoza’s 183.7.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah Smith has averaged 85.6 receiving yards per game, ranking 13th in the FBS and tied for fifth with 11 receiving touchdowns. Their impressive stats not only underscore their dominance in the conference but also mark them as some of the best players in the nation.
The winner of the Silver Football will be revealed on Tuesday, December 5, 2025, during a special announcement on the Big Ten Network. This year marks the 101st edition of the Silver Football, which has been awarded since 1924. The selection process involves all 18 Big Ten coaches, each voting for their top two players, adding competitive intensity to the award.
As the championship game unfolds, Mendoza, a redshirt junior transfer from California, has achieved remarkable feats this season. He has completed 72% of his passes, accumulating 2,758 yards, with 32 touchdowns and just five interceptions. His ability to rush for six scores has propelled the Hoosiers to their first undefeated regular season since 1945.
In his first year as the starting quarterback for the defending champions, Sayin has dazzled fans by completing 78.9% of his passes for 3,065 yards and 30 touchdowns. His remarkable ability to throw for over 300 yards in six games has kept Ohio State on a 16-game winning streak.
On the other hand, Smith has built on his All-America freshman season by recording 72 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has reached significant milestones faster than any player in Ohio State history, solidifying his place as a top contender.
With the Big Ten Championship approaching, all eyes will be on these three athletes as they strive for victory and the coveted Silver Football. The excitement will continue with the Heisman announcements next week, followed by the start of the College Football Playoff, where both teams are anticipated to earn first-round byes.
Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth coverage as this thrilling matchup unfolds tonight!
