UPDATE: The finalists for the prestigious 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football were just announced, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown at the Big Ten Championship tonight in Indianapolis. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith have emerged as the top contenders, each leading their teams to a remarkable 12-0 regular season.
This year’s Silver Football, awarded to the Big Ten’s best player, will be decided by conference head coaches, with the winner revealed on Tuesday, December 5, 2025, during a special broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Their outstanding performance throughout the season makes this announcement highly anticipated by fans and players alike.
The finalists have exhibited extraordinary talents, making them not only standouts in the Big Ten but also contenders on the national stage. Mendoza leads all FBS quarterbacks with an impressive 32 touchdown passes, while Sayin follows closely with 30 touchdowns. Notably, Sayin boasts the highest passing efficiency rating in the nation at 184.9, with Mendoza just behind him at 183.7.
As the Big Ten Championship unfolds, Mendoza, Sayin, and Smith are also vying for the coveted Heisman Trophy, which will be announced next week. Mendoza has thrown for a staggering 2,758 yards with a completion rate of 72%, while his rushing prowess adds six touchdowns to his impressive stats. His leadership has propelled the Hoosiers to their first undefeated regular season since 1945.
Meanwhile, Sayin, in his first year as a starter for the reigning national champion Buckeyes, has completed an astounding 78.9% of his passes for 3,065 yards. He has consistently surpassed 300 passing yards in multiple games, demonstrating his elite skill set.
Smith, following an All-America freshman season, has recorded 72 catches for 942 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. His historic pace has made him the fastest player in Ohio State history to achieve over 2,000 career receiving yards, 100 catches, and 25 touchdown receptions.
The stakes are high as these three athletes prepare for a monumental month that includes the Big Ten Championship, Heisman announcements, and the start of the College Football Playoff. Both Indiana and Ohio State are expected to secure first-round byes, further heightening the excitement surrounding their performances.
The Silver Football, now in its 101st year, has a storied history dating back to its inaugural winner, Red Grange, in 1924. Coaches across the Big Ten have cast their votes, with the selection process awarding first-place votes two points and second-place votes one point, ensuring a fair evaluation of the candidates’ performances.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome as the championship game kicks off tonight, with significant implications for the players’ futures and the prestige of their respective programs. Stay tuned for updates and results as this exciting story develops.