UPDATE: The finalists for the 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football, awarded to the Big Ten’s best player, have been confirmed just hours before the championship showdown in Indianapolis. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith are set to showcase their skills in the pivotal game tonight.
This championship game features the undefeated No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes against the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers, both with remarkable 12-0 regular seasons. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the winner of the Silver Football, determined by votes from the Big Ten’s head coaches, will be announced on Tuesday during a special broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Mendoza has had a stellar season, leading the nation with 32 touchdown passes and a remarkable 72% completion rate. His ability to deliver under pressure has propelled the Hoosiers to their first undefeated regular season since 1945. Meanwhile, Sayin has shone in his first season as the starter for the defending national champions, boasting a 184.9 passing efficiency rating—the best in the nation.
With both players being top contenders for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, their performances in tonight’s game will surely factor into the decision. Sayin and Smith have been instrumental in Ohio State’s impressive 16-game winning streak, which has seen the team not trail in the second half throughout this period.
Smith, who has made a name for himself following an All-America freshman season, is tied for fifth in the nation with 11 receiving touchdowns and has averaged 85.6 receiving yards per game. His explosive playmaking ability will be crucial for Ohio State as they aim to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
As the Big Ten Championship unfolds tonight, the excitement will be palpable not only for the teams and fans but also for the players vying for individual honors. The outcome could shape the postseason landscape, with both teams likely to receive first-round byes in the upcoming College Football Playoff.
Tonight’s game isn’t just a battle for the championship; it’s an opportunity for these athletes to solidify their legacies. As the Silver Football celebrates its 101st year, anticipation builds for who will join the ranks of past winners, including legends like Red Grange and last year’s recipient Dillon Gabriel.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from the Big Ten Championship, and prepare for the Silver Football award announcement scheduled for December 5, 2025. This is a moment that could define careers and change the trajectory of college football.
