Introducing Connelly's Alt-Collegiate Football Awards: The Best Moments of 2025

The 2025 College Football Awards: Going Beyond the Norm

This weekend, the college football world will shine a spotlight on its best and brightest as the official awards are handed out. But, in my eyes, it's the unsung heroes and extraordinary moments that deserve just as much attention. So, let's dive into my alternative awards, honoring players whose performances captivated fans and transcended traditional accolades.

Dog in Him of the Year

When we talk about the essence of football, we often highlight the players who not only understand the game but also embody it with grit and passion. This year's Dog in Him award goes to Diego Pavia of Vanderbilt. The senior quarterback not only repeated as the winner from last year but arguably took his game to another level. With 47 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions, Pavia led his team to a remarkable 10-win season, displaying a unique combination of skill and heart that resonates with fans and analysts alike.

What sets Pavia apart is his unrivaled ability to perform under pressure. He consistently put up staggering numbers, including over 900 rushing yards, while facing defenses in the SEC. It's not just about the stats; it's about how he plays the game—with a palpable intensity that fans can feel. It's only fitting that we honor him with this award, which could almost be affectionately renamed as the Pavia Award.

Journeymen Stars of 2025

In today's college football landscape, the transfer portal has opened up new avenues for players, leading to unexpected tales of resilience and success. Romello Height, now with Texas Tech, tops my chart. Height's journey took him through Auburn and USC before finally finding his footing in Lubbock, where he complemented senior David Bailey with aggressive playing style that resonated on the field. His statistics are impressive: 48 tackles and over 8.5 sacks. It's the narrative of a player finding their place that sets the tone for this award.

• 2. Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon): After a journey that brought him from Wyoming to USC, Pregnon established himself as one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the nation, boasting a pressure rate that was among the best in FBS.
• 3. Brenen Thompson (Mississippi State): From Texas to Oklahoma and now leading the Bulldogs with several key receptions, Thompson's storyline exemplifies the impact of mobility in today's game.

Catch of the Year

While stats are crucial, sometimes it's about the artistry of the game—moments that will be replayed for years to come. My favorite catch of the year belongs to Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana against Penn State. His toe-tap grab, hailed by almost everyone as a Heisman moment, not only highlighted his skills but defined a game that helped secure Indiana's position as a playoff contender.

OMAR COOPER UNREAL CATCH FOR THE TD 😱🤯

WHAT A GAME. WHAT A CATCH. @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/PhHzKjuVB9

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025

Other contenders included CJ Daniels' spectacular diving catch and KJ Duff's jaw-dropping one-handed grab, but Cooper's catch won the day due to its significance in the context of the season.

YAC King: More Than Just a Stat

The award for YAC King highlights the players transforming short passes into big plays. This year's standout is Ahmad Hardy from Missouri, who ran through defenders for an astonishing 1,107 yards after contact, averaging a remarkable 4.59 yards per carry after getting hit. His relentless assault on defenses made him a go-to player for his team, solidifying his position not just as a runner but as a game-changer.

• 2. Cam Cook (Jacksonville State): Cook's YAC numbers complemented his overall rushing tallies, marking him as a dual-threat that defenses struggled to contain.
• 3. Hollywood Smothers (NC State): Despite battling injuries, Smothers continued to deliver performances that turned short gains into crucial first downs.

Havoc King: Defensive Excellence

No conversation about football can exclude its defensive stalwarts. This year, Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech totally embodied the Havoc King award with a staggering 26.5 havoc plays, contributing tackles for loss, interceptions, and forced fumbles. His ability to disrupt every opponent's rhythm drew praise from both fans and critics alike.

• 2. Nadame Tucker (Western Michigan): Elevated from a career reserve, Tucker's contribution was undeniable as he clinched major havoc plays that led to significant victories for his team.
• 3. David Bailey (Texas Tech): Not to be outshone by teammate Rodriguez, Bailey's explosive plays helped solidify Texas Tech as a formidable defensive unit.

Looking Ahead: Celebrating More Talents

Email your thoughts and let's engage with these highlighted players and moments! College football continues to shape narratives beyond just wins and losses, showcasing resilience, transformation, and sheer talent that makes our sport so unique.