The 2025 college football season has reached its halfway mark, and with seven weeks of action behind us, Yahoo Sports has unveiled its midseason award winners. From Alabama’s surprising Heisman frontrunner Ty Simpson to Georgia Tech’s revitalized program under Brent Key, these selections highlight the standout performers and pivotal narratives shaping the race for conference titles and the College Football Playoff.
As the leaves begin to turn and the chill of late autumn sets in, the college football season reaches its critical midpoint. For fans, it’s a time to reflect on stellar individual performances and unexpected team successes. Yahoo Sports has stepped into the fray, delivering their comprehensive midseason awards for 2025, offering a crucial barometer for who’s hot and who’s shaping up to be a December darling.
Most teams have now played six games, with a few exceptions like Miami (five games) and Oregon State (no off week yet). This collection of accolades isn’t just about recognizing talent; it’s about understanding the compelling storylines that have captivated the nation and will undoubtedly influence the second half of the season.
Heisman Trophy: Ty Simpson, Quarterback, Alabama
The Heisman Trophy race is always the most talked-about individual award, and this year, it’s Ty Simpson of Alabama who has seized the midseason spotlight. Simpson’s journey to the top has been a patient one, throwing just 50 passes across his first three seasons. His ascent to the starting role this offseason, however, has been nothing short of spectacular, leading the Crimson Tide to a 5-1 record and a No. 6 ranking in the AP Top 25, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Simpson’s efficiency is remarkable, boasting a 71% completion rate with 16 touchdowns against only one interception. His nearly nine yards per pass average speaks to his ability to push the ball downfield effectively. While his opener against Florida State saw him go 23-of-43 for 254 yards and two scores, he quickly found his rhythm with a perfect 17-of-17 performance against Louisiana-Monroe and a 24-of-29 outing versus Wisconsin.
Even in games where his raw statistics might not “leap off the page,” such as his 23-of-31 for 200 yards and three touchdowns against Missouri, his impact is undeniable. Alabama’s Week 7 game-clinching drive against Missouri served as a prime example of his clutch playmaking ability, a trait highly valued in Heisman contenders. Fans are watching closely to see if Simpson can maintain this elite level of play through the rigorous SEC schedule.
Best Running Back: Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
The running back position is fiercely competitive, and Ahmad Hardy of Missouri has distinguished himself as the nation’s second-leading rusher at the midseason point. With 782 yards and nine touchdowns on just 115 carries, Hardy’s efficiency and power have been critical for Missouri’s own impressive 5-1 start. Even against Alabama, where he was held to 12 carries for 52 yards, his presence clearly dictated defensive strategy, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
Hardy’s transfer from Louisiana-Monroe in the offseason has proven to be one of the most impactful moves in the portal. His ability to break tackles is evident in his over 500 rushing yards after contact, a testament to his elusive and powerful running style, which has drawn comparisons to Ashton Jeanty. While the Heisman path for non-QBs is challenging, Hardy’s consistent production keeps him firmly in the national conversation.
Best Wide Receiver: Makai Lemon, USC
USC’s offense continues to be a highlight reel, leading college football with an astounding 8.2 yards per play, and junior receiver Makai Lemon is a massive reason why. Lemon has been on an absolute tear, especially in recent weeks. For the season, he boasts 44 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns. This marks a significant progression from his 2023 season, where he recorded 52 catches for 763 yards and three scores across 12 games, showcasing his development as a primary target.
His performance in Big Ten play has been particularly dominant. Against Michigan, he hauled in nine grabs for 93 yards and a touchdown, marking his third consecutive game with a score. Over USC’s last three contests, Lemon has accumulated 28 catches for 371 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his reliability and big-play potential. His emergence underscores USC’s continued offensive prowess.
Best Defensive Player: David Bailey, Texas Tech
The transformation of the Texas Tech defense is one of the most compelling stories of the 2025 season. After giving up nearly 35 points per game in 2024, the Red Raiders have undergone a remarkable overhaul, largely through strategic use of the transfer portal. This season, Tech’s defense is second nationally in scoring defense, allowing a paltry 12.2 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 35 points a week, as highlighted by Yahoo Sports.
A central figure in this defensive renaissance is David Bailey, the Stanford transfer. Anchoring one of the best defensive lines in the country, Bailey leads the nation with an incredible 8.5 sacks at the midseason mark. His disruptive presence was on full display in Week 7 against Kansas, where he racked up three sacks in a blowout victory. With at least half a sack in each of Texas Tech’s six games, along with forced fumbles in the last two weeks, Bailey has been a consistent force, embodying the Red Raiders’ new defensive identity.
Best Coach: Brent Key, Georgia Tech
Choosing the best coach at midseason is always a challenging task, with many deserving candidates. While Curt Cignetti’s work at Indiana deserves immense credit for building on a dream season, Brent Key of Georgia Tech earns the nod. Key, who took over midseason in 2022, has systematically rebuilt the Yellow Jackets program. Under his guidance, the No. 12 Yellow Jackets are currently 6-0, putting them on track for their first 10-win season since Paul Johnson’s triple-option era in 2014, as reported by ESPN.
A nine-win campaign would be their most successful since 2016, a stark contrast to the struggles of recent years. Key’s ability to instill a winning culture and develop talent has transformed Georgia Tech into a legitimate contender. His long-term commitment could solidify the Yellow Jackets as a consistently winning program, a storyline that resonates deeply within the fan community yearning for past glory.
Best Freshman: Malachi Toney, Wide Receiver, Miami
The immediate impact of freshman wide receivers has become a noticeable trend in college football, and Malachi Toney of Miami is the latest phenom to make his mark. Toney has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the country, showcasing game-breaking ability in his debut season.
Through just five games, Toney has hauled in 29 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns. His consistency is evident, having recorded at least four catches in every contest. He tormented Florida State’s defense with seven catches for 107 yards and two scores, and even in his first collegiate game against Notre Dame, he put up six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Toney is quickly becoming a household name and a crucial piece of Miami’s offensive attack.
Best Transfer Quarterback: Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
The transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters, and Joey Aguilar‘s move to Tennessee has paid massive dividends. While Nico Iamaleava’s decision to join UCLA might have felt like a sting initially, Aguilar’s performance has undoubtedly brought joy to Volunteers fans. He arrived to replace the quarterback who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff in 2024, a formidable task that he has handled with poise.
Aguilar has thrown for 1,680 yards and 14 touchdowns through the first six games of the season, completing 65% of his passes. These numbers represent the highest completion percentage and yards per attempt of his career. His impending Week 8 matchup against Alabama presents a huge opportunity to further solidify his standing and continue Tennessee’s recent success against the Crimson Tide, whom they’ve beaten twice in the last three seasons, as detailed by 247Sports.
The Road Ahead: Second Half Speculation
These midseason awards offer a snapshot of excellence, but the college football season is a marathon, not a sprint. The second half promises intense conference races, dramatic upsets, and individual performances that will either solidify or challenge these current rankings. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Ty Simpson can sustain his Heisman charge, if Ahmad Hardy can break through as a non-QB contender, and if Brent Key can deliver a historic season for Georgia Tech. The narratives are set, and the stage is prepared for an unforgettable conclusion to the 2025 campaign.
