The Big Ten’s midseason awards highlight the dramatic shifts across the conference, crowning Indiana coach Curt Cignetti as the unanimous top pick while revealing surprising overperformers like Northwestern and devastating collapses from preseason favorite Penn State.
The question entering the 2025 college football season was whether the Indiana Hoosiers, a surprise team in 2024, could sustain their momentum under Curt Cignetti in his second year. The resounding answer at the midway point is a definitive “no backslide,” as Cignetti has been unanimously named the Big Ten’s top coach in the Associated Press midseason awards.
The Hoosiers’ Unprecedented Ascent
Indiana’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Following a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, they’ve started the 2025 season with a perfect 6-0 record. Their dominant 30-20 road victory over then-No. 3 Oregon propelled them to the No. 3 spot in the AP Top 25, marking the program’s highest ranking in history. This exceptional performance puts a top-four playoff seed and an accompanying first-round bye firmly within reach.
A panel of 10 Associated Press writers who cover the Big Ten collectively chose Cignetti as the conference’s top coach. His record since arriving from James Madison stands at an impressive 17-2, with his only losses last year coming against Ohio State and Notre Dame, both of whom advanced to the CFP Championship game. This remarkable turnaround has captivated the attention of fans and analysts alike, solidifying Indiana’s place among the nation’s elite.
The Hoosiers’ success is built on a blend of returning talent and impactful transfers. They brought back four starters on both offense and defense and integrated 23 transfers, including star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This strategic roster building has allowed them to pick up right where they left off, showcasing a cohesive and potent team that has surprised many after their preseason projections.
Midseason Standouts Across the Big Ten
While Indiana dominates the top coaching headlines, other teams and players have also made significant splashes at the Big Ten’s halfway point.
Most Surprising Team: Northwestern Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats, picked 17th in the 18-team conference during the preseason, have emerged as the league’s most surprising team. Under head coach David Braun, the Wildcats boast a 4-2 overall record and a 2-1 mark in the Big Ten, riding a three-game winning streak. This run includes a stunning 22-21 upset victory at Penn State last week. Northwestern has already matched their total and conference win counts from 2024 and are well on their way to a second bowl appearance in three years.
Most Surprising Player: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, who served as a backup until late last season, has burst onto the scene as the conference’s most surprising player. He is currently the Big Ten’s second-leading rusher and ranks seventh nationally, averaging an impressive 108.3 yards per game with seven touchdowns. Johnson has also proven to be a versatile threat in the passing game, hauling in 24 passes for 130 yards and an additional touchdown, making him second on the team in receptions.
Top Offensive Player and First-Year Transfer: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been a revelation since transferring from California, sweeping both the Top Offensive Player and Top First-Year Transfer awards. His prolific production includes a conference-leading 17 touchdown passes, which also ranks him fourth nationally. Mendoza’s efficiency is equally impressive, with an average of 9.3 yards per attempt, placing him third in passer rating in the Big Ten and fourth in the country.
Top Defensive Player: Caden Curry, Ohio State
Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry has dramatically elevated his game this season. A dependable performer since 2022, Curry is now the Buckeyes’ third-leading tackler with 31 stops. His disruptive play includes 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Pro Football Focus has recognized his exceptional performance by listing him as the Big Ten’s highest-graded defensive end, a testament to his impact on the Buckeyes’ defense.
Top First-Year Freshman: Malik Washington, Maryland
Maryland quarterback Malik Washington, originally the No. 54 recruit, has outperformed highly touted Michigan QB Bryce Underwood, the 247Sports No. 1 national recruit. Despite being hampered by the Big Ten’s least productive ground game, Washington has thrown a conference-high 220 passes, averaging 251 yards per game with 10 touchdowns and only two interceptions. His ability to produce under challenging circumstances highlights his promising future.
Big Ten’s Midseason Struggles and Shake-Ups
The midseason awards aren’t just about celebrating success; they also cast a harsh light on underperformance and unexpected departures.
Most Disappointing Team: Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State was the unanimous choice for the most disappointing team, following what has been described as a “colossal collapse.” Ranked No. 2 in the preseason and returning their starting quarterback along with two 1,000-yard rushers, the Nittany Lions were expected to contend for a national championship. Instead, wins over “soft opposition” were followed by consecutive losses to Oregon (home), UCLA (away), and Northwestern (home), with the latter two games seeing Penn State favored by over 21 points. This disastrous run culminated in the firing of head coach James Franklin, who had led the Lions to a College Football Playoff semifinal just last year, after the Northwestern game as reported by AP News.
Hottest Seat: Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
The pressure is mounting on Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, whose job security is now under intense scrutiny from Badgers fans. Wisconsin has been outscored 126-34 during a four-game losing streak, extending their skid against power-conference opponents to nine consecutive losses. Fickell had a stellar 57-18 record with a CFP appearance in six seasons at Cincinnati and started 13-8 at Wisconsin, but recent performances, compounded by injuries and ineffective play leading to three different starting quarterbacks, have put him firmly on the hottest seat in the Big Ten.
Biggest Injury: Drew Allar, Penn State
Adding to Penn State’s woes, quarterback Drew Allar sustained a college career-ending leg injury last week against Northwestern. Allar, who guided the Nittany Lions to a CFP semifinal last year, had returned with high hopes for a national championship run. His injury, a devastating blow to both him and the program, has extinguished those aspirations, as reported by AP News. The loss of such a pivotal player underscores the dramatic downturn in Penn State’s season.
The Big Ten midseason awards paint a clear picture of a conference in flux, with rising stars and surprising contenders emerging, while established programs face unprecedented challenges and calls for change.
