Silver Football

QB Fernando Mendoza is the 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football winner — Indiana’s 1st winner in 24 years

Silver Football winner Fernando Mendoza has been one of the key forces in helping Indiana revive its football program under second-year coach Curt Cignetti.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza celebrates after defeating Ohio State 13-10 in the Big Ten championship game Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Chicago Tribune Silver Football for 1965, which was awarded to Jim Grabowski of the University of Illinois. The award, presented annually since 1924, is given to the top football player in the Big Ten. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune Silver Football: What to know about the Big Ten’s highest honor

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza runs the ball against Purdue on Nov. 28, 2025, in West Lafayette, Ind. (Doug McSchooler/AP)

Chicago Tribune Silver Football: Winners of the annual award for best Big Ten football player

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin are the finalists for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. (Ryan Sun and Barry Reeger/AP, Luke Hales/Getty)

Meet the 3 finalists for the 2025 Chicago Tribune Silver Football, awarded to the Big Ten’s best player

By Colleen Kane

December 5, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

The three finalists for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football will share a field Saturday night...

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza reacts after running back Roman Hemby scored a touchdown against Maryland, on Nov. 1, 2025, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Who will win the Silver Football as Big Ten’s top player? The answer may intertwine with the Heisman race.

By Colleen Kane

November 20, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Heisman Trophy front-runners Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin are also leading candidates for the Chicago...

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel celebrates after the Big Ten championship game against Penn State on Dec. 7, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel is the 2024 winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football

By Joel Boyd

December 12, 2024 at 12:11 p.m.

In the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, winner Dillon Gabriel is perhaps...

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, from left, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. (Barry Reeger/AP, John Fisher/Getty, Ryan Sun/AP)

Meet the 3 finalists for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, celebrating its 100th anniversary

By Joel Boyd

December 5, 2024 at 3:49 p.m.

The three finalists for the 2024 Chicago Tribune Silver Football play different positions and in...

Former Illinois running back Jim Grabowski on July 9, 2024, at his home in Inverness. He was the 1965 winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, left. The football he's tossing was given to him in 1965 after he broke the Big Ten career rushing record during a game against Indiana. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Catching up with Jim Grabowski, the 1965 Silver Football winner from Illinois

By Shakeia Taylor

August 11, 2024 at 7:38 a.m.

Jim Grabowski was the fifth Illinois player to receive the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, but...

Sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller, shown on the practice field on Dec. 3, 2012, led Ohio State to a 12-0 record in the 2012 season. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

Catching up with Braxton Miller, the 2012 and 2013 Silver Football winner from Ohio State

By Shakeia Taylor

August 11, 2024 at 7:38 a.m.

For former Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, the 2012 season coincided with a seismic change...

Packers senior personnel executive Lee Gissendaner, a former Northwestern wide receiver who won the 1992 Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's best player. (Green Bay Packers)

Catching up with Lee Gissendaner, the 1992 Silver Football winner from Northwestern

By Colleen Kane

August 11, 2024 at 7:38 a.m.

Lee Gissendaner never considered a career in scouting when he was a star wide receiver...

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