Walter Camp 2025 Player of Year Semifinalist Watch List, presented by Crabtree Lexus of New Haven
The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the names of twenty “semifinalists” for its 2025 Player of the Year award, the fourth-oldest college football award in the nation.
The semifinalist list includes 11 quarterbacks, six defensive players, two running backs and one wide receiver.
The Walter Camp Player of the Year, presented by Crabtree Lexus of New Haven, will be voted on by the 136 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors later this month.
Three finalists will be announced later this month and the 59th recipient of the Walter Camp Player of Year award along with the 136th edition of the Walter Camp All-America team – the nation’s oldest – will be announced on the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Friday, December 12.
And for the first time, the Walter Camp All-America Fan Vote and Player Impact Rankings is available for fans, families, and alumni to support their favorite college football players and have access to proprietary data sourced player impact rankings at www.votegridiron1880.com. The platform features real-time Walter Camp Impact Rankings and NIL valuations alongside performance data.
Walter Camp 2025 Player of Year Semifinalists
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation Fan Vote is live! Fans, families, and alumni can now support our players by casting a vote at www.votegridiron1880.com. The platform features real-time Walter Camp Impact Rankings and NIL valuations alongside performance data. Vote daily and help elevate our athletes to national recognition with the Walter Camp Football Foundation — curators of the America’s oldest college football All-America team, which will be announced in early December.
The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
About Crabtree Lexus of New Haven
Crabtree Lexus of New Haven is located at 655 Main Street in East Haven, CT, convenient from anywhere in the Northeast directly off of I-95. Visit them at https://www.CrabtreeLexus.com
About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With eight models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez Named Walter Camp National FBS Players of the Week – Week 11 (Nov. 11)
The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the Football Bowl Subdivision National Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for games ending November 8.
About the Award: This is the 22nd year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation will honor one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. It is the nation’s longest running Player of Week award.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Graduate Student, Quarterback, Albuquerque, NM
Diego Pavia accounted for a career-best 489 yards of offense in the 15/16th ranked Commodores 45-38 overtime victory against Auburn. Pavia threw for a career-high 377 yards (and three touchdowns including the game winner in OT) and had 112 rushing yards (and one touchdown). He became the first Vanderbilt player to register 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing in a game. The win moves Vanderbilt to 8-2, which is the first time registering eight wins in a season since 2013.
Notes: It is the fifth time since 2004 (and second time this season for Pavia) that a Vanderbilt player has earned Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors. Pavia was also recognized on Sept. 30.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Junior, Linebacker, Wichita Falls, TX
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez led No. 8 Texas Tech with a team-high 14 tackles along with one interception and one fumble recovery in a 29-7 victory over No. 7 BYU. Rodriguez had his hand in two of Texas Tech’s three takeaways in the win as the Red Raiders became the third FBS team this season to hold a top-10 team to fewer than 10 points. Texas Tech also allowed just 67 rushing yards, marking the first time the Cougars were held under 100 yards on the ground all season.
Notes: It is the 10th time since 2004 (and third this season) that a Texas Tech player has earned Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors. Rodriguez was honored on Sept. 23 along with teammate Cameron Dickey on Oct. 14.
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation Fan Vote is live! Fans, families, and alumni can now support our players by casting a vote at www.votegridiron1880.com. The platform features real-time Walter Camp Impact Rankings and NIL valuations alongside performance data. Vote daily and help elevate our athletes to national recognition with the Walter Camp Football Foundation — curators of the America’s oldest college football All-America team, which will be announced in early December.
The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
CAST YOUR VOTE for the 2025 Walter Camp All-America Teams!
We’re excited to share for the first time, the Walter Camp All-America Fan Vote and Player Impact Rankings — a national platform for fans, families, and alumni to support their favorite college football players and have access to proprietary data sourced player impact rankings.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation Fan Vote is live! Fans, families, and alumni can now support our players by casting a vote at www.votegridiron1880.com.
The platform features real-time Walter Camp Impact Rankings and NIL valuations alongside performance data. Vote daily and help elevate our athletes to national recognition with the Walter Camp Football Foundation — curators of the America’s oldest college football All-America team, which will be announced in early December.
• Voting Window: Closes Monday, December 1
• Who Can Vote: Fans, families, alumni—nationwide
NC State’s CJ Bailey and SMU’s Ahmaad Moses Named Walter Camp National FBS Players of the Week – Week 10 (Nov. 4)
The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the Football Bowl Subdivision National Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for games ending November 1.
About the Award: This is the 22nd year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation will honor one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. It is the nation’s longest running Player of Week award.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
CJ BAILEY, NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Sophomore, Quarterback, Miami, FL
CJ Bailey accounted for 386 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in North Carolina State’s 48-36 victory against No. 8 Georgia Tech. Bailey completed 24-of-32 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns and added 34 rushing yards and one more score. He completed passes to eight different Wolfpack receivers. With the win, the Wolfpack improved to 5-4.
Notes: It is the seventh time since 2004 that a NC State player has earned Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors. Bailey is the first Wolfpack honoree since former cornerback Aydan White (Sept. 18, 2022).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior, Safety, Arlington, TX
The ACC Defensive Player of the Week, Ahmaad Moses led SMU with a career-high 15 tackles, including 2.0 tackles-for-loss, in the Mustangs’ 26-20 overtime win over No. 10 Miami. Moses also had two interceptions in the win, tying his career high. This is the highest ranked win for SMU since defeating No. 6 Pitt, 7-3, in the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 1983. With the victory, SMU improved to 6-3, 4-1 in the ACC.
Notes: It is the 14th time a Texas player has earned Walter Camp National Player of Week honors since 2004. It is the second time Hill, Jr., has been recognized as National Defensive Player of Week – he was also honored on Oct. 14, 2024.
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information.
The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
Starter Athletics and Walter Camp Football Foundation Reunite After Four Decades to Celebrate America’s Original All-Americans
Starter Athletics, the iconic American sportswear brand born in New Haven, today announced its renewed partnership with the Walter Camp Football Foundation, reconnecting a relationship that began in 1981 when Starter first became the official apparel provider for the Walter Camp All-America Teams, the nation’s oldest college football honor.
This partnership celebrates the shared New Haven roots, traditions, and timeless influence of two brands that helped define the fabric of American football.
Under the new agreement, Starter becomes the official merchandise partner of the Walter Camp Football Foundation and a presenting sponsor of the Walter Camp All-America teams, Fan Vote and the Walter Camp Weekly Game Ball, awarded to FCS, D2, D3 and NAIA players in coordination with the newly formed Gridiron 1880 Network.
“Walter Camp is the father of American football, and Starter is part of New Haven’s sports DNA,” Walter Camp president John Barbarotta said. “Bringing these two legacies back together represents everything our Foundation stands for — tradition, innovation, and community. The return of Starter as our official merchandise partner and sponsor of the All-American Fan Vote gives our fans and alumni a new way to engage with the Walter Camp story all season long.”
1982 Walter Camp All-Americans with their Starter jackets (Bill O’Brien photo)
“Starter’s history is intertwined with the story of college football and the Walter Camp tradition,” explained Mike Dugan, President, Starter Athletics. “Reuniting after more than 40 years is more than a partnership — it’s a homecoming. The Walter Camp All-America Teams represent the best of the game, and we’re proud to once again outfit that legacy with the authenticity and heritage only Starter can bring.”
“This collaboration bridges generations of fans, athletes, and creators.,” Brian Gallagher, Vice President of Marketing, Starter Athletics, said. “From the first Starter jacket worn by Walter Camp All-Americans in the 1980s to today’s digital-first community built by Gridiron1880 Network, the connection between sport, style, and storytelling has never been stronger. Together, we’re creating experiences that honor the past while igniting the future of college football culture.”
Founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1971, Starter revolutionized athletic apparel through its fusion of sports, culture, and style. A pioneer in licensing partnerships with professional leagues and universities, Starter remains a symbol of authenticity for athletes and fans alike.
About Walter Camp Football Foundation
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information.
The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935.
Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and Texas’ Anthony Hill, Jr. Named Walter Camp National FBS Players of the Week – Week 9 (Oct. 28)
The Walter Camp Football Foundation has announced the Football Bowl Subdivision National Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for games ending October 25.
About the Award: This is the 22nd year that the Walter Camp Football Foundation will honor one offensive and one defensive player as its national Football Bowl Subdivision player of the week during the regular season. It is the nation’s longest running Player of Week award.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RS Senior, Quarterback, Longview, TX
Haynes King accounted for 395 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in Georgia Tech’s 41-16 victory against ACC-rival Syracuse. King completed 25-of-31 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns and added 91 rushing yards and two more scores. With the win, the Yellowjackets improved to 8-0 for the first time since 1996, and 5-0 in the ACC.
Notes: It is the third time since 2004 that a Georgia Tech player has earned Walter Camp National FBS Player of Week honors. King joins former Yellowjackets’ Jamal Golden (DB, Oct. 25, 2015) and Justin Thomas (RB, Oct. 29, 2016).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Junior, Linebacker, Denton, TX
Anthony Hill, Jr. led the Longhorns with career highs of 2.5 quarterback sacks and four quarterback pressures and recorded his second-highest total of 3.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one forced fumble and 10 tackles in Texas’ 45-38 overtime win on the road at Mississippi State. Hill led a Longhorn defensive unit that held MSU to 14 combined points in the second half and overtime. With the victory, Texas improved to 6-2, 3-1 in the SEC.
Notes: It is the 14th time a Texas player has earned Walter Camp National Player of Week honors since 2004. It is the second time Hill, Jr., has been recognized as National Defensive Player of Week – he was also honored on Oct. 14, 2024.
Considered the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp introduced the play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side in 1880. Nine years later, Mr. Camp, then the Yale University head coach, selected the first-ever college football All-America team. The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Visit www.waltercamp.org for more information. The Foundation is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
