Week 9 NFL Preview and Capsules

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October 28, 2025

Photo Cred: NFL

NEW YORK — Oct. 28, 2025 — Entering Week 9, 13 teams have recorded at least five wins this season, the third-most through Week 8 since 1970, trailing only 1986 (16 teams) and 2020 (14).

Three teams – Baltimore, Miami and the New York Jets – earned victories in Week 8 after entering the week with one-or-fewer wins. The Jets overcame a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure their first win of the season.

Entering 2025, teams had lost 135 consecutive games when trailing by 15-or-more points entering the fourth quarter, including the postseason – there have been four such wins so far in 2025 (Buffalo in Week 1, Tennessee Week 5, Denver in Week 7 and the New York Jets in Week 8).

For Week 9 capsules, click here.

Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 9:

2024 AFC Championship Game rematch: When the Buffalo Bills (5-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) on Sunday (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), it will mark the ninth matchup, including the postseason, between quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. The Bills have won the past four regular-season matchups, while the Chiefs have won the past four postseason meetings, including the 2024 AFC Championship game in Kansas City. In Week 11 last season in Buffalo, the Bills defeated the Chiefs, 30-21, to hand Kansas City its first loss of the season after a 9-0 start.
- Both Kansas City and Buffalo enter Week 9 with a top-five offense, as the Bills ranks third overall with 382.9 yards per game and the Chiefs ranks fifth with 378.3 yards per game. Defensively, Buffalo (161.9 passing yards per game allowed) and Kansas City (177.8) lead the AFC in passing defense.
- Mahomes is tied for first with 17 touchdown passes this season and with at least three touchdown passes on Sunday, it will mark Mahomes’ fourth consecutive game with at least three touchdown passes, a feat he has only accomplished twice in his career (2018, 2021). Mahomes has 46 career games with at least three touchdown passes and can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (46 games) for the most games with at least three touchdown passes by a player in his first nine seasons all-time.
- Last week, Allen registered his 46th career game with both a touchdown pass and rushing touchdown, surpassing Cam Newton (45 games) for the most such games in NFL history. It also marked Allen’s 81st regular-season win since entering the NFL in 2018, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (80 wins) and Ben Roethlisberger (80) for the fourth-most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first eight seasons in NFL history.
Leaders in the AFC: Three of the four division leaders in the AFC – Denver (6-2), Indianapolis (7-1) and New England (6-2) – have at least six wins this season and have winning streaks of four-or-more games. The two NFC teams with six wins – Philadelphia and Tampa Bay – each have a Week 9 bye.
- Denver Broncos (6-2) at Houston Texans (3-4) (1p.m. ET, FOX): The Broncos, who lead the NFL with 36 sacks and have allowed a league-low eight sacks this season, are the first team in NFL history with at least 35 sacks and 10-or-fewer sacks allowed in its first eight games of a season. Denver has won five consecutive games entering Week 9, including one-score road victories over Philadelphia (Week 5) and the New York Jets (Week 6, in London).
  - Denver quarterback Bo Nix tied his career high with four touchdown passes last week in his 25th career start. Nix has seven games with at least three touchdown passes since 2024, fourth-most among AFC quarterbacks, trailing only Joe Burrow (10 games), Lamar Jackson (eight) and Patrick Mahomes (eight).
  - The Texans have won three of their past four games, including home victories over Tennessee (Week 4) and San Francisco (Week 8). Houston leads the NFL in scoring defense (14.7 points per game allowed) and total defense (266.9 yards per game allowed) this season.
- Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Indianapolis enters the game with a 7-1 record, their best start since 2009, when they started 14-0. Entering Week 9, the Colts rank first in the league in total offense (385.3 yards per game), touchdowns (32) and points per game (33.8). The last time the Colts finished a season leading the NFL in yards per game was 1976.
  - Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor totaled 174 scrimmage yards (153 rushing, 21 receiving) and three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in Week 8, becoming the fifth player since 2000 and first since 2006 (Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson) with at least three scrimmage touchdowns in four games in a season. Taylor is the only player with four games of 100-or-more rushing yards this season and leads the NFL in scrimmage yards (1,056), rushing yards (850), scrimmage touchdowns (14) and rushing touchdowns (12) this season.
  - In his first season with Indianapolis, quarterback Daniel Jones has recorded career bests in passing yards (2,062), completion percentage (71.2), passer rating (109.5) and yards per attempt (8.5) through the first eight weeks. Since 1970, Jones is the eighth quarterback to win at least seven of his first eight starts with a team, among the team’s first eight games of the season.
Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Detroit Lions (5-2) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): The Week 9 meeting will mark the 127th all-time matchup between the division rivals, with the Vikings leading the series 80-45-2. In Week 18 last season, the Lions defeated the Vikings, 31-9, to secure the NFC North division title. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff has recorded a 116.4 passer rating and 74.9 completion percentage at home this season, both the second-highest mark in the league, trailing only New England quarterback Drake Maye.
- Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson surpassed 8,000 receiving yards last week, becoming the youngest player ever (26 years and 129 days old) and fastest player in the Super Bowl era (84 games) to reach the mark. In 10 career games against Detroit, he has recorded 72 receptions for 1,208 yards, his most receiving yards against any opponent.
- Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown enters the game tied for the league-lead in touchdown receptions with seven, six of which have come in Detroit’s three home games this season.

Atlanta Falcons (3-4) at New England Patriots (6-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Patriots have won five consecutive games entering Week 9 and can win six straight games for the first time since 2021. New England ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense, allowed 18.9 points per game and are one of four teams, along with Houston, Kansas City and Seattle, to allow 20-or-fewer points in six games this season.
- Patriots quarterback Drake Maye became the first player in NFL history with at least two touchdown passes and a passer rating of 135-or-higher in five of his team’s first eight games of a season. In Week 9, he can become the first player under the age of 24 and fourth player in NFL history to record at least 200 passing yards and a passer rating of 100-or-higher in eight consecutive games.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Washington Commanders (3-5) (8:15 p.m. ET, NBC, Sunday Night Football): Week 9 will mark the first time that Seattle and Washington have met on Sunday Night Football and just the third primetime meeting between the two clubs (Week 5, 2014 and Week 12, 2021, both on Monday night). Since 2024, the Seahawks are 10-1 (.909 winning percentage) on the road under head coach Mike Macdonald, the highest road winning percentage in the NFL.
- Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 819 receiving yards this season and has recorded at least eight receptions, 100 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in each of his past three games. At 23 years old, he is the youngest player in the Super Bowl era with at least 75 receiving yards in each of his first seven games of a season and joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce (833 receiving yards in 1995) as the only players under the age of 24 with at least 800 receiving yards in their first seven games of a season.
- Originally selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft by Seattle, Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner faces his former team for the first time since 2022, when he was with the Los Angeles Rams. In 11 seasons with the Seahawks, Wagner totaled 1,560 tackles, with at least 100 tackles in each season. He enters Week 9 ranked second in tackles this season (83) and has the most tackles (524) in primetime since entering the league in 2012, nearly double the next player (Eric Kendricks – 292 tackles). Since 2000, Wagner is the only player in the league to record at least 500 tackles in primetime games.

Media Contact: Sam Drexler, NFL; Sam.Drexler@NFL.com

Identity Crisis: Cardinals Enter Bye Week Searching for Direction

By

Keegan Rathje

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October 28, 2025

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After a devastating loss against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7, the Arizona Cardinals have their first bye week. This could not have come at a more perfect time, as the identity of this organization has been stripped through 7 games. Arizona went into this season with a new spark that had not been seen in this franchise in years, with an exciting defense and a versatile offense that the front office hoped would push Kyler Murray to his full potential.

Photo Cred: KNBR

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case — every Cardinals game this season has turned into a nail-biter, each decided by a single possession.. They are on a 5-game losing streak with a combined score of 13 points. After the loss to the Packers, head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters, “We do need to get rested up, I think physically, mentally (and) emotionally. I told them today we’ve got some projects we’ve got going on and (to) come back here Monday with a plan of action to get better, coaches, and players. Full steam ahead when we get back in here on Monday.”

One glaring issue Arizona needs to fix is its fourth-quarter defense — or lack thereof — and its ability to finish games. Through the first seven weeks, the Cardinals have surrendered 78 points in the first three quarters combined. Respectable numbers — until you look at the fourth quarter, where they’ve given up a staggering 76 points alone. What was supposed to be the team’s backbone has instead become its breaking point, with late-game collapses turning winnable contests into heartbreaking losses.

Efforts to fix Arizona’s late-game meltdowns have been underwhelming, to say the least. The defensive adjustments have been few, and the ones they’ve tried have fallen flat. If the Cardinals hope to finally close out games, they may need to shake things up — dialing up more blitzes and turning up the pressure when it matters most. Allowing the opposing quarterback to get comfortable late is a problem that the Cardinals have not been able to fix, and showing pressure is a great way to prevent a rhythm offense.

Kyler Murray is expected to make his long-awaited return under the bright lights of Monday
Night Football in Week 9 against Dallas — and all eyes will be on him. The pressure couldn’t be higher. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has made it clear: if Murray’s healthy, he’s the guy. Now it’s up to Kyler to prove why. This matchup won’t just test his readiness — it’ll reveal what this Cardinals team truly became during the bye week and what moves need to be made for next season. With the most likely being a new quarterback through the draft.
The Cardinals have one of the hardest schedules remaining after week 7, and it puts the franchise in an awkward spot.

Photo Cred: Sportsnet

The NFC West might be the toughest battleground in football this season,
with Arizona staring up at a three-way logjam — every other team sitting at five wins and
showing no signs of slowing down. This puts Arizona in a potential selling position, especially as quarterback questions have risen. Although this seems like an easy decision, Jonathan Gannon, as the head coach in Arizona, has a 14-27 record so far. What was supposed to be a franchise reset after Kliff Kingsbury’s firing hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. Constant quarterback injuries and inconsistency have kept the Cardinals from finding any real footing. If another rebuilding year is on the horizon, Gannon’s seat could start heating up fast as he approaches the end of his third season at the helm.

Chicago’s Promising Start Signals Bigger Things Ahead

By

Will Siegel

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October 27, 2025

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251025_SamSmith_TreJones_OrlandoMagic_16x9 — Photo Cred: NBA

Season of mediocrity

Following a disappointing loss on April 16th, 2025 to the Miami Heat in the Play-In Tournament, all Bulls fans could do was put their heads down. The Bulls ended the season 39-43 and for the third straight season the Bulls had made the play in. And for the third straight season they failed to win their way to the postseason. Head coach Billy Donovan has had great success in his career at both the pro and collegiate levels, but he has only made the playoffs once in his five seasons as head coach of Chicago.

Photo Cred: SI

Going into the offseason, Chicago didn’t make many moves to bolster their roster. They drafted Noa Essegue with the 12th pick of the 2025 draft, but he is viewed as a long term, raw prospect. Otherwise, the Bulls traded Lonzo Ball for Isaac Okoro, and re-signed Josh Giddey and Tre Jones and waived roster fillers. That’s about it. They didn’t get rid of any of their bad contracts: Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, and others. While also failing for the third summer in a row to move Nikola Vucevic. The one promising part of the roster is incoming second-year player Matas Buzelis. The rookie averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, but had a strong second half after the All-Star break, averaging 13 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Strong Start Going into this season, the Bulls were ranked 24th by ESPN. The Bulls didn’t make any improvements and were expected to start losing right away. But to start the season, the Bulls have been playing in another gear. The season and home opener against the Detroit Pistons was as fun of a first game as Bulls fans could have hoped for. The Bulls started the game up 16 in the first quarter, and ultimately won 115-111. Nikola Vucevic and Josh Giddey had double-doubles and Matas Buzelis had 21 points. But going into Orlando last Saturday, the Bulls were expected to lose to the Magic, as they were six point underdogs. But the Bulls fought, holding a two point lead at halftime. After a tightly fought third quarter, the Bulls pulled away. The Bulls outscored the Magic by nine in the fourth quarter and won 110-98 overall. Against all odds, the Bulls are 2-0.

How Did This Happen?

Although the Chicago Bulls didn’t make many changes to their roster, the media overlooked the consistency and quality of role players getting minutes for Chicago. What they lack in starpower, they make up for with depth. Nikola Vucevic and Josh Giddey are both leading the offense like they did last year. While Ayo Dosunmu and Kevin Huerter have started the season with hot hands. Matas Buzelis had an impressive 21 points in the first game before fouling out early on Saturday.

But if there was a major reason for them to be 2-0 to start the season. It would be because of their defense. The Bulls allowed teams to score 119.7 points per game last year, and to begin this season they have only allowed 104.5 points per game. The overall team defense and rotations are better. Isaac Okoro and Patrick Williams have provided some great defense on

some physical wings the last two games and Tre Jones currently leads the team in assists. Overall, everybody is doing their share.

Photo Cred: Chicago Tribune

Is This Sustainable?

To Keep it Short, No. The Bulls have had a lot of promise to start this season. Not to mention they are still without Coby White who is the best scorer on the team. But the Bulls shouldn’t and aren’t in win now mode yet. This season is about seeing what fits the Bulls core and who to keep moving forward. Nikola Vucevic is in the last year of his contract and won’t be re-signed, while Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins are on expiring contracts. I expect the Bulls to even out to right around where they were last year, ending around the 8-10 range, but this time in a different position. I believe they will have shown promise all throughout the year, and it will be clear the team is destined to piece it together soon. I think they will finally have an all star this year and it will be clear Chicago is back.

Who Should Replace Brain Kelly at LSU?

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 27, 2025

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Well the fours of Brian Kelly and LSU came to a close. The LSU Tigers have relieved the coach of his duty after a 5-3 start and an embarrassing second half blowout to Texas A&M in which they led at halftime. Kelly was 33rd head coach at LSU, replacing Ed Orgeron. Kelly was 34 and 14 with the Tigers. Kelly cited looser academic restrictions and a more football rich recruiting region in the south.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

His contract more than tripled his previous salary, from his 2021 salary of $2.67 million to $9 million in 2022. His buyout was the second largest in college football history in 54 million. Not a bad pay day to not come back to work. The previous 3 coaches of Nick Sabon, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron all won a national championship. Let’s see who could be the next to try:

Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, Ole Miss
Kiffin’s name has come up with every big name coaching opening No. 1 target in Florida’s search to replace Billy Napier. But LSU has more recent success than Flordia. He’s 51-19 with the Rebels since 2020.

Eli Drinkwitz, Head Coach, Missouri
Drinkwitz could be ready to take a step up with the LSU job. He’s 44-26 at Missouri. But he’s 27-7 since the start of 23. He could thrive at recruiting, the NIL Money. and transfer portal era.

Jon Sumrall, Head Coach, Tulane
LSU could turn into a rising star. He turned Tulane around and is 15-6 since taking over. He led the team appearance in the American Conference title game last season. He also went 23-4 at Troy from 2022-23. With a sense of how the region works, he could recruit the state and win at a high level.

Dabo Swinney, Head Coach, Clemson

Clemson is no longer a perennial title contender. Swinney has been at odds with Clemson the last few years for his refusal to adapt to the NIL and transfer portal. It pay be time for a fresh start and reset as LSU will push him outside his comfort zone.

NFL and lululemon Announce Elevated Fan Apparel Collection Exclusively Available Across NFL Shop, Fanatics and Team Shops

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 27, 2025

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Collection Launches Oct. 28 and Will Offer Fans of all 32 NFL Teams an Elevated Selection of lululemon Apparel and Accessories

NFL Legends Including Hall of Famer Joe Montana Featured in Brand Campaign to Celebrate the Collection

NEW YORK & VANCOUVER – Oct. 27, 2025 – The National Football League and lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) today announced an elevated apparel collection for fans of all 32 NFL teams, marking the first time the retailer has offered officially licensed products for the NFL or any of its teams. The collection will feature iconic lululemon pieces across men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, all proudly showcasing signature team marks.

“Together with Fanatics, we are introducing an elevated collection that redefines modern fan apparel and is uniquely designed for everyday comfort,” said Renie Anderson, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at the NFL. “lululemon boasts a loyal fan base built on culture, meaningful connections and innovation, qualities that thoroughly reflect the NFL.”

Beginning Oct. 28, fans can shop the new collection on NFLShop.com, Fanatics.com, and team retail locations, including online and at stadium retail stores. In addition, the collection will be available internationally on local NFL Shop sites.

“True NFL fans wear their pride. For them, fan gear is more than apparel, it’s a badge of loyalty and a way to instantly connect with a community that is like a family,” said Celeste Burgoyne, president, Americas and global guest innovation, lululemon. “We looked to honor that passionate devotion, and are thrilled to be part of that ritual found throughout the NFL season.”

The assortment features core lululemon products from its Steady State men’s franchise, along with signature women’s styles from Define, Scuba, and Align, among others. These iconic pieces have become staples of the lululemon portfolio that fans have come to love across men’s, women’s and accessories.

To reinforce the connection between sport, fashion, fandom and community, NFL Legends, including Joe Montana, Nick Foles, Ryan Clark and Emmanuel Acho, are featured in the “Welcome to the Fam Club” brand campaign, spotlighting the families behind the athletes to commemorate the launch of the collection.

Media Contacts: Liana Bailey, liana.bailey@nfl.com, Lindsey Cohen, lcohen4@lululemon.com

About lululemon

lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU) is a technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories company for yoga, running, training, and most other activities, creating transformational products and experiences that build meaningful connections, unlocking greater possibility and wellbeing for all. Setting the bar in innovation of fabrics and functional designs, lululemon works with yogis and athletes in local communities around the world for continuous research and product feedback. For more information, visit lululemon.com.

For more from NFL Communications, visit media.nfl.com

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation Adds One Receiver to the Watch List of the Biletnikoff Award

College

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 26, 2025

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download-48 — Photo Cred: Biletnikoff Award

Foundation Chairman Charles Hopkins presented the beautiful Biletnikoff Award trophy to All-America and Heisman Memorial Trophy Winner Travis Hunter with Coach Michael Pollock and the 1992 Heisman Memorial Trophy winner and national champion Gino Torretta, keynote speaker, at the 31st Biletnikoff Award Banquet with 700 patrons in attendance on Saturday March 29, 2025.

Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, released the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List on August 6. Today, October 23, the Foundation announces the third in-season addition of receivers, one at this time, to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. See 2025 Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

The Biletnikoff Award’s semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate eligibility and voting criteria, transparently explicit and detailed, are available for review at BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria.

Recently, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation opened the 2025 FanVote. Every fan may vote once daily on the Biletnikoff Award FanVote page. The aggregate fan tally will be counted as one official vote to determine semi-finalists, finalists (three receivers), and the winner. In the closest contest in years, the FanVote tally provided the one-vote margin of victory for 2013 winner Brandin Cooks of Oregon State.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announces the third in-season addition to the 2025 season watch list.

(Other receivers will be added as their season performances dictate)

(See below)

Beau Sparks, Texas State (WR)

2024 Biletnikoff Award winner: All-America Travis Hunter of Colorado

Travis Hunter was formally introduced by Colorado Coach Michael Pollock and presented the Biletnikoff Award trophy by TQC Foundation Chairman Charles Hopkins, assisted by the 1992 Heisman Memorial Trophy winner and national champion Gino Torretta, keynote speaker, at the black-tie Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The banquet, always sold-out and attended by 700 patrons, was hailed by 2014 keynote speaker Dick Vermeil, as well as by 2013 keynoter Larry Csonka, as “the best banquet in college sports.”

The banquet has featured distinguished keynoters of profound character and accomplishments including the late Bart Starr, Dick Vermeil, the late Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, Steve Largent, Mike Ditka, the late Don Shula, the late Dan Reeves, Archie Manning, Ron Jaworski, Gene Stallings, Bob Griese, Bill Curry, the late Bobby Bowden, Jim Kelly, Jerry Kramer, Joe Theismann, Dan Fouts, Chad Hennings, Lou Holtz, Aaron Taylor, Archie Griffin, Danny Wuerffel, Drew Pearson, and Gino Torretta.

The correlation between Biletnikoff Award winners and stardom in the National Football League is nearly uniformly consistent. Past Biletnikoff Award winners include Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, Golden Tate, Brandin Cooks, the late Terry Glenn, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Larry Fitzgerald.

The 501(c)(3) TQC Foundation’s charitable mission is the provision of college and vocational scholarships to North Florida high school seniors who have overcome significant challenges to achieve at the highest academic and extracurricular levels. Participation in sports is not a requirement, but does count as an extracurricular activity. The all-volunteer Foundation has provided over 350 scholarships with benefits of nearly 7 million dollars through 2025. TQC Founding Trustee & many-times chairman Walter Manley II, serving his 28th year as fundraising chairman, recently announced a goal of 10 million dollars to be awarded in scholarships by 2030.

2025 Scholarship Recipients

2024 Scholarship Recipients

The name Biletnikoff is synonymous with the term receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus 1st-team All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.

Fred Biletnikoff was Florida State’s first consensus 1st-Team All-America

The Biletnikoff Award

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wingback, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award.

(BiletnikoffAward.com/about_award)

The TQC Foundation, Inc., is an independent, charitable organization designated with 501(c)(3) status that was founded in 1994. Many trustees have contributed to its development as one of the most prominent awards in college football. The TQC Foundation, Inc., joined the idea of a college receiver’s award to the organization’s vision and created the outstanding award and dynamic organization.

The trophy, presented to each winner, is the most beautiful in college football – it has won several national, juried competitions for design excellence and aesthetic brilliance.

Likewise, the website and printed banquet program have been cited nationally for excellence in design and content.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is the creator and sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award. The Foundation administers the Biletnikoff Award, its charitable activities, and the distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee. Foundation Trustees are prohibited from serving on the National Selection Committee. For a full recounting of the Foundation’s activities, please consult BiletnikoffAward.com.

National College Football Awards Association

The Biletnikoff Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.

Important Dates

Aug. 6, 2025:

Preseason Watch List announcement

Sept. 24, 2025:

FanVote opens

Nov. 10 – 16, 2025:

Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 17, 2025:

Semifinalists announcement

Nov. 17 – 23, 2025:

Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 25, 2025:

3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 25 – Dec. 6, 2025 :

Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 12, 2025:

Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration

honors the 2025 Biletnikoff Award Winner on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the basketball arena at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Inquiries:

Chairman of Selection:

Professor Walter W. Manley II

Foundation Founding Trustee & Past Chairman of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc.

Creator and Sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award

BiletnikoffAward.com/Manley

Cell 850-766-0800

prof.wwmii@comcast.net

Website and Publicity Contact:

Will Stewart

biletnikoffaward@biletnikoffaward.com

Trustees to contact regarding questions about scholarships and applications:

John Harris

850-524-6627

jjharrisjr@outlook.com

Melissa Hancock

850-340-0194 melissalynn527@gmail.com

Important Links:

Biletnikoff Award Website

Scholarship Information

Scholarship Application

Scholarship Donations

NFF Proudly Announces the Finalists for 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy

College

By

Stephen Patrick

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October 26, 2025

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Sixteen finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments®.

IRVING, Texas (Oct. 22, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the finalists for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. The 16 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as members of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments®:

Robby Ballentine, WR – DePauw (IN) // Biochemistry (3.92 GPA)
Jonah Coleman, RB – Washington // Education (3.91 GPA)
James Conway, LB – Fordham // Marketing Information Systems (3.71 GPA)
Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas // Sport Management (3.58 GPA)
Ty Dugger, DB – Harding (AR) // Accounting (3.92 GPA)
Aaron Graves, DL – Iowa // Exercise Science (4.03 GPA)
Blake Horvath, QB – Navy // Operations Research (3.69 GPA)
Chandler Kirton, OL – Austin Peay // Management (3.92 GPA)
Trey Moore, LB – Texas // Physical Culture & Sports (3.65 GPA)
Red Murdock, LB – Buffalo // Psychology (3.46 GPA)
Parker Navarro, QB – Ohio // Integrated Health Studies (3.96 GPA)
Sawyer Robertson, QB – Baylor // Marketing (3.73 GPA)
Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt // Individual Studies (3.92 GPA)
Jack Strand, QB – Minnesota State Moorhead // Engineering Physics (3.87 GPA)
Andon Thomas, LB – Army West Point // Chemical Engineering (3.98 GPA)
Jackson Waring, QB – Grand View (IA) // Psychology (3.88 GPA)

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RELEASE

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS ASSOCIATION

The William V. Campbell Trophy® is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME

Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing academic excellence, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame museum in Atlanta; Future For Football; I Played; the William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & the NFF Hatchell Cup presented by Bob’s Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include CAA Executive Search, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Elite Media Network, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

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FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL Week 9

By

Memphis Spence

-

October 26, 2025

0

ead25b51-6252-4b8a-b307-6b7f7474e9d3 — Photo Cred: FWAA

FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll for Week 8 has been released. Panelist Ayokunle Spencer submitted his ballot. Here is this week’s Super 16 ranking.
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Ohio State
2 Texas A&M
3 Indiana
4 Alabama
5 Oregon
6 Vanderbilt
7 Georgia
8 Ole Miss
9 Georgia Tech
1 0 BYU
1 1 Virginia
1 2 Louisville
1 3 Miami (FL)
1 4 Texas Tech
1 5 Cincinnati
1 6 Notre Dame

Heartbreak in Nashville: Mizzou Falls Just Short Against Vanderbilt

By

Reece Alvarado

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October 26, 2025

0

Diego-Pavia-Week-6-2025 — Photo Cred: Sharp Football Analysis

A hard fought battle in Nashville only has room for one victor. This time, Mizzou fails to come out on top. Going to FirstBank Stadium to face the Vanderbilt Commodores was a tough task for head coach Eli Drinkwitz and ultimately fell just short. The defense played phenomenally and made Vanderbilt work for every yard. The only slip up was allowing an 80 yard touchdown run for the first touchdown of the game.

Photo Cred: Mizzou

But the pass rush constantly created havoc in the backfield and limited Diego Pavia to just 10 completions, 4 rushing yards, and an interception. On the other side of the ball, the offense was able to generate long drives, but had no points to show for it. The offense outgained Vanderbilt by 111 yards but sputtered in the red zone. A missed field goal, failure to score on fourth and goal, and a quarterback run to the one yard line being called back due to a penalty left many points on the table that would have greatly affected the game.

In the third quarter, Pribula went down with an ankle injury and the team had to turn to a true freshman named Matt Zollers. Zollers came into the game and immediately made an impact. He took hits, ran when he needed to, and protected the ball. On the final play of the game, he tossed up a hail mary to send the game into overtime and it was caught, but down at the one yard line.

After a shaky performance last week at Auburn, the offensive line was great against one of the best defenses in the country. Ahmad Hardy was consistently gaining first downs and the play action passes were opening up windows for the quarterbacks. But the inability to run the game in the red zone led to missed opportunities that cost them the game.

Photo Cred: Mizzou

Next week, the Tigers rest, giving ample time to prepare to host the Texas A&M Aggies. With a new quarterback in the system, questions surround the team, now wondering how good they are if the main piece is out. While it is possible to still reach the playoffs, Mizzou still has two ranked games left and no more room for error. Everything they want is still in front of them but a crucial injury may spoil the hopes this Tiger team has been dreaming about.

Biggest Surprises So Far in the NFL Season

By

Reece Alvarado

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October 24, 2025

0

Photo Cred: NFL

The NFL has given us many surprises so far this season. From game one to now teams have stepped up to show they are playoff contenders or have a bright future. Let’s take a look at the biggest surprises thus far.

3. Seattle Seahawks

With so many changes in both players and coaches, no one knew how good this team would be. A lot of questions surrounded the offense when the season began, and rightfully so. Picking up a new quarterback and losing two veteran wide receivers screams inconsistency, and not to mention a new offensive coordinator calling the shots. But Sam Darnold has been delivering every Sunday and now has Seattle at 5-2, well in the competition to win the NFC West.

What many thought to be a dominant run game lacks the blocking up front to be truly explosive. Which means every game rests in Darnold’s hands. And it’s hard to lose when he can throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is playing like the best receiver in the league right now. At this rate, he is on pace to break the single season reception yards and be just shy of the coveted 2,000 yards mark.

On the other side of the ball, the defense was projected to the strength of the team, which it has. They rank 10th in total defense and 1st in run defense, allowing just about 75 rushing yards per game. This wasn’t a surprise heading into the season, but paring this with an offense that can consistently move the ball through the air and you get a top 10 team that most people weren’t expecting.

2. Giants

Photo Cred: A to Z Sports

While the record doesn’t make you smile, there’s a lot of hope in New York. More specifically, two rookies taking the city, and the league, by storm. Jaxson Dart walked onto the field for the first time in week 4 and upset an undefeated Chargers team. Not only that, he was the game changer and has been since.

Sure he’s had his ups and downs but he has rejuvenated life into his team. His dual threat ability combined with his hard-nosed attitude sparks every fan in the stadium. And every great player needs a partner, so why not pair him up with a man who is willing to run through telephone polls?

Seriously, since Cam Skattebo began playing football as a child, he practiced contact by running into trees, poles, and anything else that won’t move. So when you put him in the backfield and give him a hole to hit with a linebacker in the way, he’ll do anything but back down from contact. You don’t need excellent blocking to pick up yards if it takes at least three defenders to bring this man down.

1. Colts

Photo Cred: SB Nation

By far the biggest surprise is the Colts being at 6-1. And it’s not just the fact that they are winning games, but it’s how. They have the most efficient offense and have punted the least amount of times.

They don’t turn the ball over, they don’t commit penalties, they just play sound football. Jonathan Taylor is a leading candidate for the Offensive Player of the Year award and when you turn on the tape, it’s easy to see why. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, which means it’s almost impossible to not gain a first down when he can get half the yardage necessary on any given down.

But he’s not even the main subject of their success. It’s Daniel Jones leaving the Giants and finding an offense that works for him. He is playing smart, fast, and safe. He finds the right read, isn’t afraid of taking a deep shot, and protects the ball. They play like every offensive coordinator’s dream- perfect execution. Nothing fancy, but no mistakes.

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