NEW YORK –– Oct. 12, 2025 –– A look at seven statistical highlights from games played during the 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET windows on Sunday, October 12, the sixth week of the 2025 season.
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Seven From Sunday – Week 6
A New Era in New York: Jaxson Dart & the Giants Path Forward
On Thursday Night Football, the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to New Jersey to face off against their NFC East rival, the New York Giants, in a highly anticipated divisional matchup. The Giants entered the contest with a disappointing 1–4 record, desperate to turn their season around. They handed the keys of the offense to rookie first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was making just the third start of his young NFL career. For Philadelphia, the focus was less on their opponent and more on themselves — and the swirling drama that had emerged over the week.
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Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
Coming off their first loss of the season to the Denver Broncos, the Eagles found themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Reports surfaced suggesting growing tension within the locker room, particularly between quarterback Jalen Hurts and his star wide receivers. A.J. Brown, who has voiced frustration with Hurts’ decision-making in the past, was once again rumored to be unhappy with his quarterback’s play. Making matters worse, a new report claimed that DeVonta Smith — normally reserved and diplomatic — has also grown increasingly frustrated behind closed doors.
Although the Eagles organization quickly dismissed those reports as “media speculation,” the optics on Thursday night did little to quiet the noise. Cameras caught Brown and Smith sitting side-by-side on the sideline during the second quarter, appearing to vent their frustrations toward one another. Their animated body language said what words could not: there’s a real disconnect brewing in Philadelphia’s offense.
At the center of it all is Jalen Hurts, who despite his impressive résumé — an MVP-caliber 2022 season and a Super Bowl appearance — continues to face criticism for his inconsistent play. Hurts’ struggles with accuracy and ball placement, particularly on deep throws, have become a major concern. According to league stats, he’s completing just 35% of his passes traveling 10 or more air yards, ranking 30th in the NFL. Those numbers are far from acceptable for a team with one of the most talented receiving tandems in football.
Hurts’ downfield woes were on full display in the first half against New York. On a crucial second-quarter play, he missed a wide-open DeVonta Smith streaking downfield on what could have been a 90-yard touchdown, overthrowing him by several yards. The misfire not only left potential points on the field but also reignited ongoing questions about Hurts’ confidence in his deep ball — and his timing with his star receivers.
But the quarterback isn’t the only one under scrutiny. Much of the blame for Philadelphia’s offensive stagnation has fallen on first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who has yet to establish a clear identity or rhythm for the unit. Compared to last year’s dynamic system under Kellen Moore — who departed for the head coaching job in New Orleans this offseason — the Eagles’ offense now looks disjointed and overly predictable.
In many ways, this season feels like déjà vu for Philadelphia fans. Just two years ago, after losing offensive mastermind Shane Steichen to Indianapolis, the team promoted Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator. The result was an offense that lacked creativity, rhythm, and balance — and Johnson was fired after one season. Now, with Patullo at the helm, the same concerns are resurfacing. Insiders around the league have already begun speculating that the Eagles’ front office, known for its aggressiveness and win-now mentality, could make another bold move if the offense doesn’t improve soon — possibly even midseason.
Still, the reality is that even with Patullo’s questionable play-calling, there have been opportunities for Hurts to make key throws this season — and he simply hasn’t executed. Whether it’s hesitation, poor timing, or mechanical inconsistency, Hurts has struggled to deliver the type of precision passing that once made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
Photo Cred: New York Giants
The Eagles’ defense, on the other hand, continues to play at a championship level, often bailing out the offense with timely stops and turnovers. That unit remains the backbone of the team, masking many of the offensive inefficiencies that have plagued them early in the year. But even a dominant defense can’t compensate forever.
The Eagles ultimately escaped MetLife Stadium with a win, improving to 5–1, but the victory did little to quiet the growing concerns surrounding their offense and locker room chemistry. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the margin for error is slim — and if the disconnect between Hurts, his receivers, and his coordinator continues, the cracks in Philadelphia’s foundation could grow into something much bigger.
Thunder and Grit: BYU Survives a Wild Desert Duel in Tucson
Riding high off a statement win over Big 12 rivals, the Arizona Wildcats (4-1) and the BYU Cougars (5-0) clashed in a high-stakes conference showdown that lived up to every bit of the hype. It was a battle of grit, poise, and endurance that stretched over five and a half hours — complete with lightning delays, defensive duels, and double-overtime drama. BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier faced his toughest test yet against Arizona’s surprisingly disciplined pass rush.
While the Wildcats were challenged by BYU’s suffocating third-down defense. Arizona entered the game chasing its first victory over a ranked opponent since 2023, while BYU sought to remain unbeaten in conference play — and both teams delivered in what quickly became an instant Big 12 classic. The Cougars set the tone early, scoring touchdowns on two of their first three drives to take a 14–0 lead after running just 15 plays.
Photo Cred: ESPN
Arizona suddenly found itself on the ropes, forced to respond to avoid being buried early. Quarterback Noah Fifita delivered, orchestrating a poised eight-play, 75-yard drive capped with a touchdown strike to Kris Hutson just before the end of the opening quarter, cutting the deficit in half and restoring life to the Wildcats’ sideline. Just as the second quarter began, lightning struck — literally. A 74-minute weather delay halted play, but Arizona didn’t let it kill their momentum.
Coming out of the break, the Wildcats’ defense looked rejuvenated. Defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen dialed up aggressive pressure that kept Bachmeier uncomfortable and limited BYU’s offense to just two completions for 15 yards in the quarter. The Cougars’ only notable play — a fake punt attempt — backfired, setting Arizona up with excellent field position. The Wildcats capitalized, scoring 10 unanswered points and closing the half with an interception by Treydan Stukes, heading into the locker room with a 17–14 lead and all the momentum.
The third quarter turned into a defensive slugfest. Arizona opened with a promising drive, but a costly goal-line interception on fourth down halted what could have been a momentum-sealing score. From there, both teams traded three-and-outs and turnovers, with Bachmeier tossing another interception near midfield late in the quarter. Neither offense could find consistency, and the tension only continued to build.
Early in the fourth, the Wildcats finally broke through. A gutsy fourth-and-one conversion set up another touchdown, extending their lead to 24–14 and energizing the home crowd. But BYU refused to fold. Bachmeier — showing poise well beyond his years — led a composed, balanced drive that resulted in a 24-yard field goal, the Cougars’ first points since the opening quarter. Arizona’s next possession stalled quickly, giving BYU one more chance with just under three minutes to play.
That’s when the freshman phenom took over. Bachmeier led a clutch drive down the field, mixing quick passes and scrambles to push deep into Arizona territory. The Wildcats nearly sealed the game with a forced fumble, but back-to-back pass interference calls near the goal line proved costly. On second and goal, Bachmeier powered in for a touchdown himself, tying the game at 24–24 with just 19 seconds left in regulation — silencing the Tucson crowd and sending the game to overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams traded field goals after their offenses stalled, pushing the thriller into a second extra frame tied at 27. BYU got the ball first in double overtime and made it count. Bachmeier capped the drive with a determined seven-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Cougars a 33–27 lead after a failed two-point conversion attempt. Arizona had one final chance to respond but fell short on a fourth-and-six incompletion to the end zone, sealing the game and handing BYU a dramatic double-overtime victory.
Photo Cred: Arizona Desert Storm
The final whistle ended one of the longest and most intense games of the season — a five-hour, thirty-minute battle of wills that may have reshaped the Big 12 standings. With key contenders like Arizona State and Iowa State suffering losses earlier in the week, BYU’s win boosted their conference title odds to 40%, keeping them undefeated at 3–0 in Big 12 play.
Next week, the Cougars will face the Utah Utes in a nationally ranked edition of the Holy War, marking the rivalry’s first matchup since both programs joined the Big 12. For BYU, it’s another chance to prove they belong among the conference elite — and perhaps, that they are the future face of the Big 12.
Missouri Football: The Tigers Stumble as the Tide Rolls
After winning 15 consecutive home games, Missouri’s impressive streak came to an end in heartbreaking fashion. The Tigers fell for the first time this season, dropping a close 27–24 battle to the Alabama Crimson Tide. A back-and-forth matchup can only end with one victor, and this time, the Tigers were unable to pounce on top. A sluggish offensive start left Mizzou fighting from behind early, as Alabama took control in the first quarter and never fully let go.
Defensively, Missouri faced its toughest test of the season against a powerful Alabama rushing attack. The Tide were able to move the chains consistently on the ground, chewing up the clock and keeping Mizzou’s offense off the field. By the fourth quarter, Alabama’s aggressive play-calling and commitment to the run allowed them to dictate tempo and wear down the Tiger defense. What should have ended in punts turned into field goals, what should have ended in field goals turned into touchdowns — and what could have been a statement win ended in bitter defeat.
Photo Cred: ESPN
The Tigers opened the game looking sharp, marching down the field on their first drive to score an early touchdown and energize the sold-out home crowd. But after that, the offense sputtered. Missouri wouldn’t find the end zone again until late in the second quarter, settling for a field goal just before halftime to trim Alabama’s lead to seven. The inability to establish a consistent run game led to stalled drives, short possessions, and favorable field position for the Crimson Tide.
Missouri’s fourth quarter was a roller coaster of highs and lows. Two costly interceptions halted promising drives that could have changed the game’s outcome. Without a consistent vertical threat, the Tigers’ offense became increasingly predictable. Yet, when it mattered most, the passing game finally clicked. Down two scores late, Mizzou marched down the field for a quick touchdown drive that reignited hope in Memorial Stadium. With under two minutes left, fans believed they might witness another signature comeback.
But what looked like a potential game-winning drive ended abruptly with an interception — silencing the crowd and sealing the Tigers’ fate. So what does this loss mean for Missouri moving forward? In truth, not much — at least not yet. The Tigers will hit the road for their next two matchups before another bye week and a crucial home game against Texas A&M that will carry major SEC implications.
One loss doesn’t derail their College Football Playoff hopes, but it does narrow the margin for error. In the SEC, no team goes unbeaten without surviving some battles, and this was one that slipped away. The key now is resilience. Great teams respond, not retreat. With everything still within reach, how Missouri bounces back from this tough loss will define the rest of their season.
FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll for Week 7
FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll for Week 6 has been released. Panelist Ayokunle Spencer submitted his ballot. Here is this week’s Super 16 ranking.
FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL (Week 7)
Ayokunle Spencer (Panel)
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Ohio State
2 Indiana
3 Miami (FL)
4 Texas A&M
5 Ole Miss
6 Oregon
7 Alabama
8 Georgia
9 LSU
1 0 Tennessee
1 1 Texas Tech
1 2 Georgia Tech
1 3 Oklahoma
1 4 Virginia
1 5 BYU
1 6 Memphis
Trade Rewind: The NFL’s Most Perfectly Balanced Deal?
When building a football roster, no position carries more importance than the quarterback. A quarterback is the focal point of an offense, influencing every play in one way or another. To have a successful team, it all starts under center. That’s why quarterbacks are viewed as the most valuable prospects in every draft—especially for struggling teams searching for a player who can redefine their culture and identity.
Teams are willing to do whatever it takes to land an elite quarterback—whether through the draft, free agency, or a blockbuster trade. And it’s not just rebuilding teams making these moves; even contenders are forced to make tough quarterback decisions every year. Sometimes, those choices come from unexpected circumstances. For example, when Brock Purdy emerged as a star after Jimmy Garoppolo’s injury in 2022, the 49ers decided to stick with the young quarterback despite being 8–4 before Purdy took over. They took a chance, and so far, it has paid off.
When Jared Goff was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 2016, the franchise believed he could return them to football relevance. After a rough rookie season under poor coaching, Goff quickly turned things around. The Rams went 11–5 in 2017, made the playoffs, and Goff earned a Pro Bowl selection. His peak came the following year, when he again made the Pro Bowl and led the Rams to the Super Bowl, where they ultimately fell short to the New England Patriots, 13–3. But over the next two seasons, the Rams went 9–7 and 10–6—respectable records, but not enough for a team that had tasted the Super Bowl. Once the fans and organization experienced that level of success, mediocrity was no longer acceptable.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford had been the face of the Detroit Lions for over a decade. One of the most talented and consistent quarterbacks of the 2010s, Stafford often played at an elite level despite being surrounded by instability. But after three straight losing seasons, both he and the Lions were ready for a change. Detroit wanted a fresh start and sought to give Stafford the chance to compete for a championship elsewhere.
The Trade — Initially
Los Angeles Rams received:
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QB Matthew Stafford
Detroit Lions received:
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QB Jared Goff
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2022 first-round pick
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2023 first-round pick
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2021 third-round pick
The Trade — Now
Los Angeles Rams received:
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QB Matthew Stafford
Detroit Lions received:
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QB Jared Goff
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RB Jahmyr Gibbs (via ARI)
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TE Sam LaPorta (via ARI)
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DT Brodric Martin (via ARI)
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WR Jameson Williams (via MIN)
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EDGE Josh Paschal (via MIN)
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CB Ifeatu Melifonwu
How the Lions Won the Trade
When the Lions hired Dan Campbell ahead of the 2021 season, his first year was rough—finishing 3–13–1 and at the bottom of the division. But even amid the losses, a vision was taking shape. Jared Goff proved he wasn’t washed. In his second year, he threw 29 touchdown passes and reminded the league why he was once the No. 1 overall pick.
More importantly, the Lions used the draft capital from the Stafford trade wisely, selecting playmakers Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta—both of whom have quickly become top-five players at their positions. Along with their other young stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit’s roster has transformed into one of the league’s deepest and most complete.
Photo Cred: NFL.com
The results speak for themselves: 27 regular-season wins over the last two years, a conference title game appearance, and a 3–1 start to the current season. The Lions are no longer a feel-good story—they’re a legitimate contender with a foundation built for sustained success.
How the Rams Won the Trade
For the Rams, this one is simple: they won Super Bowl LVI.
In his first season with the team, Matthew Stafford threw over 40 touchdown passes and led Los Angeles to a 12–5 record before capping it off with a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, the Rams have faced their share of ups and downs, largely due to injuries, but that trade delivered exactly what every team dreams of—a championship.
Photo Cred: The Sporting News
Sean McVay and Stafford remain a formidable duo, and as long as the veteran quarterback has something left in the tank, the Rams will stay competitive. They executed a bold, all-in trade that brought them a Lombardi Trophy without mortgaging their long-term future—an outcome few teams can claim. Stafford may well be on his way to the HOF thanks to his run with the rams.
The Verdict: A Rare Win-Win
In a league where trades are almost always followed by regret from one side, the Stafford–Goff deal stands out as one of the rare win-win scenarios in NFL history. The Rams got exactly what they wanted—a Super Bowl and validation for their all-in approach—while the Lions used the trade to completely reshape their franchise and set up years of sustained success.
Both teams walked away better than they were before, proving that sometimes, in the unpredictable world of football, everyone really can come out on top.
From Powerhouses to Pretenders: Ranking Every NFC Division
The 2025 NFL season has already delivered plenty of surprises, breakout performances, and shifting power dynamics across the league. Nowhere is that more evident than in the NFC, where every division tells a different story — from the parity-packed North to the star-studded East, the gritty battles out West, and the rebuilding efforts down South. As teams jockey for playoff positioning and midseason momentum, it’s becoming clear which divisions are rising to the challenge and which still have work to do. Here’s how all four NFC divisions stack up, ranked from strongest to weakest heading into the heart of the season.
1. NFC North
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The NFC North continues to prove why it’s one of the most competitive and unpredictable divisions in football. The Lions, Vikings, and Packers are all legitimate playoff contenders, and this race is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent memory. Detroit currently holds a slim one-game lead over Minnesota and a two-game advantage on Green Bay and Chicago, but no team can afford to take a week off.
The Lions have found their rhythm under Dan Campbell, with Jared Goff orchestrating one of the league’s most balanced offenses and Amon-Ra St. Brown continuing to emerge as a top-tier receiver. Their physicality in the trenches remains their calling card, and their ability to grind out wins on both sides of the ball makes them a dangerous postseason threat.
The Vikings, led by Kirk Cousins and a healthy Justin Jefferson, have rediscovered their offensive groove. After narrowly missing several winnable games early in the season, they’ve hit their stride with a more aggressive approach. Green Bay, meanwhile, has been quietly building momentum behind the continued growth of Jordan Love, who’s shown flashes of becoming the franchise quarterback they hoped for.
With new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have turned heads with a more disciplined offense and an improving defense that’s learning how to close games. While they might not yet be in position to win the division, they’ve shown enough fight to play spoiler in December.
2. NFC East
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Fresh off their Super Bowl victory, the Philadelphia Eagles remain the class of the NFC East. At 4–1, they may not look quite as dominant as last season’s championship team, but their experience, depth, and talent still separate them from the rest of the pack. Jalen Hurts continues to play at an MVP-caliber level, while the combination of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith makes their passing attack nearly unstoppable. Add in a top-tier defense and the best offensive line in football, and it’s easy to see why they’re still the conference’s measuring stick.
The Washington Commanders, led by dynamic second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, have become one of the league’s most exciting young teams. Their improbable run to the NFC Championship Game last year wasn’t a fluke — Daniels’ dual-threat ability and calm under pressure make them a legitimate contender. While injuries have tested their depth, head coach Dan Quinn has kept the team disciplined and focused.
Dallas remains a wildcard in every sense. Dak Prescott is playing some of the best football of his career, but the Cowboys’ inconsistency — particularly in late-game situations — continues to hold them back. Defensively, Micah Parsons is still a force, but the unit has struggled with lapses in coverage and missed tackles.
The Giants round out the division, but there’s optimism in New York. Despite their record, their young roster is showing real promise. The rookie class, headlined by wide receiver Malik Nabers, has injected energy into a team that’s trying to rebuild the right way. The NFC East as a whole remains one of the league’s most physical and competitive divisions, and if Washington and Dallas can find consistency, it could send multiple teams back to the postseason again.
3. NFC West
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The NFC West continues to be a battlefield — a division where every game feels like a playoff matchup. The San Francisco 49ers sit at 4–1, but they’ve had to fight for every win. Injuries to key players, including Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams, have tested their depth, yet Kyle Shanahan’s system keeps churning out production. Brock Purdy remains steady, and Christian McCaffrey’s versatility keeps this offense humming.
The Rams, just a step behind at 3–2, have been one of the pleasant surprises of the season. Matthew Stafford looks rejuvenated, and rookie sensation Puka Nacua continues to be a revelation in the passing game. With Cooper Kupp back in the mix, the Rams’ offense has become one of the most dynamic in football.
Seattle, also sitting at 3–2, remains a tough out under Pete Carroll. Geno Smith’s leadership and composure have kept the Seahawks competitive, while their young defense, led by Tariq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, is beginning to develop into something special.
Even the Cardinals, though sitting at the bottom, deserve credit. They’ve shown grit and fight, refusing to roll over despite facing a talent gap with the rest of the division. Every team in the NFC West can win on any given Sunday, making this one of the league’s most entertaining — and exhausting — divisions to survive.
4. NFC South
The NFC South remains the most uneven division in the conference, though it’s not without intrigue. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged as clear front-runners behind the steady play of Baker Mayfield. His chemistry with rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka has been nothing short of impressive, giving the offense new life after years of inconsistency. Combined with one of the league’s more underrated defenses, the Bucs have built a real identity under head coach Todd Bowles.
The Falcons, on the other hand, are a team with flashes of greatness but no sustained success. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has shown moments of brilliance, but Atlanta’s offense often sputters in key moments. Their rushing attack, once their bread and butter, hasn’t had the same punch, and their defense has struggled to generate turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Panthers and Saints are trending downward. Carolina’s rebuild continues to be a painful process — Bryce Young’s progress has been slow, and protection issues have made life difficult for the young quarterback. The Saints, led by veteran Derek Carr, can’t seem to find consistency, and questions about the future of the coaching staff are beginning to surface.
While Tampa Bay looks poised to run away with the division for now, the NFC South as a whole remains in transition. Each team faces critical questions about its identity, and unless one of them can turn things around soon, the Bucs may cruise to a division crown with little resistance.55
The Louisville Kings Arrive in the Derby City
- Team Name: The Louisville Kings.
- League: United Football League (UFL).
- Start Date: Spring 2026.
- Home Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium, home of the Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC.
- New Franchise: The Kings are one of three new teams in the UFL for 2026.
- New Markets: The UFL is adding teams in Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida, alongside Louisville.
- Team Origin: The Kings’ name draws from Louisville’s namesake, King Louis XVI, and the “Sport of Kings,” a nickname for the Kentucky Derby.
- Commitment: The UFL has committed to keeping the franchise in Louisville for at least two seasons.
- Fan Engagement: The league plans to integrate the team into the community, with players potentially having ties to Louisville and Kentucky.
Buckeyes Make a Statement: Ohio State Dominates in Big Ten Home Opener
Ohio State hosted Big Ten foe Minnesota under the lights of Ohio Stadium, and the atmosphere was electric for the Buckeyes’ first home conference matchup of the year. The top-ranked Buckeyes lived up to every bit of their billing, dismantling the Golden Gophers in a 42–3 rout that showcased both offensive precision and defensive dominance. Minnesota opened the game with promise, piecing together a methodical 13-play, 66-yard drive that resulted in a field goal.
But that early success turned out to be their only highlight of the night. From that point forward, the Gophers were completely stifled by a relentless Ohio State defense that looked every bit like the nation’s best. Minnesota finished with just 162 total yards — 66 of which came on that opening drive. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has this Buckeye unit firing on all cylinders, and through six games, they’ve allowed a nation-leading 5 points per game.
Photo Cred: Ohio State
On the other side of the ball, freshman quarterback Julian Sayin continued to look like a seasoned veteran, leading the offense with poise and efficiency. Sayin completed 23 of 27 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, carving up the Minnesota secondary and spreading the ball around with ease. Three different receivers eclipsed the 60-yard mark, highlighted by sophomore standout Carnell Tate, who hauled in nine receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown. Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith also made his mark, catching seven passes for 67 yards and two scores.
Sayin’s deep-ball accuracy was on full display as he connected on five passes of 25 yards or more, keeping the Gophers defense guessing all night. In the backfield, Bo Jackson once again paced the Buckeyes’ ground game, rushing for 63 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. James Peoples added 59 yards on just seven attempts, giving Ohio State a strong one-two punch that kept the offense balanced and unpredictable.
The Buckeyes’ blend of high-powered offense and suffocating defense continues to make them the most complete team in the country. With the win, Ohio State improves to 5–0 and remains firmly atop the national rankings. Next week, they’ll hit the road for another Big Ten showdown — this time against Illinois, their second ranked opponent of the season. The matchup will also carry extra weight, as the two teams will battle for the storied Illibuck trophy — a wooden turtle that has symbolized their rivalry for nearly a century.
Miami’s Thomas is Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week
DALLAS (FWAA) – Miami safety Jakobe Thomas stole an interception, forced a fumble and had a sack Saturday as the Hurricanes went into Tallahassee, Fla., and recorded a 28-22 win over No. 18 Florida State. The takeaways and leadership behind a resurgent Miami defense has Thomas selected as the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Players of the Week for the weekend of Oct. 4 by the Football Writers Association of America.
Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2025 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Players may be added or removed from the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list during the season. If a player isn’t already on the preseason watch list, including Thomas this week, each week’s honored player is added at that time. Miami has had two Bronko Nagurski Trophy winners in its past, the most recent being linebacker Dan Morgan in 2000. Warren Sapp won the award in 1994 when it was known as the FWAA National Defensive Player of the Year Award.
The standout game had Thomas with 5.0 tackles, one sack, the interception, a forced fumble and two pass breakups in what is Miami’s third win over a ranked opponent this season. He was also named the ACC’s Defensive Back of the Week.
Florida State entered the game with the nation’s best scoring offense (53 points per game) and total offense (600 yards per game) but were held to 404 total yards. Almost half of this (188) came in the fourth quarter when the ‘Canes (5-0) had built a 25-point lead.
Thomas, a 6-2, 200-pound fifth-year senior from Tullahoma, Tenn., transferred to Miami from Tennessee in the offseason, after he began his career at Middle Tennessee (2021-23). He is fourth on the team with 22 tackles and the interception and two pass breakups against Florida State were his firsts of the season.
Miami is idle this weekend. Its next game is Friday, Oct. 17, hosting Louisville at Hard Rock Stadium with a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN2.
The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from the finalists named in November. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Bronko Nagurski 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. 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.
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. Since its inception, the club has grown as well as diversified boasting a sponsor team of more than (80) companies. The Club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding Citizenship, Scholarship, Sportsmanship, and Leadership of area athletes and coaches. Through individual and corporate support, more than $3,000,000 has been raised and donated to benefit the Touchdown Club’s scholarship efforts.
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. Our purpose is to honor God in all we do, to serve others, to pursue excellence and to grow profitably. For over 121 years, we have been deeply committed to the consumers, customers and communities we serve and passionate about the broad portfolio of beverages and services we offer. We make, sell and distribute beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors across 14 states and the District of Columbia, to approximately 60 million consumers. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coca-Cola Consolidated is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “COKE”. More information about the Company is available at cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coca-Cola Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.
