PFF 2025 All-Big Ten Team: Fernando Mendoza, Jeremiah Smith and more

Fernando Mendoza leads the way: The Indiana quarterback will likely become the first Hoosier to take home the Heisman Trophy.

Jeremiah Smith was elite once again: After a stellar true freshman campaign, Smith was similarly great as a sophomore.

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Now that we’ve entered the postseason of college football, it’s time to recognize the top players from this year.

Here’s PFF’s All-Big Ten Team for the 2025 season.

Offense

QB: Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
RB: Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
WR: Makai Lemon, USC
WR: Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
TE: Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
FLEX: Carnell Tate, Ohio State
LT: Carter Smith, Indiana
LG: Beau Stephens, Iowa
C: Logan Jones, Iowa
RG: Kade Pieper, Iowa
RT: Gennings Dunker, Iowa

Defense

DI: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
DI: Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
EDGE: Caden Curry, Ohio State
EDGE: Derrick Moore, Michigan
LB: Sonny Styles, Ohio State
LB: Mason Posa, Wisconsin
CB: D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
CB: Jadon Canady, Oregon
S: Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
S: Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
FLEX: Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Special Teams

K: David Olano, Illinois
P: Tom Weston, Minnesota
RS: Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
ST: Elliot Washington II, Penn State
LS: Luke Raab, Purdue

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Mendoza led Indiana to a perfect 13-0 record. which included a Big Ten Championship and the first No. 1 ranking in program history. The California transfer’s 33 touchdown passes lead the FBS, while his 126.7 passer rating is second.

Mendoza saved his best for last, posting a career-high 92.3 PFF grade against top-ranked Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. He will likely be Indiana’s first ever Heisman Trophy winner.

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Styles will likely be a first-round pick in April for how good he’s been in the middle of Ohio State’s defense. His 89.0 PFF grade is second among Power Four linebackers. Amazingly, Styles has not missed a single tackle on 86 attempts and is tied for third in the Power Four with an 87.7 PFF coverage grade.