NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The 2025 season was a historic one for Yale Football.
 
The Bulldogs captured a win over Harvard, secured the Ivy League championship, earned the conference's first-ever bid into the NCAA FCS Playoffs, and recorded a postseason victory on the national stage. The season also featured multiple individual honors, including Ivy League Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Coaching Staff of the Year recognition, and numerous All-America selections.
 
As part of the postseason awards ceremony, Yale's senior class was honored for its remarkable legacy—winning three Ivy League championships and becoming the first class in program history to go undefeated against both Harvard and Princeton. The team awards were also announced.

Yale Football 2025 Team Awards

Charles Loftus Award
Donated by the New Haven Gridiron Club and awarded to the most valuable freshman player on the team.

Winner: Grayson McGowan

Chester J. LaRoche Award (1968)
Given to the senior who, by character and academic talents, has given the most to Yale. (Award is $1,000 toward a graduate school of the recipient's choice, or to Yale in his name.)

Winner: Jack Michalik

Fredric Woodrow "Woody" Knapp Memorial Trophy (1968)
Awarded in memory of Lieutenant (j.g.) Frederick Woodrow Knapp, B.A. 1965, Attack Squadron 164, U.S. Navy, who gave his life in air combat over North Vietnam on November 2, 1967. Given to the outstanding member of the Yale football team who best exemplifies Woody's cheerful disposition, leadership qualities, and unselfish devotion to others.

Winner: Mason Shipp

Greg Dubinetz Award
Awarded to the lineman who best exemplifies Gregory George Dubinetz's spirit as a player and qualities as a person.

Winners: Cameron Charron and Michael Bennett

James Keppel Award
Given to the offensive back who best exhibits Jim's work ethic, pride, and dedication to Yale Football, as well as his ability to enrich the lives of his friends and teammates.

Winners: Jaxton Santiago

Ledyard Mitchell Award (1923)
Established by the Class of 1904 in honor of Ledyard Mitchell, B.A. 1904. Awarded for proficiency in kicking.

Winner: Noah Piper

Norman S. Hall Memorial Trophy
Established from gifts made in 1937 to honor Norman S. Hall, Class of 1930. Awarded to a player for outstanding service to Yale Football.

Winners: Joseph Nash and Micaiah Shaber

Robert Gardner Anderson '33 Award
Awarded to the player who best exemplifies Bob's intense interest in the sport through a combination of athletic skill, team spirit, and pride in accomplishment.

Winner: Nico Brown
 
Ryan LoProto Award
Awarded to the player who best exemplifies Ryan's passion and competitive spirit, skill in the defensive secondary, and devotion to teammates.

Winner: Da'Quan Gonzales

Ted Turner Award
Awarded to the Yale interior lineman who displays tough, hardworking, aggressive play while demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship. The Turner Award winner is a true student-athlete and role model.

Winner: Leo Bluhm
 
Edwin Foster ("Ted") Blair Award (1971)
Donated by the Yale Club of Madison, Connecticut, and awarded to the most valuable player.
 
Winner: Josh Pitsenberger
 
Jordan Olivar Award (1959)
Members of the University football squad in honor of Yale's former football coach.  Awarded to the senior on the squad, other than the captain, who through devotion to Yale football has earned the highest respect of his teammates.
 
Winner: Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye

Hammer Award
Winner: Abu Kamara

Yale Football Captains Award:
Winner: Josh Pitsenberger

Special Teams Award:
Winners: Melik Williams and Nick Conforti

Defensive Line Award:
Winner: Ezekiel Larry