Team 152 Celebrates Seniors; Announces Team Awards at Postseason Banquet
The 2025 season was a historic one for Yale Football.
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