The 2025 Big Ten Championship game on Saturday, December 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, features a historic matchup of two undefeated teams: the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers. This clash is not only for the conference title but will also heavily impact the College Football Playoff seeding, as the winner is likely to secure the No. 1 seed. The game will be a stage for some of the nation’s premier talent, including two leading Heisman Trophy candidates. Here are five key players who will be central to their teams’ success in this high-stakes battle.
Players to Watch in the Big Ten Championship Game
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Indiana’s success this season, including a first-ever trip to the Big Ten title game, is largely thanks to quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The junior transfer from California has been a revelation, currently ranking second in the nation in passing efficiency and boasting an impressive 32-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Mendoza leads a potent Hoosiers offense that averages 44.3 points per game. His accuracy and playmaking ability will be crucial for the Hoosiers to navigate the nation’s top-ranked defense in Ohio State. The outcome of his head-to-head duel with Julian Sayin might just determine the Heisman race and the championship title.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
Sayin is the other Heisman frontrunner taking the field in Indianapolis. The Ohio State quarterback leads the nation in passing efficiency and has been a consistent force for the defending national champions. While the Buckeyes lost a significant number of players to the NFL after last season, Sayin has stepped up to ensure the offense remains elite. His ability to command the offense and deliver in critical moments was evident in their recent win over the Michigan Wolverines, where he threw three touchdown passes. Against a tough Indiana defense, Sayin’s composure and precision will be essential.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Safety Caleb Downs is arguably one of the best overall players in the nation and the anchor of Ohio State’s top-ranked scoring defense, which allows a mere 7.8 points per game. His versatility and playmaking were vital in their championship run the previous year, highlighted by a game-sealing interception in the CFP semifinals. Downs’ role in neutralizing Indiana’s explosive passing attack, led by Mendoza, will be a key defensive matchup. His ability to make impactful tackles and create turnovers could be the difference-maker.
Stephen Daley, DE, Indiana
Indiana’s defense is stout, and defensive end Stephen Daley has been its most disruptive force this season. He leads the entire nation with 18 tackles for loss and has managed 4.5 sacks. Daley’s ability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback and penetrate the offensive line makes him a constant threat. The Ohio State offensive line will need to contain Daley to give Sayin time in the pocket. If Daley can disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm, it could significantly alter the game’s flow.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is a dominant force in Ohio State’s receiving corps and is considered one of the nation’s top players. As a primary target for Sayin, his size, speed, and catching ability create mismatches for any defensive backfield. Smith’s performance will be crucial in the red zone and on third downs, as the Buckeyes look to score against Indiana’s gritty defense.
Big plays from Smith could break the game open and force the Hoosiers to commit extra resources to cover him. It will certainly be interesting to see how Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines gameplan for Smith. Will they give him extra attention and make other receivers beat them or do they respect Carnell Tate and others too much to do so?
Main Image: © Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
