2025 Photo of the Year finalists
August 26, 2025
MINNEAPOLIS — The Associated Collegiate Press announces finalists in its 2025 Photo of the Year competition.
The winners will be announced at the ACP Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 18, at MediaFest25, the Fall National College Media Convention, in Washington, D.C.
After the winners are announced on Oct. 18, a gallery of the winners and honorable mentions will be shared on this website allowing student journalists and advisers to see all of the entries recognized in the competition.
Congratulations to the finalists in the following Photo of the Year contests —
Please join us at MediaFest in Washington, D.C., Oct. 15 – 18. Register online.
This convention provides a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals, learn from seasoned journalists, and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of media and journalism.
News/Breaking News Photo
Luca Flores
The Auburn Plainsman, Auburn University (AL)
Pro-Palestinian Protest Erupts in Violence
Ethan Cohen
Long Beach Current, California State University, Long Beach
L.A. Wildfires
Edward Grattan
NYCity News Service, City University of New York
New York Rally Honors Ukrainians Amid Ongoing Tension
Zoey Duchene
The DePaulia, DePaul University (IL)
Hands Off’ Protest
Gabrielle Salgado
The Graphic, Pepperdine University (CA)
Franklin Fire Ignites in Malibu Canyon
Jake Crandall
The Corsair, Santa Monica College (CA)
Lone Firefighter in Palisades Fire
Cole Mihalich
District, Savannah College of Art and Design (GA)
Donald Trump Holds Rally In Savannah
Robert Looper
The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech University
Lubbock’s Hands Off Protest
Jack Bradshaw
The Daily Gamecock, University of South Carolina
Memorial Update
Alejandro Clavier
The Sunflower, Wichita State University (KS)
Presidential Debate
Feature Photo
Jeremy Battle
The DePaulia, DePaul University (IL)
Trump Supporters – Inauguration 2025
Molly McCabe, Theo Zinn
The Triangle, Drexel University (PA)
Tricks Are for Kids
Sia DeyKoontz
Daily Eastern News, Eastern Illinois University
Powers Praise Dances to Miss Black EIU 2025 Crown
Eddy Cermeno
Warrior Life, El Camino College (CA)
Faith in Fashion
Payton Lee
The Kansas State Collegian, Kansas State University
Campus Open Despite Extreme Cold Tuesday, Offers Free Parking in Garage
Ivy Rose Ball
The Reflector, Mississippi State University
Ludacris Headlines Bulldog Bash
AJ Barber
The Corsair, Santa Monica College (CA)
Magic Green Room
Abdurahman Azeez
Aggieland, Texas A&M University
Gig’ Em Cadets
Jordan Barry
The Daily Iowan, University of Iowa
Bicycle Bridge
Joel Solis
The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
It’s a 10!
Sports Game/Action Photo
Caleb Minor
Ponder, Black Hills State University (SD)
No Room for Hesitation
Katherine Martin
The Pendulum, Elon University (NC)
Carolina Cowboys
Arthur Wawrzyniak
The Ithacan, Ithaca College (NY)
Diving
Daniel Gaither
MVJ, Syracuse University (NY)
Rounding the Bend
Makayla Perez
The Daily Toreador, Texas Tech University
Brooks Attempts to Catch a Pass
Clara Kee
The Crimson White, University of Alabama
Bars
Darlene Sanzon
Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Women’s Basketball Bests USC to Claim Big Ten Championship
Isabella Zinchini
The News Record, University of Cincinnati (OH)
Bearcats Defeat the Baylor Bears 69-67
Matthew Mueller
KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion, University of Kentucky
Reaching New Heights with Kentucky Climbers
Brodie Curtsinger
Talisman, Western Kentucky University
Soccer
Sports Feature Photo
Luca Flores
The Auburn Plainsman, Auburn University (AL)
Eagle Takes Flight
Mark Hoover
Central Michigan Life, Central Michigan University
Tradition on a Roll
Patrick Schmitz
Daily Eastern News, Eastern Illinois University
EIU Wins Second OVC Championship in Three Years
Griffin Bryant
Technician, North Carolina State University
Gymnastics Uneven Bars
Cody Blissett
The Daily Iowan, University of Iowa
Soccer
Lorelei DiSanto
The Miami Hurricane, University of Miami (FL)
Miami Women’s Tennis Grabs Their First Win Against Kennesaw State
Tyler Graham
Daily Emerald, University of Oregon
Softball UO Vs. WSU
Christine Vo
The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
In the Line of Fire
Ronaldo Bolaños
The Shorthorn, University of Texas at Arlington
Storybook Ending
Skyler Sharp
The Daily Texan, University of Texas at Austin
Fans React
Environmental Portrait
Alec Butterfield
Ponder, Black Hills State University (SD)
We’re Not Robots
Josselyn Guillen
Pursuit, California Baptist University
Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant
Gopi Vadsak
Long Beach Current, California State University, Long Beach
Dig Daisy Velasco Portrait
Eddy Cermeno
Warrior Life, El Camino College (CA)
Creating a Beautiful Life
Shun Graves
Daily Northwestern, Northwestern University (IL)
Business Owners See City Leaders Responsiveness as Paramount in Election
Mary Funsten
The Corsair, Santa Monica College (CA)
Amadour: An Interdisciplinary Artist Shaped by SMC And Exploring Queer Identity Through Art
Beita Tang
SCAN, Savannah College of Art and Design-Atlanta (GA)
The Future of Fashion: What SCAD ATL Students Are Wearing
Cassandra Roshu
The Daily Orange, Syracuse University (NY)
The Spirits at Erie Canal Museum Keep Its Staff Company
Yvonna Guyette
MVJ, Syracuse University (NY)
Beekeeper Bob Holden
Jordan Barry
The Daily Iowan, University of Iowa
Underground Wrestler