Big Ten Reveals Men’s Indoor Track & Field Postseason Awards

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced the 2026 Big Ten Men’s Indoor Track and Field postseason individual award recipients on Wednesday, as selected by the conference’s head coaches. 

USC's Garrett Kaalund was named Men’s Track Athlete of the Year, while Iowa's Ryan Johnson was voted for Field Athlete of the Year and Oregon’s Ben Smith was named Freshman of the Year. 

Kaalund had an exceptional performance at the NCAA Championships in the 200m, becoming the first Trojan to win Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year. He won an individual NCAA Championship and reached the finish line in 19.95 seconds, which is the first ever sub-20 time run by a collegiate man indoors. His time also breaks Elijah Hall-Thompson's record of 20.2 seconds set in 2018 and is second-fastest in world history. Kaalund’s mark is only .03 seconds behind the world record.   

Iowa’s Johson, who was crowned Big Ten Field Athlete of the Championships after surpassing the NCAA record in weight throw, continued his success in the NCAAs to earn Field Athlete of the Year. Johnson dominated the event again with a winning mark of 25.64m (84-1 ½). He was the only thrower to surpass the 25-meter mark at the competition. Johnson is the first Iowa athlete to win Indoor Field Athlete of the Year.

In a loaded field for the shot put, Oregon’s Smith held his own and placed fourth for the Ducks, earning First-Team All-American honors. He was also the only freshman to qualify for the NCAAs and threw a best 20.37m (66-10). Smith becomes the first Oregon athlete to win Freshman of the Year.  

Earlier this month,  the Big Ten announced the award recipients  for Track Athlete of the Championships, Field Athlete of the Championships and Coach of the Year, as well as the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honorees. 

Men’s Indoor Track & Field Honorees 

Track Athlete of the Year 

Garrett Kaalund, USC 

Field Athlete of the Year 

Ryan Johnson, IOWA 

Freshman of the Year  

Ben Smith, ORE