undefined Men’s Indoor Track & Field News

Oregon's Bair Named National Field Athlete of the Year

Big Ten Communications — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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

Unknown — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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

Big Ten Well-Represented at NCAA Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championships

Unknown — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Championship Central | Final Results

Rosemont, ILL.  –  Three Big Ten student-athletes were crowned NCAA Championships on Saturday evening at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Fayetteville, Ark. Two Big Ten teams also placed within the top ten, as Oregon finished second overall with 40 points, and Iowa finished in 10^th place with 19 points.

Two NCAA records were also broken by Big Ten student-athletes. Oregon’s Peyton Bair completed a standout two-day performance and corralled 6,503 in the heptathlon. He surpassed former Duck Ashton Eaton’s record of 6,499 points.

USC’s Garrett Kaalund shattered the NCAA 200m with a time of 19.95 seconds. It is the first ever sub-20 time run by a collegiate man indoors, breaking the record of 20.2 set by Elijah Hall-Thompson set in 2018. Kaalund’s time is also second-fastest in world history, only .03 seconds behind the world record.

Iowa’s Ryan Johnson, the NCAA record holder in weight throw, dominated the event. Johnson’s winning mark of 25.64m (84-1 ½) made him the only thrower to surpass the 25-meter mark.

The Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year, and Freshman of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, March 18.

The Big Ten earned 73 All-America certificates at the NCAAs, which will be made official this week by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

ALL-AMERICAN – MEN
First Team (Places 1-8)
Ryan Johnson, Iowa, 1^st, Weight Throw
Peyton Bair, Oregon, 1^st, Heptathlon
Garrett Kaalund, USC, 1^st, 200m
Kobe Lawrence, Oregon, 2^nd, Shot Put
Simeon Birnbaum, Oregon, 2^nd, 3,000m
Jip DeGreef, Illinois, 3^rd, Heptathlon
Kalen Walker, Iowa, 3^rd, 60m
Cade Moran, Nebraska, 3^rd,
James Rhoads, Washington, 3^rd, Pole Vault
Trent McFarland, Michigan, 3^rd, Mile
Allon Clay, Penn State, 3^rd, 800m
Luuk Pelkmans, Illinois, 4^th, Heptathlon
Trelee Banks, Indiana, 4^th, 200m
Brendan Herger, Michigan, 4^th, Distance Medley Relay
Camden Law, Michigan, 4^th, Distance Medley Relay
Miles Brown, Michigan, 4^th, Distance Medley Relay
Trent McFarland, Michigan, 4^th, Distance Medley Relay
Dyson Wicker, Nebraska, 4^th, Pole Vault
Ben Smith, Oregon, 4^th, Shot Put
James Harding, Oregon, 5^th, 800m
Thomas Diamond, Washington, 5^th, Mile
Alex Rhodes, Washington, 5^th, Distance Medley Relay
Jamar Distel, Washington, 5^th, Distance Medley Relay
Josiah Tostenson, Washington, 5^th, Distance Medley Relay
Tyler Bilyard, Washington, 5^th, Distance Medley Relay
Darwin Jiminez, Iowa, 6^th, 60m
Benjamin Balazs, Oregon, 6^th, 3,000m
Samuel Vessat, Purdue, 6^th, 400m
Elliott Cook, Oregon, 7^th, Distance Medley Relay
Fuad Omer, Oregon, 7^th, Distance Medley Relay
James Harding, Oregon, 7^th, Distance Medley Relay
Simeon Birnbaum, Oregon, 7^th, Distance Medley Relay
Ajani Dwyer, Penn State, 7^th, 60m
Jake Palermo, Penn State, 7^th, 400m
Handal Roban, Penn State, 7^th, 800m
Braxton Brann, Ohio State, 8^th, 4x400m
Damon Frabotta, Ohio State, 8^th, 4x400m
Mason Louis, Ohio State, 8^th, 4x400m
Noah Carmichael, Ohio State, 8^th, 4x400m
Yukichi Ishii, Penn State, 8^th, 800m
Ruben Reina, Washington, 8^th, Mile
Ruben Reina, Washington, 8^th, 3,000m

Second Team (Places 9-16)
Cody Johnston, Illinois, 9^th, Pole Vault
Viktor Morozov, Illinois, 9^th, Triple Jump
Aiden Carter, Oregon, 9^th, Heptathlon
Thomas Palfrey, Oregon, 9^th, Mile
Ryan Henry, Penn State, 9^th, Shot Put
Zavien Wolfe, Illinois, 10^th, Triple Jump
Kaleb Nastari, Penn State, 10^th, Distance Medley Relay
Matt DeMatteo, Penn State, 10^th, Distance Medley Relay
Nick Sloff, Penn State, 10^th, Distance Medley Relay
Niko Schultz, Penn State, 10^th, Distance Medley Relay
Dillon Morlock, Michigan State, 10^th, Shot Put
DJ Fillmore, Ohio State, 10^th, Long Jump
Brian O’Sullivan, Rutgers, 10^th, Pole Vault
Eddie Nkieta, USC, 10^th, 60m
Ajani Dwyer, Penn State, 11^th, 200m
Kevin O’Sullivan, Rutgers, 12^th, Pole Vault
Niko Schultz, Penn State, 12^th, 800m
Seamus Malaski, Purdue, 12^th, Weight Throw
Tomas Palfrey, Oregon, 12^th, 3,000m
Elliott Cook, Oregon, 13^th, 3,000m
Jack Stadlman, USC, 13^th, 400m
Evan Jenkins, Washington, 13^th, 5,000m
Emmanuel Njoku, Iowa, 14^th, Long Jump
Abdel Laadjel, Oregon, 14^th, 5,000m
Connor Burns, Oregon, 14^th, 3,000m
Elliot Cook, Oregon, 14^th, Mile
Matthew Erickson, Oregon, 14^th, 800m
Dylan Lambrecht, Penn State, 15^th,
Christopher Serrao, Rutgers, 15^th, 60m Hurdles
Michael Pickney, UCLA, 15^th, Weight Throw
Edidong Udo, Ohio State, 16^th, 400m

2026 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships Central

Unknown — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

March 13-14, 2026
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Randal Tyson Track Center

LIVE RESULTS | ESPN/ESPN+ | TICKETS

BIG TEN ACCEPTED ENTRIES | NCAA ACCEPTED ENTRIES: MEN | WOMEN

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS CENTRAL

Schedule of Events (all times CT local to event)

Friday, March 13
Time	Event
11:00 a.m.	Men's 60m (heptathlon)
11:15 a.m.	Women's 60m hurdles (pentathlon)
11:40 a.m.	Men's Long Jump (heptathlon)
12:00 p.m.	Women's High Jump (pentathlon)
12:50 p.m.	Men's Shot Put (heptathlon)
2:00 p.m.	Men's High Jump (heptathlon)
2:10 p.m.	Women's Shot Put (pentathlon)
3:10 p.m.	Women's Long Jump (pentathlon)
4:00 p.m.	Men's Weight Throw (prelims & final)
4:45 p.m.	Women's Long Jump (prelims & final)
4:45 p.m.	Men's Pole Vault (prelims & final)
5:00 p.m.	Women's 800m (pent.)
5:05 p.m.	Women's Mile (semifinal)
5:20 p.m.	Men's Mile (semifinal)
5:35 p.m.	Women's 60m (semifinal)
5:45 p.m.	Men's 60m (semifinal)
5:55 p.m.	Women's 400m (semifinal)
6:10 p.m.	Men's 400m (semifinal)
6:25 p.m.	Women's 800m (semifinal)
6:35 p.m.	Men's 800m (semifinal)
6:45 p.m.	Women's 60m Hurdles (semifinal)
6:55 p.m.	Women's 60m Hurdles (semifinal)
7:00 p.m.	Men's Long Jump (prelims & final)
7:05 p.m.	Women's 5000m (final)
7:25 p.m.	Men's 5000m (final)
7:30 p.m.	Men's Weight Throw (prelims & final)
7:45 p.m.	Women's 200m (semifinal)
8:00 p.m.	Men's 200m (semifinal)
8:15 p.m.	Women's Distance Medley Relay (final)
8:30 p.m.	Men's Distance Medley Relay (final)

Saturday, March 14
11:00 a.m.	Men's 60m Hurdles (heptathlon)
11:50 a.m.	Men's Pole Vault (heptathlon)
1:00 p.m.	Men's Shot Put (prelims & final)
1:45 p.m.	Men's High Jump (final)
1:45 p.m.	Women's High Jump (final)
2:30 p.m.	Women's Triple Jump (prelims & final)
2:45 p.m.	Men's Shot Put (prelims & final)
4:00 p.m.	Women's Pole Vault (final)
4:10 p.m.	Women's Mile (final)
4:20 p.m.	Men's Mile (final)
4:30 p.m.	Women's 60m (final)
4:40 p.m.	Men's 60m (final)
4:50 p.m.	Women's 400m (final)
5:00 p.m.	Men's 400m (final)
5:00 p.m.	Men's Triple Jump (prelims & finals)
5:10 p.m.	Women's 800m (final)
5:20 p.m.	Men's 800m (final)
5:30 p.m.	Women's 200m (final)
5:40 p.m.	Men's 200m (final)
5:50 p.m.	Women's 60m Hurdles (final)
6:00 p.m.	Men's 60m Hurdles (final)
6:10 p.m.	Women's 3000m (final)
6:25 p.m.	Men's 3000m (final)
6:40 p.m.	Women's 4x400 Relay (final)
6:55 p.m.	Men's 4x400 Relay (final)

School Information
School	Home	Roster	Schedule
Illinois	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Indiana	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Iowa	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Maryland	Women	Women	Women
Michigan	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Michigan State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Minnesota	Women	Women	Women
Nebraska	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Northwestern	Women	Women	Women
Ohio State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Oregon	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Penn State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Purdue	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Rutgers	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
UCLA	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
USC	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Washington	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Wisconsin	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women

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

Unknown — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rosemont, ILL. – The Big Ten Conference announced the 2026 Big Ten Men’s Indoor Track and Field Championship award winners on Wednesday, as selected by the Conference’s head coaches. The championship meet was held last weekend at the Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis, Ind.

Oregon’s Simeon Birnbaum earned Men’s Track Athlete of the Championships accolades, while Iowa’s Ryan Johnson was selected as Field Athlete of the Championships and Ducks’ head coach Jerry Schumacher was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

Birnbaum, a sophomore, played an integral part in Oregon’s team title. He won the 3,000m with a time of 7:59.87 and the 5,000m with a time of 13:45.78. Birnbaum adds another accolade to his resume as he won Outdoor Track Athlete of the Championships last year.

Iowa’s Ryan Johnson won weight throw while setting a new collegiate, meet and facility record with a mark of 25.66m. The previous Big Ten record of 25.58m was set by Wisconsin’s Michael Lihrman in 2015.

Schumacher claimed his second indoor Coach of the Year honors after leading Oregon to its second Big Ten Indoor Men’s championship. Schumacher has won four out of five of the championships between Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track and Field since the Ducks joined the Conference in 2024.

The Big Ten Conference office recognizes one student-athlete from each team as Sportsmanship Award Honorees. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. Honorees are now candidates for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, as the conference office will honor one male and one female student-athlete from each institution at the end of the academic year.

The Big Ten will announce Track Athlete of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year and Freshman of the Year following the conclusion of the NCAA Championships, which are scheduled for March 13-14 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Men’s Indoor Track & Field Honorees
Track Athlete of the Championships
Simeon Birnbaum, ORE

Field Athlete of the Championships
Ryan Johnson, Iowa

Coach of the Year
Jerry Schumacher, Oregon

Men’s Indoor Track & Field Sportsmanship Honorees
Tadeas Placek, Illinois
Nikos Sidirenos, Indiana
Vaugh Devaugh III, Iowa
Miles Brown, Michigan
Logan Allen, Michigan State
Noa Isaia, Nebraska
Edidiong Udo, Ohio State
Aiden Carter, Oregon
Niko Schultz, Penn State
Seamus Malaski, Purdue
Donavan Anderson, Rutgers
Chris Paige, UCLA
Garrett Kaalund, USC
Reuben Reina, Washington
Zion Ometesa, Wisconsin

Oregon Wins Big Ten Men’s Indoor Track and Field Championships

Unknown — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Championship Central | Final Results

Indianapolis, IND. – The Oregon Ducks won the Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday. This is head coach Jerry Schumacher’s second consecutive men’s indoor championship with the Ducks.

Penn State was this year’s runner-up with 96 points, while Iowa finished third with 61 points. Michigan (52.5 points) and Wisconsin (47 points) rounded out the top five.

The Ducks took home three individual Big Ten titles, as Simeon Birnbaum took home the 3,000m (7:59.87) and 5,000m (13:45.78). Aiden Carter also won the heptathlon with 5,815 points.

Two collegiate records were also broken at the Championships, as Iowa’s Ryan Johnson broke the weight throw record by over a foot with a throw of 82-4 ½ (25.66m). Michigan’s Miles Brown also ran the 600m in 1:14.67 to earn his place at the top of the NCAA records.

The Big Ten Track Athlete of the Championships, Field Athlete of the Championships, Coach of the Year and Sportsmanship Award honorees will be announced on Wednesday (March 4). The Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year and Freshman of the Year will be announced following the NCAA Indoor Championships.

The following are this year’s All-Big Ten Men’s Indoor Track & Field honorees:

All Big-Ten First Team:
Kennedy Ocansey, ILL
Viktor Morozov, ILL
Kalen Walker, IOWA
Ryan Johnson, IOWA
Brendan Herger, MICH
Camden Law, MICH
Miles Brown, MICH
Trent McFarland, MICH
William Barhite, MICH
Dyson Wicker, NEB
Aiden Carter, ORE
Simeon Birnbaum, ORE
Braxton Brann, OSU
Edidong Udo, OSU
Mason Louis, OSU
Noah Carmichael, OSU
DJ Fillmore, OSU
Handal Roban, PSU
Ryan Henry, PSU
Garrett Kaalund, USC
Jack Stadlman, USC

All-Big Ten Second Team:
Andreas Hantson, ILL
Trelee Banks, IND
Emmanuel Njoku, IOWA
Ben Smith, ORE
Cain Evans, ORE
Elliott Cook, ORE
Fuad Omer, ORE
Kai Graves-Blanks, ORE
Tomas Palfrey, ORE
Jake Palermo, PSU
Allon Clay, PSU
Chidozie Kalu, PUR
Jax Coleman, PUR
Samuel Vessat, PUR
Zach Myleneck, PUR
Zyan Greene, PUR
Brian O'Sullivan, RU
Michael Pickney, UCLA
Eddie Nkieta, USC
Elias Gerald, USC
Matan Ivri, WIS

All-Big Ten Freshman Team:
Kennedy Ocansey, ILL
Jordan Gross, IOWA
Neil Howard, MICH
Ben Smith, ORE
Richard Campbell, PSU
Seamus Malaski, PUR
Jack Stadlman, USC
Henry Risser, WIS

2026 Big Ten Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships

Unknown — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

FEBRUARY 26-28
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (INDIANA STATE FAIRGROUNDS)

LIVE RESULTS | USTFCCCA POLLS | TFRRS PERFORMANCE LISTS | MEN'S RECORD BOOK | WOMEN'S RECORD BOOK

MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MERCHANDISE | WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS MERCHANDISE

B1G+ LIVE STREAMS

RunnerSpace | DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3

2026 Big Ten Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships Schedule (all times Eastern [local to site], approximate and subject to change) [ PDF Version ]

Thursday, Feb. 26
11:20 a.m.	National Anthem
11:30 a.m.	Heptathlon 60m (men - event 1)
11:45 a.m.	Pentathlon 60m Hurdles (women - event 1)
12:15 p.m.	Heptathlon Long Jump (men - event 2)
12:40 p.m.	Pentathlon High Jump (women - event 2)
1:30 p.m.	Heptathlon Shot Put (men - event 3)
2:00 p.m.	Women's Pole Vault (trials & finals)
2:30 .m.	Women's 5,000m (finals)
2:45 p.m.	Pentathlon Shot Put (women - event 3)
2:55 p.m.	Men's 5,000m (finals)
3:15 p.m.	Women's 600m (trials)
3:15 p.m.	Heptathlon High Jump (men - event 4)
3:50 p.m.	Men's 600m (trials)
4:25 p.m.	Women's 200m (trials)
4:45 p.m.	Pentathlon Long Jump (women - event 4)
4:55 p.m.	Men's 200m (trials)
5:30 p.m.	Women's 5,000m (finals)
5:55 p.m.	Men's 5,000m (finals)
6:15 p.m.	Pentathlon 800m (women - event 5)
6:25 p.m.	Women's Distance Medley Relay (finals)
6:55 p.m.	Men's Distance Medley Relay (finals)

Friday, Feb. 27
11:20 a.m.	National Anthem
11:30 a.m.	Heptathlon 60m Hurdles (men - event 5)
11:30 a.m.	Women's Weight Throw (trials & finals)
11:30 a.m.	Women's Long Jump (trials & finals)
1:00 p.m.	Heptathlon Pole Vault (men - event 6)
1:00 p.m.	Women's High Jump (trials & finals)
2:30 p.m.	Women's Mile Run (trials)
3:00 p.m.	Men's Mile Run (trials)
3:00 p.m.	Men's Long Jump (trials & finals)
3:15 p.m.	Men's Weight Throw (trials & finals)
3:25 p.m.	Women's 400m (trials)
3:55 p.m.	Men's 400m (trials)
4:20 p.m.	Heptathlon 1,000m (men - event 7)
4:35 p.m.	Women's 60m (trials)
5:00 p.m.	Men's 60m (trials)
5:25 p.m.	Women's 800m (trials)
5:50 p.m.	Men's 800m (trials)
6:10 p.m.	Women's 60m Hurdles (trials)
6:35 p.m.	Men's 60m Hurdles (trials)

Saturday, Feb. 28
11:20 a.m.	National Anthem
11:30 a.m.	Men's High Jump (trials & finals)
11:30 a.m.	Women's Triple Jump (trials & finals)
12:00 p.m.	Women's Shot Put (trials & finals)
12:30 p.m.	Men's Pole Vault (trials & finals)
1:30 p.m.	Women's 3,000m (finals)
1:45 p.m.	Men's 3,000m (finals)
2:00 p.m.	Women's Mile Run (finals)
2:10 p.m.	Men's Mile Run (finals)
2:20 p.m.	Women's 400m (finals)
2:30 p.m.	Men's 400m (finals)
2:40 p.m.	Women's 60m (finals)
2:50 p.m.	Men's 60m (finals)
3:00 p.m.	Men's Triple Jump (trials & finals)
3:00 p.m.	Women's 800m (finals)
3:10 p.m.	Men's 800m (finals)
3:15 p.m.	Men's Shot Put (trials & finals)
3:20 p.m.	Women's 60m Hurdles (finals)
3:30 p.m.	Men's 60m Hurdles (finals)
3:40 p.m.	Women's 600m (finals)
3:50 p.m.	Men's 600m (finals)
4:00 p.m.	Women's 200m (finals)
4:10 p.m.	Men's 200m (finals)
4:20 p.m.	Women's 3,000m (finals)
4:35 p.m.	Men's 3,000m (finals)
4:50 p.m.	Women's 4x400m Relay (finals)
5:20 p.m.	Men's 4x400m Relay (finals)
5:50 p.m.	AWARDS PRESENTATION

School Information
School	Home	Roster	Schedule
Illinois	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Indiana	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Iowa	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Maryland	Women	Women	Women
Michigan	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Michigan State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Minnesota	Women	Women	Women
Nebraska	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Northwestern	Women	Women	Women
Ohio State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Oregon	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Penn State	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Purdue	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Rutgers	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
UCLA	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
USC	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Washington	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women
Wisconsin	Men \| Women	Men \| Women	Men \| Women

Big Ten Receives 2026 NCAA/MOAA Opportunities & Impact Award

Unknown — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- The Big Ten Conference has been named the Division I winner of the 2026 NCAA/MOAA Opportunities and Impact Award, the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association — an affiliate of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics — announced Thursday.

READ: NCAA and MOAA announce 2026 Opportunities and Impact Award recipients

The award recognizes and celebrates the initiatives, programs and efforts of athletics departments and conference offices in Divisions I, II and III that embrace environments of belonging and well-being and elevate the student-athlete voice in intercollegiate athletics communities. NCAA and MOAA representatives will present the awards June 7-10 in Las Vegas during the MOAA Symposium.

"We're proud to accept this honor on behalf of our 18 schools, whose support makes these initiatives possible," Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti said.

Omar Brown, Big Ten senior vice president for community and impact, added, "This humbling recognition is a direct result of the leadership and alignment we have from Commissioner Petitti, throughout the conference office, and in collaboration with our campuses. Big Ten student-athletes always are aiming for excellence in competition, in the classroom and in their communities. We will continue to build on this foundation to create transformational opportunities for their development and deliver impact to the many locales we call home across the nation throughout the year."

The Big Ten Conference continues to engage, educate and empower its student-athletes, coaches, administrators and its broader community base with programs, initiatives and engagements that make a difference and encourage positive change. For four years, student-athletes from Big Ten schools have traveled to Alabama for an immersive journey that included learning about the Civil Rights Movement, visits to historic sites, community service projects and panel sessions with local leaders. The Big Ten has also added new elements to the transformative experience each year to deepen understanding and inspire civic responsibility.

WATCH: Big Ten Community & Impact makes a difference

Additionally, the conference creates leadership opportunities for its student-athletes. It partners with James Russell Lowell Elementary School in Indianapolis, connecting its 18 member schools with classrooms that include mentorship and encouragement via virtual meetings.

Another one of its many initiatives are structured conversations with administrators, coaches, athletes and employees to gather feedback and to inform future strategies. Examples include conducting student-athlete experience exit surveys and hosting standing committees, commissions and leadership councils to discuss progress, share feedback and assess strategic alignment. The conference also hosts numerous inclusive programs such as United as One, the B1G Fellows Program, the Student-Athlete Issues Commission, The Women's Volleyball Mentorship Program and the CBS Sports Ambassador Program & Sports Journalism Initiative. The conference also promotes several awards programs, which includes the Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award to recognize student-athletes who demonstrate leadership, service and volunteerism.

WATCH: Indiana honorees receive their Jackie Robinson Award jackets

WATCH: Purdue's Devin Mockobee dons his jacket while being recognized at Boilermakers basketball game

Along with the Big Ten, Saint Michael's College athletics department was recognized in Division II, and Occidental College's athletics department was the Division III honoree.

"This honor is an acknowledgment of NCAA member schools and conference offices that intentionally create spaces and opportunities for all student-athletes, coaches and administrators to feel seen, heard and valued," said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president of inclusion, education and community engagement. "It is important to recognize these outstanding recipients who diligently embrace a commitment to positively impact their athletic communities and make a significant difference for all humanity."

"Congratulations to this year's recipients," said Timothy Wise, MOAA president and assistant general manager at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. "The outstanding work by the winners showcases the commitment to providing opportunities in the ever-changing landscape and making a significant impact on their campus and in conference communities. Each of the winners is worthy of this honor, and MOAA looks forward to partnering with the NCAA to recognize these achievements at the 2026 MOAA Symposium in June."

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Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska Win Final Weekly Men’s Indoor Track & Field Awards

Unknown — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced its Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week for the week of Feb. 18^th- Feb. 25^th, 2026.

Track Athlete of the Week
Miles Brown, Michigan
Graduate – Mid-distance – Novi, Mich. – Chemical Biology

Ran a 44.9 split in the 400m leg of the DMR that finished first with a program record and No. 3 all-time (all conditions) 9:14.80 at the Alex Wilson Invitational
Finished second in the 800m with a season best time of 1:47.95, No. 15 time in the conference.
Last Michigan Indoor Track Athlete of the Week: Trent McFarland (Jan. 15, 2025)

Field Athlete of the Week
Dyson Wicker, Nebraska
Sophomore – Pole Vault– Heath, Texas – Major: Child, Youth & Family Studies

Broke his own pole vault record to win the Nebraska Tune-up
His clearance of 5.75m (18-10 ¼) is also a personal best
He now ranks second in both the Big Ten and NCAA this season
Last Nebraska Field Athlete of the Week award: Henry Zimmerman (Feb. 26, 2025)

Freshman of the Week
Jordan Gross, Iowa
RS Freshman – Sprints – Vandalia, Ohio – Major: Exercise Science

Won his heat of the 60m with a time of 6.71 to advance to the finals
Recorded a 6.66 to place second overall in the finals
This marks Gross’ second Indoor Freshman of the Week award. Last: Dec. 17, 2026

2025-26 Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week
Dec. 10
Track: Simeon Birnbaum, ORE
Field: Collin Burkhart, PSU
Freshman: Henry Risser, WIS

Dec. 17
Track: Blake Nyenati, IOWA
Field: James Rhoads, WASH
Freshman: Jordan Gross, IOWA

Jan. 14
Track: Trelee Banks, IND
Field: Ryan Johnson, IOWA
Freshman: Quincy Isaac, MICH

Jan. 21
Track: Garrett Kaalund, USC/Tyler Bilyard, WASH
Field: James Rhoads, WASH
Freshman: Jax Coleman, PUR

Jan. 28
Track: Patrick Hilby, WIS
Field: Luuk Pelkmans, ILL
Freshman: Luuk Pelkmans, ILL

Feb. 4
Track: Handal Roban, PSU
Field: Peyton Blair, ORE
Freshman: Ben Smith, ORE

Feb. 11
Track: Garrett Kaalund, USC
Field: Ryan Johnson, IOWA
Freshman: Kamryn Harry, PUR

Feb. 18
Track: Handal Roban, PSU
Field: Kobe Lawrence, ORE
Freshman: Teko Cates, WASH

Feb. 25
Track: Miles Brown, MICH
Field: Dyson Wicker, NEB
Freshman: Jordan Gross, IOWA

Discover, Big Ten Present Custom Jackets To Jackie Robinson Award Honorees

Unknown — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Presenting sponsor Discover will deliver custom letterwinner jackets to all 36 institutional winners of the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award, the Big Ten announced Wednesday. Each university’s male and female honoree will receive a customized, one-of-one gift featuring unique school elements and visuals.

The first two custom jackets were presented in December at the Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game to 2025 national winners Dillon Fontus, from Maryland football, and Iowa wrestler Nanea Estrella.

Both of last year’s winners, and Sonya Pankey Robinson (Jackie Robinson’s granddaughter), attended the game as guests of Discover, seeing Indiana claim the title at Lucas Oil Stadium on their way to a perfect 16-0 campaign and CFP National Championship. The 2026 national winners will be announced later this spring from the cohort of 36 campus recipients.

In November, the Big Ten Conference announced the 36 student-athletes selected as institutional winners of the 2025-26 Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award presented by Discover. Now in its second year, the honor was created to recognize Big Ten student-athletes who strive to have a positive impact within their community in addition to excellence in competition.

Institution	Honoree	Sport
Illinois	TJ Griffin	Football
Illinois	Tali Joelson	Gymnastics
Indiana	Tyler Lillard	Wrestling
Indiana	Kristina Vincic	Track & Field
Iowa	Ava Bayless	Wrestling
Iowa	Will Ryan	Cross Country \| Track & Field
Maryland	Joey Schneck	Wrestling
Maryland	Madeline Komoroski	Gymnastics
Michigan	Kevin Kearns	Lacrosse
Michigan	Zoë Bormet	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Maddie Lawlor	Field Hockey
Michigan State	Jalen Thompson	Football
Minnesota	Charlie Sutherland	Baseball
Minnesota	Niamya (Nia) Holloway	Basketball
Nebraska	Katelyn Caneda	Softball
Nebraska	Michael Booker III	Football
Northwestern	Kansas Robinson	Softball
Northwestern	Najee Story	Football
Ohio State	Caleb Downs	Football
Ohio State	Makenna Webster	Ice Hockey \| Field Hockey
Oregon	Matt Bedford	Football
Oregon	Blessyn McMorris	Acrobatics & Tumbling
Penn State	Nick Dawkins	Football
Penn State	Elise DeWan	Field Hockey
Purdue	Devin Mockobee	Football
Purdue	Emma Bailey	Softball
Rutgers	Jude Essuman	Soccer
Rutgers	Caitlin Collins	Lacrosse
UCLA	Jordan Robinson	Track & Field
UCLA	Karson Gordon	Football \| Track & Field
USC	Maribel Flores	Soccer
USC	Robert Gref	Diving
Washington	Franck Kepnang	Basketball
Washington	Rhonda Newton	Track & Field
Wisconsin	Rico Hallman	Football
Wisconsin	Erin Connolly	Soccer

In recognition of their achievement and as an expression of the conference’s appreciation, each of the 36 campus winners will receive a medal bearing the likeness of Jackie Robinson and the logo of the Big Ten Conference in addition to their custom jacket.

WATCH: Indiana honorees receive their Jackie Robinson Award jackets

WATCH: Purdue's Devin Mockobee dons his jacket while being honored at Boilermakers basketball game

WATCH: Big Ten Community & Impact makes a difference

Jackie Robinson was a standout student-athlete at UCLA, where he was the school’s first four-sport letter winner, excelling in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Beyond his athletic prowess, he continues to be recognized and honored for his contributions off the field: integrating Major League Baseball and his lifelong commitment to social justice. He is the embodiment of the Big Ten's mission to develop strong student leaders, and this program honors his legacy and core values of courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence. As Jackie famously said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

“It is our privilege and great honor to bestow this award in Jackie’s name upon these deserving Big Ten student-athletes and to express our appreciation for the support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation,” said Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petitti.

Honorees were selected based on the following criteria:

Demonstrated Impact: Significant and tangible contributions to community projects or causes, including measurable outcomes or positive changes resulting from their involvement.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with others, including peers, organizations, and community members, to achieve common goals and enhance community impact.
Consistency and Commitment: Ongoing and consistent participation in community service activities over an extended period of time.
Visibility and Advocacy: Efforts to raise awareness and advocate for important groups or causes, leveraging their platform to promote positive change and engage others.

"The Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award celebrates Jackie’s legacy of excellence in community service,” said Sonya Pankey Robinson, Jackie’s first grandchild as well as Director and board member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "We are proud to recognize 36 outstanding men and women for the incredible impact they make in their community."

"Our student-athletes make significant contributions through competition, academics, and community impact,” said Big Ten Senior Vice President, Community & Impact, Omar Brown. “This award allows the Big Ten to recognize these efforts in improving communities, just as we do with their other athletic and academic achievements. Jackie Robinson embodies this award and our goal to honor student-athletes who positively affect others."

The Big Ten Conference’s commitment to athletics, academics and service goes back to the conference’s founding. Coupling the academic goals set forth by leaders of the charter members of the conference with their steadfast commitment to athletics, the conference instituted the Big Ten Medal of Honor in 1915, the first award to demonstrate support for the educational emphasis placed on intercollegiate athletics. It is awarded annually by each member institution to one male and one female student of the graduating class who has attained the greatest proficiency in scholarship and athletics.

New “We Are Here” spot highlights student success, economic impact

Unknown — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Big Ten universities’ leading role in educating students and driving economic prosperity is featured the latest edition in the “We Are Here” series of :30 ads .

The new ad began airing during Big Ten basketball games and other winter sports in January. Students and alumni take center stage, sharing with viewers what their lives look like and what they have been able to accomplish thanks to their Big Ten university education. Seen on campuses and in communities nationwide, their experiences are living proof of the world-class educational opportunities they received, from learning alongside Nobel Prize–winning faculty to participating in internships and undergraduate research. The spot also highlights the universities’ broader impact through innovation, job creation and service.

Together, the 18 members of the Big Ten Conference are educating more than 810,000 students, preparing them for successful lives and careers. The Big Ten’s collective graduation rate is more than 20 points above the national average and the universities have more than 9.2 million living alumni.

The first ad in the “We Are Here” series began airing last fall and has generated more than 250 million impressions across Big Ten broadcasts to date, including during the College Football Playoff National Championship won by Indiana University. It focused on how Big Ten universities make America healthier, safer and more prosperous through everything from discovering new medical treatments to developing healthier foods to driving economic growth.

“The success of our students is our first priority, and Big Ten universities lead the nation in providing access to an excellent and valuable college education. And after graduation, our students go on to join the more than 9 million alumni who are making a difference in communities around the nation and world,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines, who chairs the Big Ten's Council of Presidents and Chancellors. “We’re proud to be part of a conference that shares a commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and that showcases both on a daily basis.”

"Big Ten universities are committed to wide-ranging achievement, from athletics to research to public service,” said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. “As millions of fans tune in to root for their favorite team, we have an opportunity to illustrate the countless ways our member institutions and alumni make an impact in their communities and around the world.”

The ad will air on linear and digital platforms during sporting events featuring Big Ten universities, utilizing airtime allocated to the Conference as part of its media agreements, including the Big Ten Network (BTN). This new initiative builds on other Conference efforts, including research vignettes highlighting the impact of university research that air during select BTN sporting event broadcasts.

As with the first ad, the second spot was developed by a creative team made up of staff from Big Ten member universities under the auspices of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is the second in a planned series of three ads, which over the course of the series will feature footage from all 18 universities.

About Big Ten Academic Alliance

The Big Ten Academic Alliance is the nation’s preeminent model for effective collaboration among research universities. For more than half a century, these world-class institutions have advanced their academic missions, generated unique opportunities for students and faculty, and served the common good by sharing expertise, leveraging campus resources, and collaborating on innovative programs. Governed and funded by the Provosts of the member universities, Big Ten Academic Alliance programs and initiatives are coordinated by a staff from its Champaign, Illinois headquarters.

About Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The Big Ten Conference sponsors 28 official sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, and the broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 14,000 student-athletes. For more information, visit www.bigten.org .

Media Contacts:

Paul Kennedy, Big Ten Conference, pkennedy@bigten.org

Jack Martin, University of Washington, jacktm@uw.edu

Big Ten Member Universities:

· Indiana University

· Michigan State University

· Northwestern University

· The Ohio State University

· Pennsylvania State University

· Purdue University

· Rutgers University-New Brunswick

· University of California Los Angeles

· University of Illinois

· University of Iowa

· University of Maryland

· University of Michigan

· University of Minnesota

· University of Nebraska-Lincoln

· University of Oregon

· University of Southern California

· University of Washington

· University of Wisconsin-Madison

Oregon, Penn State and Washington Garner Weekly Men’s Indoor Track and Field Awards

Unknown — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference has announced its Men’s Indoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week for the week of Feb. 11^th- Feb. 18^th, 2026.

Track Athlete of the Week
Handal Roban, Penn State
Senior – Mid-distance – St. Vincent & the Grenadines – Psychology

Broke his own 800m program record to come in second at the ASICS Sound Invite
His 1:44.73 is now a new Big Ten record and second-fastest in NCAA history
This marks Roban’s second Indoor Track Athlete of the Week this season. Last: Feb. 18, 2026

Field Athlete of the Week
Kobe Lawrence, Oregon
RS Sophomore – Throws – Kingston, Jamaica – Major: General Social Science

Won shot put at the Jarvis Scott Invitational with a throw of 20.16m (66-1 ¾)
Lawrence’s mark is best in the Big Ten and No. 2 in the NCAA this season
He also becomes the third collegian beyond 20 meters this season
This marks Oregon’s first Indoor Field Athlete of the Week award

Freshman of the Week
Teko Cates, Washington
RS Freshman – Multi-event – Springdale, Wash. – Major: Pre Major

In his first high jump competiton in two years, Cates won with a PR of 2.19m (7-2 ¼)
His PR is No. 13 in the NCAA this season and No. 4 in Washington history
Cates' clearance is tied for the best clearance in the Big Ten this season
Also ran the 60m hurdles in a season-best of 8.78 seconds
Last Washington Indoor Freshman of the Week award: Martin Barco (Feb. 19, 2025)