Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award explained

ESPY Award for Best College Athlete, Men's Sports
Awarded For:best male college athlete
Presenter:ESPN
Location:The Rooftop at Pier 17, New York City (2021)[1]
Year:2002
Holder:Jayden Daniels (Football)

The ESPY Award for Best College Athlete, Men's Sports, known before 2021 as the Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award, is an annual award honoring the achievements of a male individual from the world of collegiate sports.[2] It was first presented as part of the ESPY Awards in 2002, following the subsumption of the Best College Football Player and Best Male College Basketball Player ESPY Awards, each of which had been presented annually between 1993 and 2001, inclusive.[3] The award trophy, designed by sculptor Lawrence Nowlan,[4] is awarded to the sportsman adjudged to be the best in a given calendar year of those contesting collegiate sport in the United States through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

From 2004 until its subsumption with the Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award to create the Best College Athlete ESPY Award for the 2018 ceremony,[5] and again since the award was reestablished in 2021, the winner has been chosen by online voting through choices selected by the ESPN Select Nominating Committee.[6] [7] Before that, determination of the winners was made by an panel of experts.[8] Through the 2001 iteration of the ESPY Awards, ceremonies were conducted in February of each year to honor achievements over the previous calendar year; awards presented thereafter are conferred in July and reflect performance from the June previous.[9]

The inaugural winner of the Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award in 2002 was Iowa State Cyclones wrestler Cael Sanderson who ended his collegiate career that year. In that period, he surpassed numerous NCAA records, clinched four NCAA wrestling championships, and went 159–0 undefeated in his final season.[10] Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow received the trophy in 2008, and won it again the following year, becoming the only sportsman in the history of the award to have won it more than once. American football players have been the most successful at the awards with 12 wins. The most recent winner of the award is LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels.[11]

Beginning in 2021, the awards were again separated into men's and women's versions using the current naming scheme.[12]

Winners

ESPY Award for Best College Athlete, Men's Sports winners and nominees
scope=col Yearscope=col class=unsortableImagescope=col Winnerscope=col Universityscope=col Sportscope=col class=unsortableOther nomineesscope=col class=unsortable
2002—Iowa State CyclonesWrestlingalign=left Shane Battier – Duke Blue Devils (Basketball)
Eric Crouch – Nebraska Cornhuskers (Football)
Juan Dixon – Maryland Terrapins (Basketball)
Jay Williams – Duke Blue Devils (Basketball)		[13] [14]
2003Syracuse OrangemenBasketballalign=left T. J. Ford – Texas Longhorns (Basketball)
Eric Larkin – Arizona State Sun Devils (Wrestling)
Carson Palmer – USC Trojans (Football)		[15]
2004Connecticut HuskiesBasketballalign=left Larry Fitzgerald – Pittsburgh Panthers (Football)
Jameer Nelson – Saint Joseph's Hawks (Basketball)
Jason White – Oklahoma Sooners (Football)		[16] [17]
2005USC TrojansFootballalign=left Andrew Bogut – Utah Utes (Basketball)
Alex Gordon – Nebraska Cornhuskers (Baseball)
Steve Mocco – Oklahoma State Cowboys (Wrestling)
Marty Sertich – Colorado College Tigers (Ice hockey)		[18] [19]
2006USC TrojansFootballalign=left Matt Leinart – USC Trojans (Football)
Adam Morrison – Gonzaga Bulldogs (Basketball)
J. J. Redick – Duke Blue Devils (Basketball)
Vince Young – Texas Longhorns (Football)		[20] [21]
2007Texas LonghornsBasketballalign=left Ben Askren – Missouri Tigers (Wrestling)
Greg Oden – Ohio State Buckeyes (Basketball)
Troy Smith – Ohio State Buckeyes (Football)		[22] [23]
2008Florida GatorsFootballalign=left Michael Beasley – Kansas State Wildcats (Basketball)
Tyler Hansbrough – North Carolina Tar Heels (Basketball)		[24] [25]
2009 (2)Florida GatorsFootballalign=left Sam Bradford – Oklahoma Sooners (Football)
Matt Gilroy – Boston University Terriers (Ice hockey)
Blake Griffin – Oklahoma Sooners (Basketball)
Stephen Strasburg – San Diego State Aztecs (Baseball)		[26]
2010Kentucky WildcatsBasketballalign=left Blake Geoffrion – Wisconsin Badgers (Ice hockey)
Mark Ingram II – Alabama Crimson Tide (Football)
Evan Turner – Ohio State Buckeyes (Basketball)
Garrett Wittels – FIU Panthers (Baseball)		[27]
2011BYU CougarsBasketballalign=left Andy Miele – Miami RedHawks (Ice hockey)
Cam Newton – Auburn Tigers (Football)
Rob Pannell – Cornell Big Red (Lacrosse)
Kemba Walker – Connecticut Huskies (Basketball)		[28]
2012Baylor BearsFootballalign=left Jack Connolly – Minnesota–Duluth Bulldogs (Ice hockey)
Anthony Davis – Kentucky Wildcats (Basketball)
Andrew Luck – Stanford Cardinal (Football)
Mike Zunino – Florida Gators (Baseball)		[29] [30]
2013Texas A&M AggiesFootballalign=left Trey Burke – Michigan Wolverines (Basketball)
Kyle Dake – Cornell Big Red (Wrestling)
Drew LeBlanc – St. Cloud State Huskies (Ice hockey)		[31] [32]
2014Creighton BluejaysBasketballalign=left Johnny Gaudreau – Boston College Eagles (Ice hockey)
David Taylor – Penn State Nittany Lions (Wrestling)
Lyle Thompson – Albany Great Danes (Lacrosse)
Jameis Winston – Florida State Seminoles (Football)		[33]
2015Oregon DucksFootballalign=left Jack Eichel – Boston University Terriers (Ice hockey)
Frank Kaminsky – Wisconsin Badgers (Basketball)
Logan Stieber – Ohio State Buckeyes (Wrestling)
Dansby Swanson – Vanderbilt Commodores (Baseball)		[34]
2016Oklahoma SoonersBasketballalign=left Alex Dieringer – Oklahoma State Cowboys (Wrestling)
Derrick Henry – Alabama Crimson Tide (Football)
Jarrion Lawson – Arkansas Razorbacks (Track and field)
Jordan Morris – Stanford Cardinal (Soccer)		[35]
2017Clemson TigersFootballalign=left Ian Harkes – Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Soccer)
Frank Mason III – Kansas Jayhawks (Basketball)
Matt Rambo – Maryland Terrapins (Lacrosse)
Zain Retherford – Penn State Nittany Lions (Wrestling)		[36]
2018–2020—Not awarded
2021Alabama Crimson TideFootballalign=left Gloire Amanda – Oregon State Beavers (Soccer)
Luka Garza – Iowa Hawkeyes (Basketball)
Trevor Lawrence – Clemson Tigers (Football)
2022Alabama Crimson TideFootballalign=left Chet Holmgren – Gonzaga (Basketball)
Dante Polvara – Georgetown (Soccer)
Logan Wisnauskas – Maryland (Lacrosse)		[37] [38]
2023USC TrojansFootballalign=left Duncan McGuire – Creighton (Soocer)
Brennan O'Neill – Duke (Lacrosse)
Zach Edey – Purdue (Basketball)		[39]
2024LSU TigersFootballalign=left

Statistics

Winners by college team represented
scope=col Teamscope=col data-sort-type="number" Winsscope=col data-sort-type="number" Nominations
scope=row USC Trojans35
scope=row Alabama Crimson Tide24
scope=row Oklahoma Sooners14
scope=row Ohio State Buckeyes04
scope=row Duke Blue Devils04
scope=row Florida Gators23
scope=row Texas Longhorns13
scope=row Clemson Tigers13
scope=row Maryland Terrapins03
scope=row Kentucky Wildcats12
scope=row UConn Huskies12
scope=row Boston University Terriers02
scope=row Gonzaga Bulldogs02
scope=row Nebraska Cornhuskers02
scope=row Penn State Nittany Lions02
scope=row Purdue Boilermakers02
scope=row LSU Tigers11
scope=row Creighton Bluejays01
scope=row Notre Dame Fighting Irish01
Winners and nominees by sport
scope=col Sportscope=col data-sort-type=number Winnersscope=col data-sort-type=number Nominations
scope=row Basketball729
scope=row Football1226
scope=row Wrestling19
scope=row Ice hockey08
scope=row Lacrosse06
scope=row Soccer06
scope=row Baseball05
scope=row Track and field01

See also

Notes and references

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Actor-producer Anthony Mackie named host of the 2021 ESPYS . ESPN.com . June 16, 2021 . July 10, 2021.
  2. Book: Nelson, Murry R.. Murry R. Nelson

    . American Sports: A History of Icons, Idols and Ideas. Murry R. Nelson. ABC-CLIO. 2013. 978-0-313-39753-0. Santa Barbara, California. 399–401. June 24, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190837/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=American+Sports:+A+History+of+Icons,+Idols+and+Ideas&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi1jbbW4-3YAhWkK8AKHWosCrIQ6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&q=ESPY&f=false. January 23, 2018. live.

  3. Book: Blevins, Dave. College Football Awards: All National and Conference Winners Through 2010. McFarland & Company. Jefferson, North Carolina. 2012. 978-0-7864-4867-8. 6. February 12, 2018.
  4. News: Sculptor commissioned to complete Joe Frazier statue has died. Avard. Christian. August 2, 2013. Barre Montpelier Times Argus. January 21, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20140221231935/http://www.timesargus.com/article/20130802/NEWS03/708029923/0/FEATURES10. February 21, 2014. dead.
  5. Web site: Katie Ledecky Nominated For Best College Athlete ESPY. Keith. Branden. July 16, 2018. SwimSwam. https://web.archive.org/web/20180717150407/https://swimswam.com/katie-ledecky-nominated-for-best-female-college-athlete-espy/. July 17, 2018. live. August 31, 2018.
  6. Web site: The 2004 ESPY Awards - Fans to decide all 2004 ESPY Award winners. ESPN. January 23, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190648/http://www.espn.com/espy2004/s/2004/0421/1786981.html. January 23, 2018.
  7. The 2021 ESPYS Nominees . ESPN . June 12, 2021 . July 10, 2021.
  8. Web site: Committee is newly found. February 3, 1999. ESPN. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123190739/http://www.espn.com/espy/features/01083044.html. January 23, 2018. live. January 23, 2018.
  9. New categories unveiled for The 2002 ESPY Awards. 2002. ESPN. December 20, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052554/http://www.espn.com/espy2002/s/awardcategories.html. December 22, 2017.
  10. The Top 10: SI picks the most impressive college sports feats ever. Anderson. Kelli. April 1, 2002. Sports Illustrated. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116135335/https://www.si.com/vault/2002/04/01/321164/the-top-10-si-picks-the-most-impressive-college-sports-feats-ever. January 16, 2018.
  11. Web site: Darcey . Reed . Four star LSU athletes shined at the 2024 ESPYs, and one took home a big-time award . NOLA.com . . July 12, 2024.
  12. Web site: 2021 ESPYS award winners . ESPN.com . July 10, 2021 . July 10, 2021.
  13. Web site: Fuller. John. Sanderson Becomes Second Wrestler To Win ESPY Award; Named "Best Male College Athlete". The Mat. July 11, 2002. February 3, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000025/http://content.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=5278. February 4, 2018.
  14. News: ESPYS Move Here, Will Honor 4 Victims. Los Angeles Daily News. July 10, 2002. February 3, 2018. The Free Library.
  15. Web site: Tillman Brothers Honored With Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Pac-12 Conference. July 17, 2003. February 3, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000624/http://pac-12.com/article/2003/07/17/tillman-brothers-honored-arthur-ashe-courage-award. February 4, 2018.
  16. News: Taurasi nets 2 ESPYs, including Best Female Athlete. The Arizona Republic. Associated Press. 172. July 15, 2004. February 3, 2018. Newspapers.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000952/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/125459674/. February 4, 2018.
  17. Jameer Nelson and Saint Joseph's Nominated for ESPYS. Atlantic 10 Conference. June 29, 2004. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000839/http://www.atlantic10.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31600&ATCLID=208925545. February 4, 2018.
  18. News: Hoffarth. Tom. Leinart Adds to Awards. Los Angeles Daily News. July 14, 2005. February 3, 2018. The Free Library.
  19. NU Athletic Communications. Gordon Named ESPY Award Finalist. Nebraska Huskers. July 7, 2005. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000428/http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=153579. February 4, 2018.
  20. News: Associated Press. 14th annual ESPY Award's list. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. July 13, 2006. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000348/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2006/07/13/14th-annual-ESPY-Award-s-list/stories/200607130434. February 4, 2018.
  21. Web site: Nominees Announced and Fan Voting Begins for 14th Annual ESPYs. ESPN. June 28, 2006. December 20, 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180105100318/http://www.espn.com/espn/news/story?id=2500946. January 5, 2018.
  22. News: Sports Digest. Austin American-Statesman. July 12, 2007. February 3, 2018. C02. InfoTrac Newsstand. subscription .
  23. News: Watson. Graham. Missouri's Askren would like your vote Two-time national champion is one of four finalists for ESPY award. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. July 4, 2007. February 3, 2018. D2. InfoTrac Newsstand. subscription .
  24. Web site: D'Aniello. Chris. 2008 ESPY Awards: The Winners & The Other (Real) Winners. Bleacher Report. July 21, 2008. January 22, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005131/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/39598-2008-espy-awards-the-winners-the-other-real-winners. November 7, 2017.
  25. News: Baseball top heat pick Beasley up for ESPY. The Palm Beach Post. July 2, 2008. February 3, 2018. C002. Newspapers.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000150/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/206772622/. February 4, 2018.
  26. News: Tebow, Debose take home ESPY awards. The Gainesville Sun. July 16, 2009. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204002106/http://www.gainesville.com/news/20090716/tebow-debose-take-home-espy-awards. February 4, 2018.
  27. News: Biggers. Adam. ESPY for Male College Athlete of the Year eludes Flint's Mark Ingram. The Flint Journal. July 14, 2010. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070323/http://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/index.ssf/2010/07/flints_mark_ingram_wins_2010_e.html. February 4, 2018.
  28. News: Morton. Aaron. ESPYS: Jimmer Fredette awarded Best Male College Athlete. Deseret News. July 13, 2011. February 3, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204010020/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700151487/ESPYS-Jimmer-Fredette-awarded-Best-Male-College-Athlete.html. February 4, 2018.
  29. News: Harris. Beth. LeBron is king of the 2012 ESPY Awards. The Durango Herald. Associated Press. July 12, 2012. January 22, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123072419/https://durangoherald.com/articles/41292. January 23, 2018.
  30. News: Former UMD hockey star Jack Connolly nominated for ESPN ESPY award. Duluth News Tribune. June 27, 2012. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000557/http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/2436291-former-umd-hockey-star-jack-connolly-nominated-espn-espy-award. February 4, 2018.
  31. News: Heim. Mark. SEC's Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney win ESPYs, while Heat beats Tide, others for best team. The Birmingham News. July 17, 2013. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204001003/http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/07/secs_johnny_manziel_jadeveon_c.html. February 4, 2018.
  32. News: Hanson. Pete. Former SCSU Hockey Star Nominated for ESPY. KLZZ. June 30, 2013. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000233/http://1037theloon.com/former-scsu-hockey-star-nominated-for-espy/. February 4, 2018.
  33. News: Doug McDermott wins ESPY for Best Male College Athlete. Omaha World-Herald. July 16, 2014. February 3, 2018. https://archive.today/20180205132817/http://www.omaha.com/creighton/doug-mcdermott-wins-espy-for-best-male-college-athlete/article_edabd9a6-0d57-11e4-8cb6-0017a43b2370.html. February 5, 2018. live.
  34. News: Greif. Andrew. Marcus Mariota, former Oregon Ducks QB, wins ESPY for best male college athlete. The Oregonian. July 15, 2015. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000725/http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2015/07/marcus_mariota_former_oregon_d_1.html. February 4, 2018.
  35. News: Smith. Randy. Hield wins ESPY for Best Male College Athlete. The Nassau Guardian. July 15, 2016. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180204001423/https://thenassauguardian.com/2016/07/15/hield-wins-espy-for-best-male-college-athlete/. February 4, 2018.
  36. News: Wilson. Aaron. Texans rookie Deshaun Watson wins ESPY for Best Male College Athlete. Houston Chronicle. July 13, 2017. February 3, 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20170716132916/http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-rookie-Deshaun-Watson-wins-ESPY-for-Best-11285147.php. July 16, 2017.
  37. Web site: The 2022 ESPYS Nominees . espnpressroom.com . June 28, 2022 . July 3, 2022.
  38. Web site: 2022 ESPYS: Full list of award winners . ESPN.com . July 20, 2022 . July 20, 2022.
  39. Web site: The 2023 ESPYS Winners . July 3, 2022 . espnpressroom.com.

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