Ole Miss’ Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan Remains on The Bowerman Watch List for 2026
New Orleans — Ole Miss track and field athlete Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan is among the top contenders for The Bowerman award for 2026, according to the NCAA’s post-indoor update Thursday. Robinson-O’Hagan, a senior and four-time NCAA champion, has been on the watch list every season since 2025 began.
The Bowerman, established in 2009 and named after Oregon coach Bill Bowerman, is awarded annually to the top male and female collegiate track and field athletes. Robinson-O’Hagan first gained national recognition as a semifinalist following his standout sophomore season in 2024.
The thrower from Ole Miss is one of three athletes on the March watch list from the SEC, alongside Auburn sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi, Oklahoma thrower Ralford Mullings, Alabama sprinter Samuel Ogazi, and Auburn hurdler Ja’Kobe Tharp. Robinson-O’Hagan opened his final outdoor season with a strong performance at the Ole Miss Classic last weekend. He won both the shot put and hammer throw, highlighted by a personal best of 77.62 meters (254-8), ranking among the best Americans ever in the event.
The 77.62-meter toss shattered his previous records and ranks as the best all-time early in the collegiate season. Robinson-O’Hagan is now the second-best American-born collegian in history, behind Oregon’s Ken Flax (78.34 meters), and ranks second in SEC history. His performance also places him eighth worldwide for 2026.
Robinson-O’Hagan’s indoor season included winning the SEC indoor title and earning national honors, including the USTFCCCA South Region Men’s Field Athlete of the Year and SEC Men’s Field Athlete of the Year. He is the only athlete to win three consecutive SEC indoor shot put titles, part of his impressive career that includes 14 All-America honors and five SEC championships.
Overall, he has scored 75 NCAA points and 124 SEC points, making him one of the most decorated athletes in collegiate history. His achievements include four NCAA titles, 11 SEC titles, and multiple national awards. Robinson-O’Hagan’s continued presence on The Bowerman watch list underscores his status as a leading contender for the 2026 award.
Source: Original Article
