The pursuit of athletic and academic distinction is a cornerstone of the Ohio State University’s esteemed tradition, and each year, the campus community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the Male and Female Athletes of the Year. These prestigious accolades celebrate not only unparalleled performance on the field of play but also embody the dedication, leadership, and community engagement that define a true Buckeye. For 2025, the recognition of these exceptional individuals will underscore a period of remarkable achievement across numerous athletic programs, highlighting a legacy of dominance and a commitment to holistic development that sets Ohio State apart.
While the official announcement of the 2025 Ohio State Male and Female Athletes of the Year typically occurs later in the academic year, often in the late spring or early summer, the buzz surrounding potential candidates has already begun. The depth of talent across Ohio State’s 36 varsity sports makes this a highly competitive selection process, with contenders emerging from national championship-contending teams, record-breaking individual performances, and stories of inspiring resilience.
For the Male Athlete of the Year, the competition is expected to be particularly fierce, given the success of several prominent Ohio State programs. The football team, always a national focal point, likely features several strong contenders. A quarterback who leads the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff appearance, or a dominant defensive end who shatters sack records, would certainly be in the conversation. Beyond the gridiron, Ohio State’s wrestling program consistently produces national champions, and a grappler who captures multiple individual titles or leads the team to a top finish would be a compelling candidate. Similarly, a standout in the track and field program, perhaps an Olympic hopeful who sets collegiate records in sprints or field events, could easily stake a claim. The men’s hockey team, a perennial Big Ten contender, might also yield a deserving candidate, particularly if a star forward or defenseman leads them to a deep NCAA tournament run. The selection committee meticulously reviews not just statistics, but also leadership qualities, impact on their respective teams, and overall contributions to the university’s athletic prowess.
On the women’s side, the pool of candidates for Female Athlete of the Year is equally impressive and diverse. Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey program has consistently been among the nation’s elite, and a pivotal player who anchors a national championship run would be a strong frontrunner. The rowing team, which frequently contends for national titles, could see an individual rower recognized for their exceptional strength and leadership. Gymnastics, a sport where individual artistry and precision are paramount, often produces Athletes of the Year, and a gymnast who achieves perfect scores or secures multiple national championships would be a compelling choice. Track and field and swimming and diving programs also routinely feature dominant female athletes who break records and achieve national recognition. A basketball player who leads the Buckeyes to a deep NCAA Tournament run, showcasing both scoring prowess and defensive tenacity, would also be a strong contender. The narrative often plays a significant role in the female athlete of the year selection, highlighting stories of perseverance, trailblazing achievements, and impactful community engagement.
The criteria for the Ohio State Athlete of the Year awards extend beyond mere statistics. The selection committees, typically composed of athletic department administrators, coaches, and sometimes media members, consider a comprehensive range of factors. Athletic accomplishments are paramount, including individual awards (All-American honors, conference player of the year), team success (conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances), and record-breaking performances. However, these awards also acknowledge leadership, sportsmanship, and academic achievement. A student-athlete who excels academically, serves as a team captain, mentors younger teammates, or engages in significant community service initiatives often receives strong consideration. This holistic approach ensures that the Athletes of the Year truly embody the spirit of the “scholar-athlete” ideal that Ohio State champions.
The impact of being named an Ohio State Athlete of the Year is profound. For the individuals, it is the capstone of their collegiate athletic careers, a recognition of years of tireless dedication, sacrifice, and exceptional talent. It often serves as a springboard for professional careers, Olympic aspirations, or successful ventures outside of sports. For their respective teams, it brings prestige and highlights the strength of their programs. For the university, it reinforces its reputation as a national leader in collegiate athletics, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of excellence. The announcement ceremonies themselves are often celebrated events, bringing together the university community to honor these outstanding individuals and their contributions.
Looking back at past Ohio State Athletes of the Year provides a glimpse into the diverse range of sports and individuals who have achieved this honor. From football legends and basketball stars to Olympic medalists in swimming, track and field, and wrestling, the list is a testament to the university’s broad athletic prowess. Each recipient leaves an indelible mark on Ohio State’s athletic history, becoming part of a storied legacy that inspires future generations of Buckeyes. The anticipation for the 2025 honorees is heightened by the recent successes across multiple programs, suggesting that this year’s recipients will be truly exceptional.
The continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities, world-class coaching staffs, and comprehensive student-athlete support services further solidifies Ohio State’s ability to consistently produce Athletes of the Year. The commitment to nutrition, sports psychology, academic advising, and strength and conditioning ensures that student-athletes have every resource available to maximize their potential both athletically and academically. This holistic support system is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining the caliber of talent that ultimately vies for these prestigious awards.
In essence, the Ohio State Athletes of the Year awards are more than just trophies; they are a narrative of unparalleled excellence. They tell the story of dedication, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As the 2025 academic year progresses, the campus community will eagerly follow the performances of the countless talented Buckeyes, knowing that among them are the individuals who will ultimately be crowned the Male and Female Athletes of the Year, forever etching their names into the illustrious history of Ohio State athletics and exemplifying the unrivaled excellence that defines the university. The culmination of an exceptional year in Ohio State athletics arrived with the official announcement of the 2025 Male and Female Athletes of the Year, recognizing two extraordinary student-athletes who truly embody the Buckeyes’ commitment to unparalleled performance and holistic development. This year’s honorees, Michael Adedokun (men’s soccer) and Makenna Webster (field hockey and women’s ice hockey), represent the pinnacle of achievement, having etched their names into the storied history of Ohio State athletics through their remarkable feats and unwavering dedication. Their selection, made official on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, highlights a period of significant success for numerous Buckeye programs and reaffirms Ohio State’s standing as a national leader in collegiate sports.
For the Male Athlete of the Year, Michael Adedokun’s selection is a historic first for the Ohio State men’s soccer program. The midfielder, a fifth-year senior, became the first Buckeye ever to win the MAC Hermann Trophy, college soccer’s most coveted individual honor, akin to football’s Heisman. Adedokun’s 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. He led the Buckeyes and the Big Ten with an impressive 11 goals, 11 assists, and 33 points, showcasing his dominance in both scoring and playmaking. His remarkable contributions were instrumental in leading the Ohio State men’s soccer team to one of its greatest seasons in program history.
Under Adedokun’s leadership, the Buckeyes achieved a stellar 16-2-4 record, capturing both the 2024 Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles. Their exceptional performance earned them the program’s first-ever No. 1 national ranking and the first overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Adedokun guided the team to its second appearance in the prestigious College Cup, the Final Four of men’s college soccer, solidifying their place among the nation’s elite. Beyond his individual statistics, Adedokun was recognized as a USC First Team All-American and the Big Ten’s Midfielder of the Year, underscoring his comprehensive impact on the team’s success. His remarkable season, culminating in the MAC Hermann Trophy, made him an undeniable choice for this prestigious honor, beating out other strong contenders from national championship-contending programs like football and wrestling.
On the female side, Makenna Webster’s recognition as Ohio State’s Female Athlete of the Year celebrates a truly extraordinary and rare achievement as a dual-sport athlete. Webster, also a fifth-year senior, showcased unparalleled excellence in both field hockey and women’s ice hockey, consistently performing at an All-American level across two demanding collegiate sports. Her remarkable versatility and consistent high-level output made her a standout candidate.
In field hockey, Webster led the Buckeyes in 2024 with a stunning 42 points, a feat that made her the first Ohio State player in nearly 30 years to record back-to-back 40-point seasons. Her efforts propelled the field hockey team to national rankings as high as third and an impressive 14-5 overall record, including six victories over ranked opponents. She finished the season sixth nationally in points per game and became only the 11th player in Ohio State history to surpass 100 career points, achieving this milestone in just three seasons. Her dominance earned her unanimous First Team All-Big Ten honors and a Second Team All-America selection.
Not content with just one sport, Webster seamlessly transitioned to the ice for the women’s hockey team, where she continued her elite performance. Despite splitting time between sports and only skating in 30 games, she finished fourth on the team with 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists). Her contributions were crucial in leading the Buckeyes to their fourth consecutive national championship game appearance in the NCAA Tournament, demonstrating her impact on one of the most successful programs in collegiate athletics. Webster’s ability to excel at the highest level in two distinct and physically demanding sports is a testament to her exceptional athletic talent, dedication, and resilience. She was also the recipient of the 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor, an award celebrating the most outstanding male and female senior student-athletes who have attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work.
The selection of Adedokun and Webster underscores Ohio State’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in all facets of their collegiate experience. Both individuals not only achieved remarkable athletic success but also demonstrated leadership and commitment that resonated with the selection committee. Their achievements exemplify the ideal of the “scholar-athlete,” contributing significantly to their teams’ successes while navigating the demanding academic rigors of a top-tier university.
The 2024-2025 academic year has been one of significant achievement for Ohio State Athletics as a whole. The men’s soccer team’s historic run to the College Cup and dual Big Ten titles, and the women’s ice hockey team’s consistent presence in the national championship game, are just two examples of the widespread success. The football team also achieved significant milestones, including winning the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, a feat that led to them receiving the fabled MacArthur Bowl trophy. These collective successes across various programs speak volumes about the comprehensive strength of Ohio State’s athletic department, its investment in facilities, coaching, and student-athlete support, and its ability to attract and develop elite talent.
Michael Adedokun and Makenna Webster now join a distinguished list of Ohio State Athletes of the Year, individuals whose names are synonymous with Buckeye greatness. Their remarkable seasons serve as an inspiration for future generations of student-athletes, showcasing that through dedication, talent, and a commitment to excellence, it is possible to forge a lasting legacy of distinction, both on and off the field of play. Their stories will undoubtedly be celebrated as prime examples of what it means to be a truly exceptional Ohio State Buckeye.
