Ezekiel Nathaniel’s meteoric rise in the world of track and field has culminated in his nomination for the prestigious 2025 NCAA Track and Field Athlete of the Year Award, also known as The Bowerman. This esteemed accolade, named after legendary Oregon coach Bill Bowerman, represents the pinnacle of achievement in collegiate track and field, recognizing the most outstanding male and female athletes based on their indoor and outdoor season performances. Nathaniel’s inclusion on the final shortlist is not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also a historic moment for Nigeria, as he is the sole representative from the nation to reach this stage of the competition.
Nathaniel’s journey to The Bowerman shortlist has been paved with record-breaking performances throughout the 2025 season. His remarkable indoor run at the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships in Texas saw him clock a continental best of 44.74s in the 400m, catapulting him to the eighth position on the world all-time list for the event. This achievement served as a precursor to his dominant outdoor season, culminating in a resounding victory at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. There, he conquered the 400m hurdles with a time of 47.49s, securing his place as the third fastest in collegiate history. Further solidifying his dominance, Nathaniel retained his Big 12 Conference title, setting a new meet record of 47.89s.
The Bowerman Award represents the highest individual honor in US collegiate track and field, recognizing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. The award is bestowed upon the most outstanding male and female athletes each year, based solely on their performances throughout both the indoor and outdoor seasons. It’s a testament to not just athletic prowess, but also dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship. The rigorous selection process and the prestige associated with the award make it a coveted prize for collegiate athletes across the country.
Nathaniel’s path to The Bowerman has been marked by stiff competition from fellow Nigerian athletes. While compatriots Temitope Adeshina and Samuel Ogazi were initially included on the watchlist, they did not progress to the final phase. Nathaniel’s perseverance and exceptional performances set him apart, ultimately earning him a spot among the elite contenders for this prestigious award. His journey underscores the increasing depth and talent emerging from Nigeria on the global athletics stage.
Now, Nathaniel finds himself among a formidable group of finalists vying for the coveted title. The men’s shortlist includes sprinting sensation Jordan Anthony of Arkansas, fresh off his 100m triumph at the NCAA finals; Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp, who blazed to a personal best of 13.05s in the 110m hurdles; BYU’s steeplechase champion, James Corrigan; New Mexico’s distance running prodigy, Ishmael Kipkurui; and Ole Miss’s double medalist in shot put and hammer throw, Tarik Robinson-O’Hagan. The women’s shortlist boasts equally impressive talent, featuring athletes like Georgia’s Aaliyah Butler, South Carolina’s JaMeesia Ford, and Alabama’s record-breaking steeplechaser Doris Lemngole. This diverse group of athletes represents the pinnacle of collegiate track and field across various disciplines.
The final decision for The Bowerman rests in the hands of a diverse voting panel. Throughout July, national and regional media representatives, seasoned statisticians, past winners of the award, NCAA officials, and passionate fans will cast their votes. This comprehensive approach ensures a fair and balanced assessment of each finalist’s accomplishments. The culmination of this rigorous process will take place in December, when the winners of the 2025 Bowerman Award will be officially announced, marking a significant milestone in their athletic careers. For Ezekiel Nathaniel, the anticipation builds as he awaits the outcome, his nomination marking a significant chapter in Nigerian athletics history.
