FIGHTING ILLINI ATHLETICS AWARDS
» Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year 
» Big Ten Medal of Honor 
» Freshman of the Year
» Newcomer of the Year
» Spirit Award
» Big Ten Jackie Robinson Award
» Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) hands out seven major awards each academic year to honor the best and brightest Fighting Illini student-athletes.

The Big Ten Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a male and female graduating student-athlete who demonstrates proficiency in scholarship and athletics. The Dike Eddleman Awards are given to the student-athletes who most distinguish themselves in athletic achievement. The Freshman of the Year Awards go to the best athlete performing in their first season of collegiate competition, while the Newcomer of the Year Awards go to the best non-freshman athlete performing in their first season at Illinois. The Spirit Award honors the athletes who exemplify the spirit, courage, effort and dedication of the Fighting Illini. Introduced in 2025, the Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award celebrates a male and female athlete at each conference school who embodies "Jackie's Nine" core values of courage, determination, teamwork, persistence, integrity, citizenship, justice, commitment, and excellence. Since 2003, the Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate distinguished sportsmanship, ethical behavior, academic standing, and good citizenship both on and off the field.

The Medal of Honor, Spirit, and Jackie Robinson Awards are handed out at The Oskees annual spring banquet, along with several other academic honors. The Eddleman, Freshman, Newcomer of the Year, and Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Awards are announced in June following the conclusion of the spring sport seasons.