Illini Football - Academic Awards
Last updated following the 2024 season
Big Ten Distinguished Scholars
First awarded in 2009, Distinguished Scholar Awards go to student-athletes with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or higher for the previous academic year, excluding summer school.
| Big Ten Distinguished Scholars |
| Year |
Student-Athlete |
| 2024 (6) |
Matthew Bailey |
|
Hank Beatty |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Grayson Griffin |
|
Patrick Mahoney III |
|
Petey Olaleye |
| 2023 (8) |
Keion Battle |
|
Hank Beatty |
|
Ben Clawson |
|
TeRah Edwards |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Grayson Griffin |
|
TJ Griffin |
|
Sam Tsagalis |
| 2022 (5) |
Keion Battle |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Evan Kirts |
|
Miles Scott |
|
Peyton Vining |
| 2021 (4) |
Sean Coghlan |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Alec McEachern |
| 2020 (5) |
Christina Bobak |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Ethan Tabel |
| 2019 (3) |
Blake Hayes |
|
Donny Navarro |
|
Griffin Palmer |
| 2017 (1) |
Austin Roberts |
| 2016 (4) |
Dillan Cazley |
|
Nate Echard |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Tyler White |
| 2015 (4) |
V’Angelo Bentley |
|
Tim Clary |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Taylor Zalewski |
| 2014 (4) |
Rob Bain |
|
Mason Monheim |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Austin Teitsma |
| 2013 (4) |
Houston Bates |
|
Corey Lewis |
|
Tyler Sands |
|
Nathan Scheelhaase |
| 2012 (0) |
None |
| 2011 (1) |
Anthony Santella |
| 2010 (1) |
Zach Becker |
| 2009 (1) |
Jon Asamoah |
Academic All-Big Ten
To be eligible, student-athletes must be letterwinners who are in at least their second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
| Academic All-Big Ten |
| Year |
Student-Athlete |
| 2024 (47) |
Weston Adams |
|
Luke Altmyer |
|
Tanner Arkin |
|
Matthew Bailey |
|
Hank Beatty |
|
Henry Boyer |
|
Alexander Capka-Jones |
|
Jaheim Clarke |
|
Ben Clawson |
|
Zy Crisler |
|
Collin Dixon |
|
TeRah Edwards |
|
Malik Elzy |
|
Joep Engbers |
|
Pat Farrell |
|
Kaden Feagin |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Grayson Griffin |
|
TJ Griffin |
|
Devin Hale |
|
Aidan Hall |
|
Lane Hansen |
|
Brandon Henderson |
|
Ashton Hollins |
|
Ezekiel Holmes |
|
Malachi Hood |
|
Aidan Laughery |
|
Clayton Leonard |
|
Patrick Mahoney III |
|
Tyler McClure |
|
TJ McMillen |
|
Kirkland Michaux |
|
Mason Muragin |
|
Kenenna Odeluga |
|
Petey Olaleye |
|
David Olano |
|
Ronan Poynton |
|
Corey Rashad |
|
Mac Resetich |
|
Hugh Robertson |
|
Tyson Rooks |
|
Miles Scott |
|
Cal Swanson |
|
Sam Tsagalis |
|
Jeremiah Warren |
|
Kevin Wigenton II |
|
Luke Zardzin |
| 2023 (41) |
Isaiah Adams |
|
Weston Adams |
|
Matthew Bailey |
|
Zachary Barlev |
|
Bryce Barnes |
|
Tarique Barnes |
|
Keion Battle |
|
Hank Beatty |
|
Matthew Bobak |
|
Henry Boyer |
|
Ben Clawson |
|
Zy Crisler |
|
Dylan Davis |
|
TeRah Edwards |
|
Luciano Elias |
|
Jean-Marc Etienne |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Grayson Griffin |
|
TJ Griffin |
|
Aidan Hall |
|
Lane Hansen |
|
Chase Hayden |
|
Ashton Hollins |
|
Jacob Huber |
|
Evan Kirts |
|
Clayton Leonard |
|
Mike Manning |
|
Elijah Mc-Cantos |
|
Ryan Meed |
|
Griffin Moore |
|
Kenenna Odeluga |
|
Tip Reiman |
|
Hugh Robertson |
|
Tyson Rooks |
|
Ben Schultz |
|
Miles Scott |
|
Sam Tsagalis |
|
Casey Washington |
|
Isaiah Williams |
|
Luke Zardzin |
| 2022 (34) |
Lucas Althaus |
|
Zachary Barlev |
|
Bryce Barnes |
|
Tarique Barnes |
|
Keion Battle |
|
Matthew Bobak |
|
Mike Cerniglia Jr. |
|
Tommy Cronin |
|
Isaac Darkangelo |
|
Preston Engel |
|
Josh Gesky |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Aidan Hall |
|
Lane Hansen |
|
Chase Hayden |
|
Jake Huber |
|
Ryan Johnson |
|
Evan Kirts |
|
Mike Manning |
|
Michael Marchese |
|
Ryan Meed |
|
Griffin Moore |
|
Jer’Zhan Newton |
|
Tahveon Nicholson |
|
Kenenna Odeluga |
|
Alex Pihlstrom |
|
Tip Reiman |
|
Hugh Robertson |
|
Ben Schultz |
|
Miles Scott |
|
Peyton Vining |
|
Casey Washington |
|
Isaiah Williams |
|
Luke Zardzin |
| 2021 (43) |
Bryce Barnes |
|
Tarique Barnes |
|
Christian Bobak |
|
Matthew Bobak |
|
Dalevon Campbell |
|
Mike Cerniglia Jr. |
|
Sean Coghlan |
|
Shammond Cooper |
|
Tommy Cronin |
|
Desmond Dan |
|
Isaac Darkangelo |
|
Preston Engel |
|
Mike Epstein |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Aidan Hall |
|
Jake Hansen |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Owen Hickey |
|
Blake Jeresaty |
|
Jaden Jones-Watkins |
|
Kerby Joseph |
|
Evan Kirts |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Ty Lindenman |
|
Reggie Love III |
|
Michael Marchese |
|
James McCourt |
|
Alec McEachern |
|
Ryan Meed |
|
Griffin Moore |
|
Donny Navarro III |
|
Jer’Zhan Newton |
|
Tahveon Nicholson |
|
Alex Pihlstrom |
|
Josh Plohr |
|
Tip Reiman |
|
Hugh Robertson |
|
Matt Robinson |
|
Ben Schultz |
|
Deuce Spann |
|
Ethan Tabel |
|
Isaiah Williams |
|
Terry Zapf |
| 2020 (31) |
Tarique Barnes |
|
Christian Bobak |
|
Sean Coghlan |
|
Shammond Cooper |
|
Thomas Cronin |
|
Preston Engel |
|
Mike Epstein |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Aidan Hall |
|
Jake Hansen |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Josh Imatorbhebhe |
|
Evan Kirts |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Conner Lillig |
|
Michael Marchese |
|
James McCourt |
|
Alec McEachern |
|
Ryan Meed |
|
Griffin Moore |
|
Donny Navarro |
|
Moses Okpala |
|
Brandon Peters |
|
Alex Pihlstrom |
|
Josh Plohr |
|
Matt Robinson |
|
Ben Schultz |
|
Ethan Tabel |
|
Dylan Thomas |
|
Casey Washington |
|
Isaiah Williams |
| 2019 (26) |
Nolan Bernat |
|
Christian Bobak |
|
Ra’Von Bonner |
|
Dre Brown |
|
Jake Cerny |
|
Sean Coghlan |
|
Reggie Corbin |
|
Dawson DeGroot |
|
Mike Epstein |
|
Caleb Griffin |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Jordan Holmes |
|
Kerby Joseph |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Conner Lillig |
|
Michael Marchese |
|
Alec McEachern |
|
Cam Miller |
|
Donny Navarro |
|
Griffin Palmer |
|
Alex Pihlstrom |
|
Ricky Smalling |
|
Ethan Tabel |
|
Dylan Thomas |
|
Justice Williams |
|
Dylan Wyatt |
| 2018 (32) |
Tony Adams |
|
Nick Allegretti |
|
Nolan Bernat |
|
Christian Bobak |
|
Dre Brown |
|
Jake Cerny |
|
Sean Coghlan |
|
Reggie Corbin |
|
Dawson DeGroot |
|
Mike Dudek |
|
Mike Epstein |
|
Blake Hayes |
|
Zac Holman |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Conner Lillig |
|
Jimmy Marchese |
|
Michael Marchese |
|
Zeke Martin |
|
Alec McEachern |
|
Chase McLaughlin |
|
Cam Miller |
|
Drew Murtaugh |
|
Alex Palczewski |
|
Alex Pihlstrom |
|
Del’Shawn Phillips |
|
Austin Roberts |
|
Ricky Smalling |
|
Adam Solomon |
|
Ethan Tabel |
|
Andrew Trainer |
|
Bobby Venegas |
|
Justice Williams |
| 2017 (32) |
Sean Adesanya |
|
Nick Allegretti |
|
Christian Bobak |
|
Drew Brown |
|
Jake Cerny |
|
Reggie Corbin |
|
Chayce Crouch |
|
Mike Dudek |
|
Jaylen Dunlap |
|
Nate Echard |
|
Kendrick Foster |
|
Jeff George Jr. |
|
Stanley Green |
|
Ahmari Hayes |
|
Zac Holman |
|
Chris James |
|
Julian Jones |
|
Doug Kramer |
|
Jimmy Marchese |
|
Zeke Martin |
|
Chase McLaughlin |
|
Cam Miller |
|
Drew Murtaugh |
|
Austin Roberts |
|
Brandon Roberts |
|
Adam Solomon |
|
Frank Sumpter |
|
Dominic Thieman |
|
Andrew Trainer |
|
Malik Turner |
|
Tré Watson |
|
Justice Williams |
| 2016 (35) |
Nick Allegretti |
|
Rob Bain |
|
Man Berg |
|
Connor Brennan |
|
Dillan Cazley |
|
Reggie Corbin |
|
Chayce Crouch |
|
Nathan Echard |
|
Ryan Frain |
|
Jeff George, Jr. |
|
Zach Grant |
|
Justin Hardee |
|
Chris James |
|
Julian Jones |
|
Darwyn Kelly |
|
Wes Lunt |
|
Jimmy Marchese |
|
Michael Martin |
|
Chase McLaughlin |
|
Jamal Milan |
|
Darius Mosely |
|
Patrick Nelson |
|
Caleb Reams |
|
David Reisner |
|
Austin Roberts |
|
Adam Solomon |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Frank Sumpter |
|
Mike Svetina |
|
Malik Turner |
|
Ke'Shawn Vaughn |
|
Cameron Watkins |
|
Tré Watson |
|
Tyler White |
|
Justice Williams |
| 2015 (31) |
Nick Allegretti |
|
Rob Bain |
|
Tim Clary |
|
Chayce Crouch |
|
Nathan Echard |
|
Eric Finney |
|
Pat Flavin |
|
Kendrick Foster |
|
Zach Grant |
|
Zach Hirth |
|
Julian Hylton |
|
Chris James |
|
Ted Karras |
|
Darwyn Kelly |
|
Davontay Kwaaning |
|
Wes Lunt |
|
Michael Martin |
|
Mason Monheim |
|
Darius Mosely |
|
T.J. Neal |
|
Kenny Nelson |
|
Jim Nudera |
|
David Reisner |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Mike Svetina |
|
Malik Turner |
|
LaKeith Walls |
|
Tre Watson |
|
Sean White |
|
Tyler White |
|
Taylor Zalewski |
| 2014 (29) |
Aaron Bailey |
|
Rob Bain |
|
Dillan Cazley |
|
Tim Clary |
|
Jon Davis |
|
Christian DiLauro |
|
Justin DuVernois |
|
Nathan Echard |
|
Eric Finney |
|
Pat Flavin |
|
Michael Heitz |
|
Zach Hirth |
|
Jake Howe |
|
Ted Karras |
|
Davontay Kwaaning |
|
Wes Lunt |
|
Michael Martin |
|
Mason Monheim |
|
Darius Mosely |
|
T.J. Neal |
|
Jim Nudera |
|
Reilly O’Toole |
|
David Reisner |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Austin Teitsma |
|
LaKeith Walls |
|
Tyler White |
|
DeJazz Woods |
|
Taylor Zalewski |
| 2013 (21) |
Robbie Bain |
|
Houston Bates |
|
V’Angelo Bentley |
|
Tim Clary |
|
Ralph Cooper |
|
Jon Davis |
|
Justin DuVernois |
|
Jake Feldmeyer |
|
Spencer Harris |
|
Michael Heitz |
|
Zach Hirth |
|
Jake Howe |
|
Brad Janitz |
|
Corey Lewis |
|
Mason Monheim |
|
T.J. Neal |
|
Kenny Nelson |
|
Nathan Scheelhaase |
|
Joe Spencer |
|
Mike Svetina |
|
Austin Teitsma |
| 2012 (18) |
Houston Bates |
|
Zach Becker |
|
Ralph Cooper |
|
Jon Davis |
|
Justin DuVernois |
|
Justin Green |
|
James Hallendorff |
|
Spencer Harris |
|
Michael Heitz |
|
Ted Karras |
|
Corey Lewis |
|
Kaeman Mitchell |
|
Reilly O’Toole |
|
Zak Pedersen |
|
Tyler Sands |
|
Nathan Scheelhaase |
|
Austin Teitsma |
|
Taylor Zalewski |
| 2011 (11) |
Jeff Allen |
|
Zach Becker |
|
Derek Dimke |
|
Justin Green |
|
Spencer Harris |
|
Michael Heitz |
|
Jake Howe |
|
Jay Prosch |
|
Tyler Sands |
|
Nathan Scheelhaase |
|
Austin Teitsma |
| 2010 (7) |
Jeff Allen |
|
Derek Dimke |
|
Justin Green |
|
Aaron Gress |
|
AJ Jenkins |
|
Anthony Santella |
|
Nathan Scheelhaase |
| 2009 (12) |
Jon Asamoah |
|
Derek Dimke |
|
Hubie Graham |
|
Aaron Gress |
|
AJ Jenkins |
|
Tad Keely |
|
Corey Lewis |
|
Nate Palmer |
|
Doug Pilcher |
|
Jack Ramsey |
|
Tyler Sands |
|
Anthony Santella |
| 2008 (7) |
Jon Asamoah |
|
Tad Keely |
|
Ryan McDonald |
|
Brit Miller |
|
Doug Pilcher |
|
Anthony Santella |
|
Cody Stunkard |
| 2007 (9) |
Jon Asamoah |
|
Antonio James |
|
J Leman |
|
Ryan McDonald |
|
Rashard Mendenhall |
|
Martin O’Donnell |
|
Doug Pilcher |
|
Anthony Santella |
|
Marques Wilkins |
| 2006 (7) |
Jim LaBonte |
|
J Leman |
|
Ryan McDonald |
|
Rashard Mendenhall |
|
Walter Mendenhall |
|
Martin O’Donnell |
|
Doug Pilcher |
| 2005 (11) |
Arthur Boyd III |
|
Brian Brosnan |
|
Brian Grzelakowski |
|
J Leman |
|
Walter Mendenhall |
|
Ryan McDonald |
|
Scott Moss |
|
Josh Norris |
|
Martin O’Donnell |
|
Jason Reda |
|
JJ Simmons |
| 2004 (7) |
Jon Beutjer |
|
Arthur Boyd |
|
Mark Kornfeld |
|
Jordan Kruger |
|
Scott Moss |
|
Josh Norris |
|
J.J. Simmons |
| 2003 (7) |
Brad Haywood |
|
Bryan Koch |
|
Mark Kornfeld |
|
Eric McGoey |
|
Scott Moss |
|
J.J. Tubbs |
|
John Young |
| 2002 (10) |
Kenny Boyle |
|
Brett Boyter |
|
Brian Brosnan |
|
David Diehl |
|
Mike Gomez |
|
Brett Kautter |
|
Ryan Matha |
|
Eric McGoey |
|
Tony Pashos |
|
J.J. Tubbs |
| 2001 (7) |
David Diehl |
|
Brett Kautter |
|
Mark Kornfeld |
|
Eric McGoey |
|
Tony Pashos |
|
Nick Piazza |
|
JJ Tubbs |
| 2000 (12) |
Kenny Boyle |
|
David Diehl |
|
Nathan Hodel |
|
Brett Kautter |
|
Jay Kulaga |
|
Eric McGoey |
|
B.J. Ogata |
|
Tony Pashos |
|
Nick Piazza |
|
J.J. Tubbs |
|
Fred Wakefield |
|
Josh Whitman |
| 1999 (11) |
David Diehl |
|
Steve Fitts |
|
Nathan Hodel |
|
Brett Kautter |
|
Kurt Kittner |
|
Jay Kulaga |
|
Tony Pashos |
|
Nick Piazza |
|
Seth Tesdall |
|
Fred Wakefield |
|
Josh Whitman |
| 1998 (10) |
Mike Gusich |
|
Josh Whitman |
|
Tom Schau |
|
Ivan Benson |
|
Bryan Shepard |
|
Nolan Nawrocki |
|
Nick Piazza |
|
Ryan Schau |
|
Nathan Hodel |
|
Fred Wakefield |
| 1997 (10) |
Ivan Benson |
|
Ryan Craig |
|
Matt Cushing |
|
Joe Gatton |
|
Mike Gusich |
|
Andy Greenlee |
|
Robert Holcombe |
|
Ryan Schau |
|
Tom Schau |
|
Fred Wakefield |
| 1996 (9) |
Ivan Benson |
|
John Conroy |
|
Joe Gatton |
|
Mike Gusich |
|
Joe Lauzen |
|
Ryan Moore |
|
Nolan Nawrocki |
|
Ryan Schau |
|
Tom Schau |
| 1995 (3) |
Brett Larsen |
|
Ryan Moore |
|
Steve Willis |
| 1994 (3) |
Jim Klein |
|
Brett Larsen |
|
Steve Steinhaus |
| 1993 (9) |
Mike Cole |
|
Jason Dulick |
|
Greg Engel |
|
Kevin Hardy |
|
Kraig Koester |
|
Brett Larsen |
|
Jim Klein |
|
Jeff Schwarzentraub |
|
Gary Voelker |
| 1992 (8) |
Mike Cole |
|
Greg Engel |
|
Erik Hayes |
|
Kraig Koester |
|
J.J. O’Laughlin |
|
Jason Schnack |
|
Gary Voelker |
|
John Wright |
| 1991 (3) |
Greg Engel |
|
Mike Hopkins |
|
John Wright |
| 1990 (6) |
John Wright |
|
Curt Lovelace |
|
Mike Hopkins |
|
Pat Donnelly |
|
Bill Henkel |
|
Jim Shaffer |
| 1989 (5) |
Kirk Gregus |
|
Michael Hopkins |
|
Curt Lovelace |
|
James Schaffer |
|
John Wright |
| 1988 (5) |
Mel Agee |
|
Peter Freund |
|
Kurt Gregus |
|
Bill Henkel |
|
Curt Lovelace |
| 1987 (2) |
Mel Agee |
|
Kurt Gregus |
| 1986 (1) |
Mark Dennis |
| 1985 (2) |
Rob Glielmi |
|
Jim Juriga |
| 1984 (0) |
None |
| 1983 (2) |
Kris Jenner |
|
Luke Sewall |
| 1982 (3) |
Dan Gregus |
|
Kris Jenner |
|
Luke Sewall |
| 1981 (4) |
Dennis Flynn |
|
Dan Gregus |
|
John Lopez |
|
John Venegoni |
| 1980 (2) |
Dan Gregus |
|
John Lopez |
| 1979 (0) |
None |
| 1978 (1) |
Troy McMillin |
| 1977 (3) |
Mike McCray |
|
Bruce Thornton |
|
Charlie Weber |
| 1976 (3) |
Dan Beaver |
|
Jerry Finis |
|
Mac McCracken |
| 1975 (0) |
None |
| 1974 (3) |
Dan Beaver |
|
Bill Kleckner |
|
Mark Peterson |
| 1973 (2) |
Mike Gow |
|
Ty McMillin |
| 1972 (5) |
Ken Braid |
|
Larry Huisinga |
|
Larry McCarren |
|
Mike Navarro |
|
Dave Wright |
| 1971 (5) |
Bob Bucklin |
|
Glenn Collie |
|
Larry Huisinga |
|
Mike Wells |
|
Dave Wright |
| 1970 2) |
Bob Bucklin |
|
Jim Rucks |
| 1969 (2) |
Bruce Erb |
|
Doug Redmann |
| 1968 (1) |
Tony Peviak |
| 1967 (3) |
Tony Pleviak |
|
Dave Tomasula |
|
John Wright |
| 1966 (2) |
Tony Pleviak |
|
John Wright |
| 1965 (2) |
Jim Grabowski |
|
John Wright |
| 1964 (2) |
Bruce Capel |
|
Jim Grabowski |
| 1963 (3) |
Dick Deller |
|
Mike Dundy |
|
Mike Taliaferro |
| 1962 (1) |
Dick Deller |
| 1961 (0) |
None |
| 1960 (1) |
Darrell DeDecker |
| 1959 (1) |
Dave Ash |
| 1958 (0) |
None |
| 1957 (2) |
Bob Allen |
|
Dale Smith |
| 1956 (1) |
Jim Minor |
| 1955 (1) |
Jim Minor |
| 1954 (1) |
Jack Chamblin |
| 1953 (2) |
Don Ernst |
|
Bob Lenzini |
