Introduced in 2023, the Illinois Newcomer of the Year Award is given to the best performing male and female non-freshman student-athlete in his or her first year of competition at Illinois.

FIGHTING ILLINI ATHLETICS AWARDS

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

Male Recipient Year Name Sport 2023 Terrence Shannon Jr. Basketball 2024 Marcus Domask Basketball 2025 J.C. Davis Football

Female Recipient Year Name Sport 2023 Makira Cook Basketball 2024 Darja Sopova Track & Field 2025 Abria Smith Track & Field