Samuel Ogazi Named Finalist for The Bowerman
6/30/2026 3:02:00 PM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Ogazi becomes the second Bowerman finalist in Alabama history and the program's first men's finalist
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama track and field standout Samuel Ogazi was named a finalist for The Bowerman, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Tuesday. Joining Ogazi as fellow finalists are Habtom Samuel of New Mexico and Ja'Kobe Tharp of Auburn.
The announcement marks Alabama's second finalist for The Bowerman in program history, joining 2025 winner Doris Lemngole. Ogazi also becomes the Crimson Tide's first-ever men's finalist for the prestigious award.
The Bowerman is awarded annually to the nation's top male and female collegiate track and field athletes of the year. Online fan voting will open at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, June 30, and close at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. The Bowerman Presentation will take place Thursday, Dec. 17, in Grapevine, Texas, at the annual USTFCCCA Convention.
Samuel Ogazi – The Bowerman Finalist
- Three-time All-American for the 2026 indoor and outdoor seasons
- Defended his outdoor 400-meter national title by setting the NCAA collegiate record, Nigerian national record and Alabama school record with a 43.38 that ranks fourth all-time in world history
- Won the indoor 400-meter national title (44.57)
- Won 400-meter gold at both the SEC Indoor and Outdoor Championships
- Helped Alabama's indoor 4x400-meter relay team to a national runner-up finish and an NCAA Outdoor Championships berth
- Never lost a race in the 2026 championship season, from prelims to quarterfinals to finals
- Holds four of the 10 fastest times ever run in collegiate history
- The only collegiate athlete to run under 44 seconds more than once in a season – accomplishing the feat three times:
- NCAA Outdoor Championships – 43.38
- NCAA East First Round – 43.82
- SEC Outdoor Championships – 43.95
- 2026 SEC Men's Indoor Scholar-Athlete of the Year
The Bowerman – About the Award
- The Bowerman was first awarded in 2009, with the first watchlists announced in 2010
- Only performances from collegiate indoor and outdoor track and field seasons are considered, cross country results are not included
- Joining Ogazi as the men's finalists are Habtom Samuel of New Mexico and Ja'Kobe Tharp of Auburn
