Ajayi Drops Out of Bowerman Top 10, Ogazi Stays, Nnamdi Joins Race
The United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has released its latest update to the 2026 Bowerman Men’s Watch List, and Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi is a notable absentee from the top 10.
Ajayi, who was named to the list in March, had claimed his first national title earlier this season by winning the men’s 60m dash in 6.45 seconds, equaling the collegiate record he tied at the SEC Championships.
The Auburn standout became the school’s first sprinter to win a national crown since 1997. He also owns three NCAA titles as part of Auburn’s gold medal 4x100m relay teams in 2024 and 2025.
However, Ajayi’s failure to qualify for the 100m final at the SEC meet last week saw him slip out of the top 10, though he remains among six athletes still receiving votes.
Joining the conversation is Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi, who enters the NCAA postseason on a three-meet win streak in the javelin.
The Texas A&M star, hailing from Awka, Nigeria, threw 81.20m to win the SEC Championships in Auburn, Alabama. Earlier in April, he launched 84.68m at the Tom Jones Memorial, moving up to No. 4 in collegiate history.
Nnamdi’s rise has put him firmly in contention, though he must improve by nearly two meters to break into the top three.
Meanwhile, Samuel Ogazi continues to solidify his Bowerman credentials. The Alabama standout avenged his only loss of the season by winning the 400m at the SEC Championships in 43.95 seconds, moving up to No. 5 in collegiate history.
Coupled with his earlier 44.02 mark, Ogazi is now the only athlete in collegiate history with two outdoor performances of 44.05 or better.
During the indoor season, Ogazi captured the NCAA 400m title in 44.57, equaling the recognized world record and tying for third in world history. His consistency ensures he remains firmly in the Bowerman top 10.
