Ogazi Tops Becton’s Bowerman Finalist List, Ajayi Holds Outside Chance

The 10 men’s semifinalists for the prestigious Bowerman Award have been announced, and NCAA analyst and journalist Stan Becton has weighed in on who should advance to the top-three finalist stage.

His breakdown highlights three athletes whose record-setting seasons have set them apart from the rest of the field.

Alabama’s Samuel Ogazi headlines the list after a dominant campaign in the 400m.

Ogazi swept the NCAA titles in 2026, going back-to-back outdoors, and shattered Michael Norman’s collegiate record with a blistering 43.38-second lap.

His consistency, with multiple sub-44 performances and the No. 3 all-time indoor mark at 44.57, makes him a clear favorite to advance as a finalist.

New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel also stands out after winning three of four NCAA distance finals this season.

Despite a disqualification in the indoor 3000 meters, Samuel set collegiate records in the indoor two-mile (8:11.47) and reset the outdoor 5K record twice.

His dominance across multiple events positions him as a strong contender for the award.

Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp etched his name in history by setting a world record in the 110m hurdles.

Tharp completed a rare two-year sweep of both indoor and outdoor hurdles titles, joining elite company alongside Grant Holloway and Terrence Trammell.

As a returning Bowerman finalist, his resume is among the most compelling in the field.

While the spotlight shines on Ogazi, Samuel, and Tharp, Auburn’s Kayinsola Ajayi remains an outside contender.

Ajayi posted the No. 2 wind-legal 100m time at 9.84 seconds and an all-conditions 9.72 (+2.2), while also contributing to a collegiate record-setting 4×100 relay.

His electrifying performances thrilled fans, but without an outdoor record to his name, Becton suggests Ajayi may fall just short of finalist status.

The Bowerman, track and field’s highest honor, will announce its three men’s finalists on June 30.