Iowa’s 2026 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Winners
The Big Ten Conference has revealed its 2026 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award recipients, naming former Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski and former Hawkeyes guard Taylor McCabe as the honorees. The award, established in 2003, recognizes student‑athletes who excel in ethical behavior, maintain good academic standing and contribute positively beyond competition.
Gronowski’s impact on the Hawkeyes’ offense was nothing short of historic. In the 2025 season he set a new program record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, finishing with 16 scores on the ground, and added 545 rushing yards that helped shape a dynamic attack. His versatility shone when he became the first Iowa player to score a rushing, receiving and passing touchdown in a single game, a feat that underscored his all‑purpose skill set.
A Record‑Setting Streak
Perhaps the most astonishing statistic came from his consistency: Gronowski recorded a rushing touchdown in eleven consecutive games, the longest such streak ever logged by a Big Ten quarterback. That run of productivity contributed to a total offensive output of 2,286 yards — 1,741 through the air and 545 on the ground — positioning him among the conference’s most prolific dual‑threat players.
Academic and Athletic Accolades
Beyond the stat sheet, Gronowski earned multiple honors that reflected his commitment to excellence. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, selected as a CSC Academic All‑District honoree and named the ReliaQuest Bowl Game Most Valuable Player. The same season he captured the Roy Carver Most Valuable Player award, the Hayden Fry team award on offense and earned permanent team captain status.
Basketball Career and Future Plans
Taylor McCabe, a three‑time letterwinner for Iowa’s women’s basketball program, also received recognition for her sportsmanship and academic achievements. Over her collegiate career she amassed 561 points, 183 rebounds, 113 assists and 38 steals, while shooting a career‑best .407 from three‑point range — tied for the best percentage in school history. Her 172 made three‑pointers place her among the top ten all‑time leaders in the program.
McCabe’s dedication to scholarship was evident in her graduation with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a foundation she will build upon as she begins a master’s program in structural engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Her blend of athletic performance, academic rigor and community involvement exemplifies the qualities the Big Ten seeks to celebrate.
A Tradition of Integrity
The conference’s longstanding emphasis on sportsmanship, ethical conduct and citizenship remains a guiding principle for its members. By honoring Gronowski and McCabe, the Big Ten not only acknowledges their personal achievements but also reinforces a culture where success is measured by character as much as by competition.