The 2026 preseason college football awards have once again placed the Big Ten at the forefront of national conversation, marking the conference’s second straight year of sweeping the major honors.
Player of the Year: Dante Moore
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was selected as the CBS Sports Graphic Player of the Year, a distinction that acknowledges his elite performance despite ranking inside the top ten nationally in several key metrics.
Moore’s decision to remain in college for another season bucks the typical trajectory of top prospects, as he forgoes a projected $50 million guaranteed NFL contract in favor of further development.
Coach of the Year: Dan Lanning
Coach Dan Lanning, who helms the Oregon Ducks, earned the Coach of the Year accolade, reflecting his ability to sustain a program that has posted a top‑two record in the nation for three of the past four seasons.
Despite two consecutive playoff eliminations, Lanning’s team remains a formidable contender, boasting a returning cadre of top pass catchers and a healthy Evan Stewart.
Freshman of the Year: Savion Hiter
Michigan’s running back Savion Hiter was named Freshman of the Year, a nod to his status as the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2026 recruiting class and his potential to anchor the Wolverines’ ground game.
His emergence comes as the Wolverines’ offense welcomes new coordinator Jason Beck, whose 2025 Utah scheme ranked second nationally in rushing yards per game, promising ample opportunities for Hiter to shine.
The backfield will also feature Jordan Marshall and Bryce Underwood, giving Hiter multiple options and a dynamic environment to exploit his elite athleticism and vision.
Across the conference, the Big Ten’s dominance in preseason honors underscores its depth, yet the ultimate test will be whether these accolades translate into playoff triumphs against traditional powerhouses.