Braylon Mullins, a sophomore guard for the Connecticut Huskies, has been nominated for the 2026 Best Play ESPY Award after his buzzer‑beating shot that eliminated Duke in the NCAA tournament. The highlight, which saw Mullins rise above the defense and release a mid‑air jumper that kissed the glass before dropping in, has drawn national attention and placed him among the contenders for the year’s most electrifying moment.
The ESPY Awards and the voting window
Fans can cast their votes online through the ESPN platform, with the voting window open until July 15. The ESPY Awards, broadcast annually on ESPN since 1993, invite the public to select winners across more than 20 categories, making the fan vote a decisive factor in the final results.
Mullins is not the only athlete with a shot at the honor. OG Anunoby, a key contributor for the New York Knicks, is recognized for a last‑second comeback in the NBA Finals, while Caleb Williams earned a nomination for a game‑tying heave in the NFC Divisional Round. These nominees illustrate the breadth of sports celebrated by the ESPYs, from college basketball to professional football.
Connecticut’s sports legacy
Several nominees share ties to Connecticut, underscoring the state’s deep involvement in national sports narratives. Hilary Knight, who attended Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, is nominated for Best Athlete in women’s sports, while Aerin Frankel, a Bridgeport native, is up for Best Championship Performance. Napheesa Collier, a former UConn star, receives a nod for Best WNBA Player, and Paige Bueckers, another UConn alum, served as a presenter at the 2024 ESPYs.
Looking ahead
The excitement surrounding these nominations reflects a broader cultural moment in which collegiate and professional athletes alike are celebrated for clutch performances that define seasons. As the voting deadline approaches, the buzz on social media and sports forums highlights the communal aspect of the ESPYs, turning a national awards show into a shared experience for fans across the United States.