Nigerian athlete Nathaniel Ezekiel has been awarded the prestigious 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Outdoor Track & Field National Track Athlete of the Year accolade, capping off an exceptional collegiate season with Baylor University, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The honor was announced by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) following a vote by NCAA coaches on Monday. Ezekiel’s selection marks a historic milestone for Baylor, as he becomes only the second athlete in the university’s history to receive this prestigious award, the first being Olympic gold medallist Jeremy Wariner in 2004.
Hailing from Delta State, Ezekiel delivered a remarkable performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships held in Eugene, Oregon earlier this month, where he clinched the national title in the men’s 400m hurdles with a personal best of 47.49 seconds.
This outstanding run not only secured him the championship gold but also propelled him to third on the all-time collegiate list in the event’s history, solidifying his status as one of the top collegiate hurdlers in the sport.
