FAIRFAX, VA — The EDU Ledger will release its annual Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars special report edition on June 4.
After a thorough review of this year’s submissions, by institution and by conference, the group below stood out among the rest. We looked at each group based on the following qualitative measures: community service, academic performance, athletic distinction, and consistency. These institutions and conferences stand out for sustained, systemic excellence and serve as benchmarks for collegiate achievement.
Top Six Schools (in alphabetical order):
- Alabama State University
- Brigham Young University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Morgan State University
- University of California, Merced
- University of Cincinnati
Top Six Conferences (in alphabetical order):
- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
- Big Ten Conference
- Big 12 Conference
- Centennial Conference
- Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
The edition is part of our decades-long tradition of recognizing outstanding young men and women who have distinguished themselves in their academic and athletic pursuits. In addition to their athletic ability, those named 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. Over 900 scholar-athletes have been nominated, and one male and one female athlete will be selected as Sports Scholar of the Year.
The Male and Female Sports Scholar of the Year will be announced prior to the June 4 edition.
