Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

NCAA Theodore Roosvelt Honors Award
Theodore Roosevelt Portrait

The Theodore Roosevelt Award, also known as "The Teddy," is the highest honor the NCAA may confer on an individual. Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, whose concern for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics led to the formation of the NCAA in 1906, this award is presented annually to a distinguished citizen of national reputation and outstanding accomplishment. Recipients must have graduated from an NCAA member institution, earned a varsity athletics award, or participated in competitive intercollegiate athletics, and exemplify the ideals of collegiate athletics.

2026 Theodore Roosevelt Award Winner: Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo, the posthumous recipient of the 2026 Theodore Roosevelt Award, spent countless hours and resources to better the lives of others through the avenues of basketball, health care and education.

Read more about Dikembe Mutombo.

Theodore Roosevelt Award Recipients

Visit the NCAA Award Honoree Database for a complete list of past award winners.

Award Honoree Database

Nominations

Nominations Closed

Additional questions? Contact Us