One of the most prestigious conference awards in college athletics, the Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."

The 14 institutions of the Big Ten feature over 10,000 student-athletes, more than any other conference, and only 28 of those individuals are recognized each year with the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

In the nearly 100 years of the Medal of Honor, just over 1,300 student-athletes have earned this distinction.

[1] The medal features the Latin phrase Mens fervida in corpore lacertoso ("a fervent mind in a vigorous body") on one side and the student's name and the phrase For Scholarship and Athletic Prowess on the reverse side.

The Big Ten Medal of Honor has been awarded to numerous decorated athletes[3][4][5] who achieved success after college both in athletics and beyond, including: Whitehead