The Drake Group Education Fund annually recognizes the print, video, or multimedia work of a graduate or undergraduate college student journalist or team of student journalists for investigative reporting on intercollegiate athletics. Student journalists across the country are invited to submit their best investigative work for the 2026 Student Journalism Prize for Investigative Reporting on
Intercollegiate Athletics, presented by The Ohio State University’s Sports and Society Initiative (SSI) in partnership with The Drake Group Education Fund.
The annual prize celebrates undergraduate and graduate student journalists who ask tough questions, dig deep, and hold powerful institutions accountable in college sports. Eligible submissions may include print, video, or multimedia projects that explore issues such as student-athlete welfare, the economics of college athletics, academic integrity, ethical conduct, gender and racial equity, whistleblower experiences, or other stories that deserve greater public attention.

Read Full Announcement in a Word Document Here

READ THE WINNING REPORTS:

First Place Winners from Indiana University and the Indiana Daily Student:

Could Big Ten schools use NIL deals to circumvent salary cap?

By Mia Hilkowitz, Nathan Shriberg, Savannah Slone, Kasey Watkins

Second Place Winner from the University of Missouri and the Columbia Missourian:

Missed Opportunities: MU International Athletes Face NIL Restrictions Other Athletes Don’t

By Jacob Tukker

Third Place Winners from the University of Washington and The Daily:

 Washington Gymnastics Suffers From Dangerously Insufficient Facilities

By Jared Tucker, Leah Downing