2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor Recipients: Cody Simon & Makenna Webster Congrats to these two incredible athletes

The Big Ten Medal of Honor is one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon student-athletes in the conference. Given annually since 1915, it recognizes the top male and female student-athletes for their outstanding performance in athletics, academic achievement, and leadership. The 2025 recipients of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, Cody Simon and Makenna Webster, have made significant strides both on the field and in the classroom, and their achievements reflect the values the award represents. Their dedication to excellence in sports and academics, as well as their leadership qualities, make them exemplary figures in the Big Ten Conference.

Cody Simon: A Force on the Field and in the Classroom

Cody Simon, a linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has established himself as one of the top athletes in the Big Ten during his time in Columbus. Known for his physicality, discipline, and leadership on the football field, Simon has excelled in every aspect of the game. His ability to read plays, his agility in coverage, and his tenacity as a tackler have made him a critical component of the Buckeyes’ defense. However, what makes his achievement even more impressive is his ability to balance the rigorous demands of Division I football with academic excellence.

Athletic Career: Rising to Prominence

Cody Simon’s journey to becoming one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten began long before he donned the scarlet and gray of Ohio State. Hailing from Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, Simon was a highly sought-after recruit. He had already showcased his talents at the high school level, earning accolades for his leadership and performance on the football field. This success was just the beginning of a promising collegiate career.

Simon joined Ohio State in 2020 and quickly made an impact. Over the course of his career, he demonstrated not only his physical skills but also his mental acuity, as he proved himself adept at analyzing offenses and making split-second decisions. Throughout his time with the Buckeyes, Simon was known for his work ethic, his attention to detail, and his commitment to his teammates. He rose to the occasion in some of the most critical games of Ohio State’s seasons, earning praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.

Simon’s career reached new heights during his senior year, as he helped guide Ohio State’s defense to one of the top rankings in the country. His leadership, both on and off the field, helped the Buckeyes remain competitive in the fierce Big Ten conference and contend for national titles. Cody’s ability to execute under pressure, combined with his innate understanding of the game, made him a standout player in a defense full of talent.

Academic Excellence: A Scholar-Athlete

While Simon’s on-field accomplishments are remarkable, his success in the classroom is equally impressive. Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete at one of the premier football programs in the country is no small feat, yet Simon thrived in both domains. He pursued a degree in Business, excelling academically throughout his college career. His time management skills, focus, and ability to prioritize allowed him to not only keep up with his coursework but to excel in it as well.

Simon’s commitment to his academics is a testament to his character and work ethic. He was often seen as a mentor to younger teammates, not just for his football skills, but also for his approach to maintaining academic integrity while managing the pressures of playing for a national powerhouse. Cody’s success as a student-athlete has set a standard for future Buckeyes, demonstrating that success in both athletics and academics is not only possible but highly rewarding.

Leadership and Legacy

Cody Simon’s leadership extended beyond his academic and athletic success. He was a vocal leader in the locker room and served as an example for his teammates through his professionalism, discipline, and commitment to excellence. His leadership was pivotal in fostering a sense of camaraderie and discipline within the team. His coaches and teammates spoke highly of his ability to motivate and elevate those around him, always leading by example.

The Big Ten Medal of Honor is a fitting recognition for Simon’s all-around success as an athlete and a student. His legacy at Ohio State will likely be remembered not just for his athletic accomplishments, but also for his leadership and his ability to balance the demands of being a student-athlete at the highest level.

Makenna Webster: A Champion on the Court and in the Classroom

Makenna Webster, a standout outside hitter for the Purdue Boilermakers, has similarly made an indelible mark on her sport and academic community. As one of the top volleyball players in the Big Ten, Webster has proven herself to be a dynamic force on the court, and her academic achievements further highlight her commitment to excellence. Her well-rounded success in volleyball, academics, and leadership make her an ideal recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor.

Athletic Career: Dominating the Volleyball Court

Makenna Webster’s career at Purdue has been nothing short of extraordinary. A native of Illinois, Webster was already a highly skilled volleyball player before arriving at Purdue, and her growth throughout her college years has been impressive. She became a key player for the Boilermakers early on, earning the respect of her coaches and teammates for her strong athletic ability, her competitive spirit, and her leadership on the court.

Over her time at Purdue, Webster’s reputation as one of the best outside hitters in the country grew. Known for her powerful and accurate attacks, she could dominate opposing defenses and led her team in both kills and points. Her ability to perform in high-pressure situations and deliver consistent results for her team made her a standout player in the Big Ten and across the nation.

Webster’s leadership was crucial for Purdue, both in regular-season play and during postseason tournaments. Her clutch performances in key matches, including crucial Big Ten matchups and NCAA Tournament games, solidified her legacy as one of the most dominant players in recent memory. She earned numerous honors throughout her career, including All-Big Ten selections, and was a key contributor to Purdue’s success on the national stage.

Academic Excellence: Balancing Excellence in the Classroom

Much like Cody Simon, Makenna Webster has also excelled in her academic pursuits. Pursuing a degree in Health and Kinesiology, Webster was able to balance the demanding nature of Division I athletics with the rigors of a challenging academic curriculum. Her academic achievements reflect her disciplined approach to both athletics and education.

Despite the physical and mental demands of being a Division I athlete, Webster remained committed to her academic goals. She consistently maintained a high GPA, earning accolades for her performance in the classroom while also dedicating countless hours to training and competition. Her time management and dedication to academic success, even as one of the top players in the nation, set her apart as a true scholar-athlete.

Leadership and Legacy

Webster’s leadership abilities were evident not only in her play on the court but also in her role as a mentor to younger players. As one of the team captains, she was instrumental in guiding Purdue to success and ensuring that the team maintained focus, unity, and discipline. Her leadership was marked by her strong communication skills, her ability to lead by example, and her unyielding work ethic.

Makenna Webster’s legacy at Purdue will be one of perseverance, excellence, and leadership. She is a role model for future student-athletes, showing that it is possible to excel in both athletics and academics at the highest level. Her receipt of the Big Ten Medal of Honor reflects the profound impact she has had on her sport, her academic community, and the Big Ten Conference as a whole.

The Big Ten Medal of Honor: A Reflection of Excellence

The Big Ten Medal of Honor is a prestigious award that highlights the achievements of student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in both athletics and academics. Cody Simon and Makenna Webster embody the core values of this award. Their dedication, discipline, and leadership in both their respective sports and academic pursuits make them deserving recipients of this honor.

As the 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients, both Simon and Webster serve as examples of what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete. They have not only excelled in their sports but have also shown that academic success and leadership are just as important as athletic performance. Their stories are a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and balance, and they will inspire future generations of Big Ten student-athletes for years to come.

In recognizing Cody Simon and Makenna Webster, the Big Ten Conference continues its tradition of celebrating excellence, not just in athletics, but in every aspect of student-athlete life. As they move forward in their careers, both Simon and Webster will undoubtedly continue to represent the values of the Big Ten and serve as ambassadors for the ideals of hard work, perseverance, and integrity.