Michigan and Nebraska Dominate Big Ten Men’s Gymnastics Weekly Awards

The Big Ten Conference has announced its weekly award winners for men’s gymnastics, with Michigan and Nebraska taking the top honors. Charlie Larson of Michigan has been recognized as the Gymnast of the Week, while teammate Carson Eshleman earned the Event Specialist of the Week title. Sam Rakita of Nebraska was named the Freshman of the Week.

Charlie Larson – Gymnast of the Week

Junior Charlie Larson of Michigan has secured his third Gymnast of the Week award this season. Larson delivered impressive performances at Ohio State, winning both the floor exercise (14.200) and the vault (14.450). He has consistently dominated these events in Michigan’s last three meets. Big Ten Conference

Carson Eshleman – Event Specialist of the Week

Sophomore Carson Eshleman of Michigan claimed his first Event Specialist of the Week award after a stellar performance on the high bar at Ohio State, scoring a 14.600. This score ties the highest in the nation this season. Big Ten Conference

Sam Rakita – Freshman of the Week

Nebraska freshman Sam Rakita earned his first Freshman of the Week honor after achieving a career-high score of 13.850 on the still rings in a win against Illinois. Big Ten Conference

Big Ten Men’s Gymnasts of the Week – 2026

• March 17: Gymnast – Charlie Larson (Michigan), Specialist – Carson Eshleman (Michigan), Freshman – Sam Rakita (Nebraska)
• March 10: Gymnast – Charlie Larson (Michigan), Specialist – Charlie Larson (Michigan), Freshman – Adam Lakomy (Michigan)
• March 2: Gymnast – Preston Ngai (Illinois), Specialist – Parker Thackston (Ohio State), Freshman – Lukas Ross (Ohio State)
• February 17: Gymnast – Alex Nitache (Nebraska), Specialist – Charlie Larson (Michigan), Freshman – Ty Roderiques (Nebraska)
• February 10: Gymnast – Fred Richard (Michigan), Specialist – Chase Mondi (Nebraska), Freshman – Adam Lakomy (Michigan)
• February 3: Gymnast – David Ramirez (Ohio State), Specialist – Jesse Pakele (Ohio State), Freshman – Ricky Perez (Penn State)
• January 27: Gymnast – Charlie Larson (Michigan), Specialist – Matt Underhill (Penn State), Freshman – Shaun Smith (Penn State)
• January 20: Gymnast – Drake Andrews (Ohio State), Specialist – Aaronson Mansberger (Michigan), Freshman – Shaun Smith (Penn State)
• January 13: Gymnast – Matt Underhill (Penn State), Specialist – Aaronson Mansberger (Michigan), Freshman – Eli Osuna (Michigan)

Charlie Larson’s Impressive Career

Charlie Larson has already established himself as a force in collegiate gymnastics. He was an NCAA All-American in 2025 on the floor exercise and a CGA Specialist of the Year nominee. Prior to his collegiate career, Larson was a national champion on floor exercise with the Minnesota men’s club gymnastics team. University of Michigan Athletics, The Michigan Daily

Larson’s journey began at a young age, with a background in trampoline and tumbling, even competing with the U.S. National team. Inside Gymnastics Magazine