Virginia Track and Field Stars Jeremiah Nubbe and Liam Paneque Earn ACC Weekly Honors
The Atlantic Coast Conference has recognized two standout performers from the University of Virginia men’s track and field team for their dominant displays at the Duke Invitational. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the ACC announced that Jeremiah Nubbe and Liam Paneque have earned weekly honors following their impressive results in Durham, N.C.
Jeremiah Nubbe Dominates the Hammer Throw
Jeremiah Nubbe, a senior from Yelm, Wash., has been named the ACC Men’s Field Athlete of the Week. Nubbe secured victory in the men’s hammer throw at the Duke Invitational, winning the event on his penultimate attempt with a mark of 70.11m (230-0).
Nubbe’s performance at the invitational maintains his position as a top contender in the region and the country. His season best stands at 72.64m (238-4), achieved during the 2026 Raleigh Relays. This mark currently ranks him No. 1 in the ACC and No. 4 in the NCAA for the current season.
Liam Paneque Makes a Freshman Impact
Freshman Liam Paneque, hailing from Demarest, N.J., earned ACC Men’s Freshman of the Week honors. Paneque utilized his first trip down the runway in two different events to record significant personal bests:
- Long Jump: He jumped 7.36m (24-1.75) on his first attempt to finish fourth overall. This performance makes him the No. 2 freshman in program history for the long jump.
- Triple Jump: He recorded a leap of 14.50m (47-4) with a +0.6 wind on his first attempt, finishing 10th overall.
Cavaliers’ Continued Success in the Outdoor Season
Nubbe and Paneque are the latest athletes to bring accolades to the University of Virginia. They are the fourth and fifth Cavaliers to receive ACC weekly honors during this outdoor season, joining teammates Will Daley, Charlotta Sandkulla, and Kendric Curry.
Key Takeaways: ACC Honors Summary
| Athlete | Award | Key Achievement | Rank/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Nubbe | Men’s Field Athlete of the Week | Won Hammer Throw (70.11m) | No. 1 in ACC / No. 4 in NCAA |
| Liam Paneque | Men’s Freshman of the Week | 4th in Long Jump (7.36m) | No. 2 Freshman in UVA history (LJ) |
Looking Ahead
With Nubbe leading the conference in the hammer throw and Paneque establishing himself as one of the top freshmen in program history, the Virginia men’s track and field team continues to build momentum as they move through the 2026 outdoor season. Their consistent performances at events like the Duke Invitational position the Cavaliers as strong contenders in the upcoming ACC championships.