Chambana Sun

Jackson Buchanan of Illinois has been named the recipient of the 2025 Byron Nelson Award by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). The award presentation took place this evening at TPC Craig Ranch. Buchanan is the first golfer from Illinois to receive this award, which has been given annually since 2002.

"Winning the Byron Nelson Award is a dream come true, and I am so grateful to be considered a worthy recipient," said Buchanan. "Seeing my name mentioned alongside Mr. Nelson's is an incredible honor and a powerful reminder of the impact he made on the world."

Currently ranked ninth in the PGA TOUR University Ranking and 15th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Buchanan has shown consistent improvement throughout his collegiate career. Starting with a scoring average of 72.84 as a freshman, he has achieved a current average of 70.86 through 36 rounds as a senior. He began his season being listed on his second Big Ten Golfers to Watch list, winning the Fallen Oak Collegiate recently, marking his fourth college victory. Buchanan has been the leading finisher for Illinois in six of their 12 tournaments this season. His accolades include being the 2024 U.S. Amateur Semifinalist, 2025 Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient, and earning various titles such as the 2024 Co-Big Ten Golfer of the Year.

Buchanan is set to graduate next month with a degree in Business: Operations Management, holding a 3.63 GPA. He has been recognized as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar for 2023-24. His academic achievements also include being twice named a GCAA All-America Scholar.

Buchanan has been active in community service, working with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and contributing through various charitable activities. His efforts have included packing food items, building boxes, and working in food distribution, impacting local communities like Bloomington, Illinois. Additionally, he has participated in mental health awareness initiatives and volunteered with junior golf programs in Georgia.

"I am so proud of everything that Jackson has accomplished during his time at the University of Illinois, and for him to be honored as the recipient of the Byron Nelson Award is so incredibly special," Illinois Head Coach Mike Small said. "Jackson's high-level success at all areas of the student-athlete experience are a true representation of both this award, and of Byron Nelson's legacy."

Buchanan's recognition is rooted in his academic, athletic, and community contributions, aligning with the essence of the Byron Nelson Award. Buchanan emphasized the broader significance of his achievements, stating, "It is about far more than success on the golf course, but using the platform afforded by this great game to make a difference in the world around us."

The Byron Nelson Award honors a graduating senior who excels academically, athletically, and in community engagement. Previous honorees have come from a wide range of prestigious college golf programs.