Three men were named finalists for the 2016 Bowerman Award, the USTFCCCA announced today. The three individuals eligible for the most prestigious award in collegiate track and field are Oregon's Edward Cheserek, Texas A&M's Donavan Brazier and Arkansas' Jarrion Lawson. 

This makes Cheserek a three-time finalist for the award. In 2016, he made history by winning three titles in the 5000m, distance medley relay and 3000m at the indoor championship. Namely, Cheserek anchored the Ducks' relay less than 30 minutes after winning the 5000m and split 3:52 for 1600m. His dominance continued into the outdoor season where he won titles in the 10,000m (his third straight) and 5000m.

Only a freshman, Brazier won the outdoor 800m crown in 1:43.55, breaking Jim Ryun's collegiate and American junior record. The mark makes him the eighth-fastest American all-time and the seventh-fastest junior on the world all-time list. This week, Brazier announced he will be forgoing his remaining eligibility at Texas A&M to turn professional. He will compete at the U.S. Junior Championships and the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Lawson also etched his name into history books with his NCAA outdoor victories in the 100m, 200m and long jump. The last time that feat was accomplished? The one and only Jesse Owens in 1936. Lawson scored 31.5 points by himself (his 4x100m relay team placed third) at the outdoor championships and also won the long jump at the indoor championships.

The voters did not go with FloTrack's preferences. Earlier this week, Dennis, Adam, and Gordon all agreed that the three men's finalists should be Lawson, Cheserek, and Akron's Clayton Murphy.

Yesterday, Courtney Okolo of Texas, Keturah Orji of Georgia and Raven Saunders of Mississippi were named women's finalists.

The Bowerman Award winners will be announced in December.