NEW ORLEANS – Texas State’s Easton Hammond and Southern Miss’ Tyler Nichols have earned recognition as the Sun Belt Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week for their performances over the last week. 

Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Easton Hammond, Texas State
(Sr. | Multi | Belton, Texas) 

Texas State senior Easton Hammond delivered a record-breaking performance in the decathlon at the Bobcat Invitational, claiming first place with 7,823 points. The total set a meet record, facility record and Sun Belt Conference record and ranks No. 1 in the nation. On the track, Hammond placed third in the 100 meters, second in the 400 meters, fifth in the 110-meter hurdles and first in the 1500 meters.

Men’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Tyler Nichols, Southern Miss
(Jr. | Jumps | Clinton, Miss.)

Southern Miss junior Tyler Nichols ranks No. 1 in NCAA DI rankings with his long jump mark of 8.06m/26-5.5 recorded at the Southern Miss Invitational over the weekend. The mark set a new school record, meet record and stadium record. Nichols separated himself as the only individual on the national leaderboard who has surpassed the 8-meter mark this season.

2026 Sun Belt Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Ja’Shaun Lloyd, Texas State
Week 2 – Parker Kinney, App State
Week 3 – Easton Hammond, Texas State

2026 Sun Belt Men’s Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week
Week 1 – Menachem Chen, Arkansas State
Week 2 – Francisco Calhau, ULM
Week 3 – Tyler Nichols, Southern Miss