Indiana's Scott Dolson Named Athletic Director of the Year

Dolson is the first Indiana athletic director to win the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year award.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:06pm

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Indiana University athletic director Scott Dolson has been named the 2026 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in the FBS Division I category. Dolson is the first Indiana athletic director to win the award, which has been given annually to the nation's best athletic directors since 1999.

Why it matters

This honor recognizes Dolson's leadership in guiding Indiana's athletic department through significant changes in college sports, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of NIL, and the evolution of the Transfer Portal. Under Dolson's tenure, Indiana's football program has achieved historic success, winning the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.

The details

Dolson is in his sixth year as Indiana University's Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, having previously served 11 years as the department's Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, Dolson has led the department through an era of unprecedented athletic and academic success, highlighted by the historic ascent of the IU Football program, which recently completed a perfect 16-0 season to capture the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship.

  • Dolson will be recognized on June 9, 2026 at the NACDA Convention in Las Vegas.
  • Dolson was appointed to the NCAA Division I Baseball Selection Committee in early 2024.
  • Dolson recently concluded a two-year term as Chairperson of the Big Ten Athletic Directors Group.

The players

Scott Dolson

Indiana University's Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, who has led the department through an era of unprecedented athletic and academic success.

Curt Cignetti

The architect of the IU Football program's resurgence, hired by Dolson following the 2023 season.

Fernando Mendoza

The IU Football program's first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.

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What’s next

Dolson will be honored on June 9, 2026 in Las Vegas at the NACDA Convention.

The takeaway

Dolson's recognition as the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year highlights his successful leadership in guiding Indiana's athletic department through a period of significant change and achievement, particularly the historic success of the football program under his tenure.