Former Hoosiers Pat Coogan and Omar Cooper Jr. Named Grand Marshalls of Big 10K in Chicago

Big Ten Conference Release

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Big Ten Network today announced Pat Coogan and Omar Cooper Jr., members of the 2026 CFP National Champion Indiana Hoosiers and 2026 NFL draftees, as the Grand Marshals of the 2026 BTN Big 10K.

The 15th annual BTN Big 10K returns to Soldier Field on Saturday, July 11, where the in-person 10K and 5K races are approaching a sellout for the second consecutive year. The top five male and female 10K finishers overall will receive a cash prize.

Coogan was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft following his senior season with the Hoosiers in 2025. While with Indiana, Coogan started all 16 games at center and earned All-Big Ten Second Team accolades. During Indiana’s championship run, Coogan was named the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, becoming the first offensive lineman to earn the honor since 1944.

Cooper, a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, played four seasons at Indiana (2022-25), totaling 1,798 career receiving yards and scoring 24 career touchdowns. Throughout Indiana’s championship 2025 season, Cooper earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors, tallying 937 receiving yards and notching 13 receiving touchdowns.

BTN Big 10K post-race festivities will include food and beverages, music, games, giveaways and photo opportunities with Big Ten mascots and cheerleaders. The Chicago-based Big Ten Alumni chapters will also be on hand to give away school-specific swag to their fans and alumni.

The official charity partner for the 2026 BTN Big 10K is Special Children’s Charities. Founded in 1969, Special Children’s Charities develops and funds a wide range of recreational, educational and social activities that encourage physical and mental health for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To register for the race and learn more about the event, visit btnbig10K.com.