Auburn junior Jackson Koivun has rewritten the Southeastern Conference (SEC) record books. On May 7, 2026, the league named Koivun the SEC Player of the Year for the third consecutive season. Consequently, he became the first player in history to win the award three times. This achievement cements his status as one of the greatest collegiate golfers ever.
A Historic Three-Peat
Koivun’s dominance began the moment he arrived on campus. He secured the award as a freshman in 2024 and followed it with another win in 2025. Now, his third trophy proves his incredible consistency. While some reports mistakenly label him as Finnish, Koivun is actually a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Born in San Jose, California, he has represented Team USA in several international competitions, including the Walker Cup.
Furthermore, Koivun’s statistics this season are staggering. He currently averages 67.88 strokes per round, shattering the program record he set last year. In fact, he has won six of his last eight starts. His resume now includes 11 career victories and a remarkable 32 top-10 finishes in just 37 starts.
Leading the Top-Ranked Tigers
Koivun’s leadership has kept Auburn at the top of the national rankings. The Tigers recently earned eight SEC postseason awards, highlighting the program’s depth. For example, teammate Jake Albert took home Freshman of the Year honors. Additionally, Josiah Gilbert joined Koivun on the All-SEC First Team.
This team culture pushes every player to strive for excellence. Coach Nick Clinard has built a powerhouse around Koivun’s tenacity. “Jackson doesn’t just play to win,” one teammate noted. “He plays to dominate every single hole.” This mindset has inspired the entire roster to maintain their No. 1 ranking heading into the postseason.
A Rising Professional Force
The golfing world is eagerly watching Koivun’s next steps. Last year, he earned enough points through the PGA Tour University Accelerated program to secure his pro card. However, he chose to return to Auburn for his junior year to chase more history.
With exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Open and The Open Championship, his professional journey is already underway. He has already made several cuts on the PGA Tour as an amateur. Clearly, Koivun possesses the skill and resilience to make a massive impact at the next level. For now, he remains focused on leading the Tigers through the NCAA Regionals in Athens.