The U.S. Rhodes Scholars for 2026 were announced by Dr. Ramona L. Doyle, with 32 students set to begin postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2026. The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1903, is considered one of the most prestigious international awards for American graduates. This year, approximately 2,800 students applied, with selection based on academic excellence, character, and leadership.
The new scholars hail from 22 distinct universities, including three—Colby College, Rutgers University, and George Washington University—that hadn’t had a Rhodes Scholar in over 25 years. Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the U.S. Military Academy each produced three scholars this year.
The class showcases diverse talents and backgrounds, including musicians, athletes, and researchers. Some notable scholars include:
- Nicholas G. Sange (Brown University): Plans to study political science after interning in legislative roles and engaging in artistic projects.
- Esmeralda Abloh Jerez (Dartmouth College): Will pursue a master’s degree, focusing on patient outcomes while working at Pfizer.
- Alice L. Hall (MIT): Aiming for a D.Phil. in Engineering Science, she has served as student body president and is on the basketball team.
- Robert J. Miller (U.S. Air Force Academy): Focuses on neuroprosthetics and plans to study Engineering Science.
This diverse cohort also includes Sydney Barta (Stanford), Hadi Kamara (Princeton), and Dorian Kaiser (Montana State University), each with unique academic interests and notable extracurricular achievements.
