Seven Big Ten names up for ESPY Award on July 16

Who was the best male college athlete from the 2014 sports year? How about the best male U.S. Olympian? Those are just two of the six categories in which a current or former Big Ten athlete is nominated for at this year's ESPY Awards on July 16 at the Nokia Theatre L.A.

The award show gathers top athletes from around the world to commemorate the past year in sports.

This year, there are seven current or former Big Ten athletes who are up for awards. Here is a look at the list.

BEST NFL PLAYER: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Big Ten School: Wisconsin
Competition: Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs), Luke Kuechly (Carolina Panthers), Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos), LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles)

***

BEST MALE COLLEGE ATHLETE: David Taylor, Wrestling
Big Ten School: Penn State
Competition: Johnny Gaudreau (Boston College), Doug McDermott (Creighton), Lyle Thompson (Albany), Jameis Winston (Florida State)

***

BEST FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETE (2): Taylor Cummings, Lacrosse & Micha Hancock, Volleyball
Big Ten School(s): Cummings, Maryland; Hancock, Penn State
Competition: Morgan Brian (Virginia), Hannah Rogers (Florida), Breanna Stewart (UConn)

***

BEST MALE U.S. OLYMPIAN: Charlie White, Figure Skating
Big Ten School: Michigan
Competition: Joss Christensen (Freestyle Skiing), Sage Kotsenburg (Snowboarding), Ted Ligety (Alpine Skiing), David Wise (Freestyle Skiing)

***

BEST MALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY: Raymond Martin, Wheelchair Racing
Big Ten School: Illinois
Competition: Mark Bathum (Alpine Skiing), Declan Farmer (Sled Hockey), Mike Shea (Snowboarding), Evan Strong (Snowboarding)

***

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY: Tatyna McFadden, Sit-Skier / Wheelchair Racing
Big Ten School: Illinois
Competition: Minda Dentler (Triathlete), Oksana Masters (Sit-Skier), Laurie Stephens (Apline Monoskier), Jamie Whitmore (Cyclist)