AAE sophomore Elliot Ryba was one of ten College of Engineering students to receive Academic All-Big Ten accolades for the spring 2026 season, and the only recipient in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering. 

After redshirting his freshman year due to injury, Ryba competed in 11 meets as a high jumper during his sophomore season. In the first of these meets, the 2026 Rod McCravy Memorial Track & Field on January 9-10, he tied for 4th with a jump height of 2.05m. He ended his season with a 2.11m jump in the NCAA Division 1 East First Rounds on May 27-30. His highest jump was recorded at the Spec Towns Invitational on April 9-11, where he placed 3rd with a 2.16m jump. This jump was the highest record of Purdue's high jump team this season.

Athletes receiving Academic All-Big Ten honors must be full-time students at their university for at least 12 months while carrying a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.