The Lantern was recently recognized with four Mark of Excellence Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists. These awards consider all college newspapers in Ohio, Michigan, Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The Lantern's Kevin Stankiewicz won first place in Sports Writing for Review of Big Ten athletic contracts finds team performance valued more than academic performance. In addition, The Lantern was recognized as a finalist in second place in Breaking News, specifically Breaking News: Ohio State community shaken following violent attack on campus and Best All-Around Television Newscast for Race to the Presidency - 2016 Election Special. Lantern TV also won third place in Television Breaking News Reporting for its coverage of the Ohio State campus stabbing. 

In addition, The Lantern recieved five awards from the Ohio Newspaper Association. The Lantern's website won first place; its Arts and Entertainment coverage and Sports coverage won second place; and its Opinion Writing and Design won third place.