Baseball America's Weekly Honors: Unveiling the 2026 College Baseball Stars
Baseball America's National College Team of the Week is where legends are born, and Week 3 did not disappoint. The stage is set for the top college baseball players to showcase their skills, and this week's lineup is a testament to the sport's rising talent. Let's dive into the players who dominated the diamond and left their mark on the game.
Catcher: Weber Neels from Minnesota had a week to remember, batting .714 with four homers and nine RBIs in a four-game series. Neels, a senior leader, is making a strong case for being one of the best catchers in the Big Ten.
First Base: Ryan Niedzwiedz of SIUE is a power-hitting sensation, adding three more homers to his tally in Week 3. He's eligible for the 2026 draft, and scouts will surely take notice of his impressive start.
Second Base: Jarren Advincula, a Georgia Tech standout, showcased his prowess with three homers and eight RBIs. He's a top prospect for the upcoming draft, and his performance is turning heads.
Third Base: Temo Becerra of Texas had a scorching weekend, reaching base safely in most of his plate appearances and hitting three homers. His offensive explosion set a new career high.
Shortstop: Jake Schaffner, a North Carolina transfer, had a breakout week, batting .647 with four extra-base hits and four steals. Schaffner's minimal strikeouts this season highlight his impressive plate discipline.
Outfield: Cider Canon of Duke was a force at the plate, hitting four homers and drawing walks. His ability to combine power with discipline is a rare skill.
Outfield: Drew Detlefsen is a key contributor to UTSA's success, and he continued his hot streak in Week 3. His power and consistency have him ranked highly in the American Conference.
Outfield: Will Gasparino, the UCLA center fielder, is on an extraordinary tear. With 10 homers already, including four in Week 3, he's redefining hot starts. Gasparino's transformation from a power-chasing profile to a more disciplined approach is intriguing and could impact his draft stock.
Designated Hitter: Daniel Jackson, Georgia's breakout star, lived up to his preseason hype. He hit five homers and stole a base in Week 3, showcasing his all-around talent. Coach Johnson's prediction of a 20-20 season is looking more and more feasible.
Pitchers:
- Michael Sharman of Clemson delivered a gem, pitching a complete game with just 78 pitches. His efficiency and control are remarkable, and he's become a strikeout artist.
- Mason Edwards, the USC lefty, is on a historic run, not allowing a hit in 18 innings. His dominance is setting him up as a top left-handed pitcher in the 2026 class.
- Chris Levonas, a Wake Forest sophomore, dominated Loyola Marymount with a career-high 14 strikeouts. He's off to a stellar start, striking out batters at an elite rate.
- Andrew Herrmann of Louisiana authored a masterpiece, shutting down a potent UC San Diego lineup. His shutout performance lowered his ERA significantly.
Two-Way Player: Caylon Dygert, a UT Arlington pitcher, was untouchable against No. 9 Arkansas, striking out 11 and allowing no earned runs. His two-way abilities make him a unique talent.
And here's where it gets intriguing: With such standout performances, who do you think will be the breakout stars of the 2026 college baseball season? Are there any players you believe were snubbed from this list? The debate is open, and your opinions matter!
