Baseball America's Weekly Honors: Unveiling the 2026 College Baseball Elite
Baseball America's National College Team of the Week is a prestigious recognition, and Week 3's edition is a showcase of raw talent and statistical brilliance.
This weekly honor roll is a comprehensive celebration of baseball excellence, featuring a diverse range of positions and highlighting both offensive and defensive prowess. The criteria? A blend of statistical dominance, the strength of opponents faced, and underlying performance metrics.
Here's a breakdown of the Week 3 stars:
Catcher: Weber Neels (Minnesota) - A veteran presence, Neels dominated Kansas with a .714 batting average, four homers, and nine RBIs in four games. He's a powerhouse at the plate, already with five homers this season.
First Base: Ryan Niedzwiedz (SIUE) - With three homers in Week 3, Niedzwiedz is making a case for the 2026 draft. He had a stellar week, batting .421 with nine RBIs and seven runs scored.
Second Base: Jarren Advincula (Georgia Tech) - Advincula's power surge helped Georgia Tech to a series win. He hit three homers and drove in eight runs, solidifying his status as a top-100 prospect.
Third Base: Temo Becerra (Texas) - Becerra had a breakout weekend, reaching base in over 60% of his plate appearances. He hit three homers and scored eight runs, a new career high.
Shortstop: Jake Schaffner (North Carolina) - Schaffner's hot bat and speed were on full display. He hit .647 with four doubles and four steals, showcasing his all-around talent.
Outfield: Cider Canon (Duke) - Canon's power and plate discipline were impressive. He hit four homers, drew five walks, and stole three bases, making a strong case for more playing time.
Outfield: Drew Detlefsen (UTSA) - Detlefsen's hot start continued in Week 3. He hit three homers, drove in six runs, and scored six times, contributing to UTSA's early success.
Outfield: Will Gasparino (UCLA) - Gasparino's start is turning heads. With 10 homers already, including four in Week 3, he's displaying elite power. His .378 average, despite few singles, is a testament to his impact.
Designated Hitter: Daniel Jackson (Georgia) - Coach Wes Johnson's prediction is coming true. Jackson hit five homers and stole a base in Week 3, showcasing his potential for 20-20 seasons.
Pitchers:
- Michael Sharman (Clemson) - Sharman's complete game masterpiece against South Carolina was a standout performance, allowing just one run and striking out four in a highly efficient outing.
- Mason Edwards (USC) - Edwards' dominance is undeniable. He hasn't allowed a hit since the season's early stages and struck out 11 in Week 3. He's a top lefty contender for the 2026 class.
- Chris Levonas (Wake Forest) - Levonas' 14 strikeouts in six perfect innings were awe-inspiring. He's off to a dominant start as a sophomore.
- Andrew Herrmann (Louisiana) - Herrmann's shutout against a formidable UC San Diego lineup was remarkable. He allowed just one hit and struck out 13, lowering his ERA to 1.33.
Two-Way Player: Caylon Dygert (UT Arlington) - Dygert's 11 strikeouts against No. 9 Arkansas were the stuff of legends. Despite a quiet week at the plate, his pitching performance was too exceptional to ignore.
And there you have it, a team of college baseball's finest in Week 3. But here's where it gets controversial: who would you have picked for the team? Are there any snubs or surprises? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a friendly debate about the game's rising stars!
