A Rising Star in the Making
Vahn Lackey, a junior catcher hailing from Suwanee, Georgia, has been selected as one of the semifinalists for the 2026 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, a honor that underscores his rapid ascent in the college baseball landscape.
The accolade comes on the heels of his recent designation as the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his arm strength, game‑calling acumen and the 8.97 defensive runs saved he posted this season, which included six caught stealings and five back‑pick outs.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Lackey has been the offensive engine for the Yellow Jackets, leading a lineup that boasts the most potent offense in the BBCOR era, posting a .518 on‑base percentage and a .747 slugging percentage that rank among the program’s elite.
His statistical dominance is reflected in career highs across the board — a .402 batting average, 72 runs, 78 hits, 16 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs and 69 RBI — numbers that place him one RBI shy of joining an exclusive club of catchers to achieve a 70‑run/70‑RBI season.
Georgia Tech, riding the momentum of back‑to‑back ACC Championship victories, enters the upcoming ACC Tournament with a double‑by, positioning them to make a deep run; their first test will be a single‑elimination match at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina, against either Virginia, NC State or Duke.
The tournament’s single‑elimination format, held at the historic Truist Field, will test the Yellow Jackets’ depth, but Lackey’s all‑around skill set and the team’s 4.36 conference ERA suggest they remain a formidable contender.