Big 12 Announces 2026 Baseball Awards
The league's head coaches have revealed the 2026 All‑Big 12 baseball honors, recognizing the conference’s most impactful student‑athletes across a spectrum of categories.
Landon Hairston of Arizona State was crowned Player of the Year after topping the league in batting average, on‑base percentage, slugging percentage, total bases, hits, and runs, while his all‑around production helped the Sun Devils dominate the schedule.
Maxx Yehl from West Virginia earned Pitcher of the Year honors, posting a 2.10 ERA that was the lowest among all conference arms and anchoring a rotation that consistently limited opponents.
Freshman Enzo Infelise made history as the first Cincinnati player to capture Freshman of the Year, contributing a potent bat that added depth to the Bearcats’ lineup.
Tyce Armstrong of Baylor was selected Newcomer of the Year, having led the Bears in slugging percentage, total bases, RBIs, runs, and home runs while emerging as a key offensive force.
Ashton Johnson from BYU received the Scholar‑Athlete award, reflecting a blend of academic excellence and athletic performance that aligns with the conference’s emphasis on holistic development.
Coach Dan Fitzgerald of Kansas secured Coach of the Year for a second straight season, guiding the Jayhawks to a program‑record 22 conference victories and cementing his place among the league’s most successful mentors.
Overall, 19 athletes earned spots on the All‑Big 12 First Team, a testament to the depth of talent across the league, with Hairston and Yehl receiving unanimous selections from the coaching panel.
Awards Reflect Broader Conference Strength
The recognitions underscore the competitive balance within the Big 12, where programs from Arizona State to West Virginia, Baylor, Cincinnati, BYU, and Kansas continue to produce standout talent on the field and in the classroom.
The conference also highlighted its commitment to academic achievement through the Scholar‑Athlete program, celebrating students who excel both in competition and scholarship.