Dee Kennedy, a junior outfielder from Fort Worth, Texas, was selected to the 2026 All‑Big 12 First Team, a distinction that underscores a season that will be remembered as one of the most prolific offensive campaigns in K‑State history. Kennedy posted a .359 batting average, on‑base percentage of .463 and slugging percentage of .742, while smashing 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases — a rare combination that placed him among the conference’s elite.
His performance earned him semifinalist status for three of the nation’s most prestigious awards: the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award. Kennedy’s 20‑home‑run, 20‑stolen‑base line is a feat that few players in Big 12 annals have matched, highlighting his dual threat as both a power hitter and a baserunner.
Teammate Bear Madliak, the team’s catcher, was recognized with honorable‑mention honors after batting .311 and compiling 13 doubles, nine home runs and 14 multi‑hit games. Madliak also logged 11 contests with multiple RBI and was named a semifinalist for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, cementing his reputation as a defensive stalwart with a potent bat.
A Milestone Matchup
The Wildcats will open the 2026 Big 12 Baseball Championships against Utah, a game that will be streamed live on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio listeners across the region can follow the action on the K‑State Sports Network, which will provide play‑by‑play coverage throughout the tournament.
Both players’ achievements reflect the program’s resurgence under the guidance of the Big 12 Conference and USA Baseball, organizations that have invested heavily in developing collegiate talent. The upcoming contest not only showcases individual excellence but also illustrates the depth of talent emerging from Kansas State’s baseball pipeline.