Utah's own Ashton Johnson and Arizona native Ezra McNaughton have been recognized among the elite of the Big 12 for the 2026 baseball season.
All-Big 12 Honors
Johnson, a senior from Holladay, earned a spot on the conference's Second Team while also being celebrated as the Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year, highlighting his dual commitment on the diamond and in the classroom.
The scholar-athlete award, which acknowledges excellence in academics, community service and leadership, underscores Johnson's 3.80 cumulative GPA as a neuroscience major and his extensive volunteer work with the KIND Fund and Mac’s Gift Children’s Cancer Foundation.
On the field, Johnson brings a 6-5 record and seven saves over two seasons, a career ERA of 3.73 and 74 strikeouts in 94 innings, numbers that helped him secure a place on the Starting Nine for the Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy.
McNaughton, a sophomore who transferred from Mesa, Arizona, led the Cougars' offense with a .342 batting average, topping the team in hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, total bases and slugging percentage.
His defensive contributions were equally notable, posting 203 putouts, seven assists and participating in 22 double plays, while his overall performance placed him within the top ten in the Big 12 for several key statistics.
Impact and Outlook
Both players' achievements reflect the growing strength of BYU Athletics within the conference, a development that the university's athletic department and the Big 12 leadership have praised.
The Cougars' coaching staff highlighted how Johnson's academic discipline and McNaughton's offensive firepower complement each other, creating a balanced lineup that is competitive against traditional powerhouses.
Beyond the stats, Johnson's involvement in community initiatives, including youth outreach programs and cancer-research fundraisers, has made a tangible impact in local schools and hospitals.
McNaughton, meanwhile, has expressed a desire to mentor younger teammates, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community that supported his rise.