Daniel Jackson, a junior catcher for the University of Georgia, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Baseball America College Player of the Year, placing him among the most elite candidates in the nation.
A Historic Season
Jackson stands out as one of only six players in NCAA Division I history to have recorded at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in a single season, underscoring the rarity of his all‑around production.
This year he is batting .391 with 27 home runs, 79 runs batted in and 25 stolen bases, positioning him within the top five nationally across five offensive categories.
Accolades and Team Triumphs
Beyond the player of the year conversation, Jackson also earned semifinalist status for the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, highlighting his defensive excellence as well as his bat.
His performance helped the Bulldogs capture both the SEC Tournament title and the regular‑season championship, marking the program’s first-ever SEC tournament victory and ending an 18‑year wait for a regular‑season crown.
National Seed and Regional Outlook
Georgia enters the postseason as the No. 3 national seed and will host the Athens Regional at Foley Field, beginning Friday, with high expectations for a deep run.