Jake Schaffner, a shortstop for the University of North Carolina, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Brooks Wallace Award, given annually to the nation’s premier collegiate shortstop.
This season he has posted a .362 batting average and a 1.057 OPS, while also pacing the Tar Heels in hits, extra‑base hits, runs scored and stolen bases. Defensively, his .985 fielding percentage and just three errors in 59 games underscore his reliability in the field.
Ceremony and Expectations
The award will be presented on June 13 at Charles Schwab Field as part of the Men’s College World Series, highlighting the culmination of a standout campaign for the Tar Heels.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the award will reflect the growing emphasis on two‑way talent in college baseball. Schaffner’s blend of offensive firepower and steady glove work has positioned him as a leading candidate, though competition remains fierce.
The College Baseball Foundation, which administers the honor, will announce the winner during the series, adding a national spotlight to the event.