The Legacy of the Wallace Award
Dylan Carey, a standout shortstop from the University of Nebraska, has earned a spot among the finalists for the 2026 Brooks Wallace Award, the accolade that crowns the nation’s premier collegiate shortstop. The announcement will take place at Charles Schwab Field on June 13, drawing attention from across the college baseball community.
Carey’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. At the plate he posted a .353 batting average, launching 15 home runs and driving in 65 runs, while his glove work was equally impressive, allowing just four errors in 216 defensive chances and posting a .981 fielding percentage.
What sets Carey apart is the combination of offensive power and defensive reliability that mirrors the standards set by previous Wallace Award winners. His season ranks among the most productive individual performances in Nebraska baseball history, underscoring the program’s resurgence on the national stage.
The award itself carries a storied legacy, named after Brooks Wallace, a Hall of Fame shortstop whose name has become synonymous with excellence at the position. The selection panel includes veteran evaluator Roch Cholowsky, who helps oversee the final voting process.
As the June ceremony approaches, the conversation centers on how Carey’s recognition reflects broader trends in college baseball, from the increasing emphasis on all‑around talent to the growing visibility of Midwestern programs on the championship circuit.