The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced that Daniel Jackson, a University of Georgia catcher, has been named the 2026 Dick Howser Trophy winner, recognizing him as the nation's top Division I baseball player. The award, often compared to the Heisman Trophy, celebrates outstanding performance, leadership, moral character and courage on the field.
A Season of Milestones
Jackson capped a breakout year with a .396 batting average, 31 home runs, 86 RBIs and 26 stolen bases, placing him among the top five hitters nationally in five offensive categories. His 30‑home‑run, 25‑steal combination marks the first time in NCAA Division I history a catcher has achieved those numbers in a single season, cementing his place in college baseball lore.
Family, Coaches, and Teammates
The catcher’s success is rooted in a strong support network. His father, Dan Jackson, has attended every game, while his stepmother, Brandi Jackson, and sister, Alex Jackson, have been constant sources of encouragement. Coach Wes Johnson and the entire Georgia staff have guided his development, and teammates such as Kolby Branch and Justin Byrd have provided on‑field camaraderie, exemplified when Byrd leapt into Jackson’s arms after a super‑regional clinching win.
The Road to Omaha
Jackson’s heroics helped the Bulldogs secure their first-ever SEC tournament title, building on a regular‑season crown that marked the program’s first since 2008. The team will open the College World Series against Texas, with the game slated for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast on ESPN. The Bulldogs’ journey to Omaha reflects a resurgence that has energized fans across the Southeast.
Award Landscape
In addition to the Dick Howser Trophy, Jackson is a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the premier amateur player honor. Fan voting will determine the Golden Spikes winner, with voting open through June 28 at GoldenSpikesAward.com. The College Baseball Foundation will announce the recipients of seven awards, including the Posey and Bragan Awards, on Saturday, June 13, during a press conference at the CWS at 12:30 p.m. CT. The Golden Spikes Award recipient will be revealed on Monday, June 29, live on MLB Network at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The significance of Jackson’s achievement extends beyond personal accolades. As the second Georgia player in three seasons to win the Dick Howser Trophy, his story underscores the program’s rising prominence and the deep connections between athletes, families and coaches that shape college baseball’s future.