MVP Honors
JC Davis capped a breakout year for the Rice Owls by being selected as the 2026 Dell Morgan Award winner and the team's Most Valuable Player. His .330 batting average anchored the lineup, while his 32 double plays topped the conference and placed him among the nation's best at his position.
The Owls finished the campaign with a 35‑24 record, their strongest showing in ten years, and Davis was not the only star. Paul Smith earned Offensive Player of the Year after hitting 13 home runs, driving in 49 runs and posting a .563 slugging percentage, while also drawing 37 walks that highlighted his plate discipline.
On the mound, Tanner Wiggins was recognized as Pitcher of the Year. He logged 83.1 innings with a 4.10 earned‑run average, ranking tenth in the American League for ERA and tying for second in innings pitched, underscoring his durability and effectiveness.
Academic excellence was also celebrated as Ethan Sanders captured the Academic Player of the Year award. In his freshman season he posted a 3.97 ERA while earning conference All‑Freshmen honors, blending on‑field contribution with strong scholarship.
Additional contributors such as Braden Comeaux and Matt Canterino helped shape the roster's depth, ensuring the team could sustain momentum throughout a demanding schedule that included road trips across the United States.