The collegiate baseball world turned its spotlight on Athens, Georgia, as Daniel Jackson was announced as the 2026 Division I National Position Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sporting Goods.
A Season for the Ages
Jackson’s name appeared on a litany of accolades, from the Dick Howser Trophy to the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award and the Bobby Bragan Slugger Award. He became the third player in Division I history and the first catcher to reach at least 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in a single season, while also topping the nation in total bases (212) and runs scored (88).
The Bulldogs leaned on Jackson’s production to set a school record with 53 wins and to secure a tie for third at the College World Series. For the first time since 2008, Georgia captured the SEC regular‑season title, won its inaugural SEC Tournament championship and rode a wave of offensive firepower that produced 179 home runs, 1,405 total bases, 611 runs and 583 RBI — all school bests.
Jackson’s brilliance extended beyond the diamond. He was named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the honor given to the nation’s top amateur player who demonstrates exceptional ability, sportsmanship and character. Fans can cast their votes on GoldenSpikesAward.com through June 28, with the award presentation slated for June 29 on MLB Network.
The significance of Jackson’s achievement resonates through Georgia’s baseball lineage. He is the first Bulldog to earn the ABCA/Rawlings National Position Player honor since the award’s inception in 1988, joining a select group of previous winners such as Charlie Condon, who captured the Golden Spikes Award in 2024. The recognition underscores a resurgence of Georgia baseball that has not been seen in over a decade.