Cole Smith, a senior from Dubuque, Iowa, has been recognized by the College Sports Communicators with a spot on the Academic All-America Second Team, cementing his place among the nation’s top student-athletes.
What makes the honor especially notable is that Smith is the first Northern Illinois University baseball player in three decades to earn that distinction, having graduated with a 3.916 cumulative GPA in general studies while commanding the Huskies’ lineup with a .357 average and a .583 slugging percentage.
His impact extended beyond the numbers: Smith produced two separate double-digit hitting streaks, reached base in 26 consecutive games to close the season, and delivered a grand slam in a 10-3 victory over Toledo, while also contributing a double, a triple and an RBI in the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament win.
A Milestone for NIU Baseball
The 2026 NIU Huskies capped the year with a program-record 36 victories, captured their inaugural Mid-America Conference championship, and secured the third seed in the Tallahassee Regional, marking a historic turnaround for the school.
Coach Paul Erschen and teammate Ryan Copeland praised Smith’s leadership, noting that his blend of academic rigor and on-field excellence set a new standard for future Huskies.
The recognition reflects not only Smith’s personal achievements but also the growing prominence of NIU’s baseball program, which has leveraged strong recruiting, strategic coaching, and a culture of academic excellence to compete at the highest levels of collegiate play.
As the Huskies look ahead, the blend of veteran talent and emerging prospects promises to keep the momentum alive, with Smith’s legacy serving as a benchmark for future generations.