Kansas State’s junior shortstop Dee Kennedy has been recognized once again for his outstanding performance, earning a spot on the 2026 D1Baseball All‑American Third Team. The selection reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the program’s rising prominence on the national stage.
Stellar Statistics
His season numbers read like a showcase of consistency: a .357 batting average, a .461 on‑base percentage and a .733 slugging percentage, accompanied by 20 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He also logged 79 hits, drove in 69 runs and scored 70 times, while his 40 extra‑base hits rank second in K‑State single‑season history.
Award‑Winning Campaign
The honor adds to a growing list of accolades that already include Second Team All‑America nods from the NCBWA and Perfect Game, as well as ABCA/Rawlings First Team All‑Region recognition. Kennedy was also a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award, underscoring his status among the nation’s elite.
Program Milestones
The selection marks the 43rd time a Wildcat has been named to a postseason All‑America squad and the 12th under head coach Pete Hughes, highlighting the program’s sustained excellence. It also coincides with the team’s fourth consecutive 30‑win season, finishing the year at 30‑27 and reinforcing K‑State’s reputation for durability and competitiveness.
Historical Context
Kennedy joins an exclusive club as only the fifth player in Big 12 history to record a 20‑home‑run, 20‑stolen‑base season, a feat that places him among the conference’s most versatile threats. His achievement contributes to the Wildcats’ 12 All‑America recognitions in the Pete Hughes era, a testament to the culture of achievement cultivated in Manhattan.