Evan Dempsey, a junior right‑hander for Florida Gulf Coast University, has been selected as one of 48 semifinalists for the 2026 Dick Howser Trophy, the premier award recognizing the nation’s top collegiate baseball player.
The Trophy and Its Legacy
Established in 1987 and presented by The Game Headwear, the Dick Howser Trophy honors outstanding performance on the diamond, as well as leadership, moral character and courage. The award is voted on by members of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, a body that has shaped the conversation around college baseball for decades.
Dempsey’s nomination comes after a season in which he has climbed to sixth place nationally in total strikeouts with 106, while his strikeout‑per‑nine‑innings rate of 12.44 ranks 24th and his WHIP of 1.07 sits 40th. He also leads the Atlantic Sun Conference in several key categories, including doubles (18) and hits (75), and sits 36th nationally in that statistic.
A Notable Presence from Florida
He is one of three players from Florida schools among the semifinalists, and his inclusion marks the ninth athlete from non‑Power 4 programs who has been recognized this year. The depth of talent across the state underscores the competitive balance that continues to shape the landscape of college baseball.
The field of 48 represents 12 different NCAA Division I conferences and 31 institutions, highlighting the breadth of competition that Dempsey now joins. His ranking of 135th in batting average (.361) further illustrates the all‑around skill set that the trophy seeks to reward.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 finalists will be announced on June 4, with the ultimate winner to be revealed on MLB Network on June 12. The anticipation builds as fans and analysts alike track the statistical leaders and the narratives that accompany each candidate’s season.
Beyond the numbers, the Dick Howser Trophy celebrates the qualities of leadership and character embodied by the late Dick Howser, a former Florida State All‑America shortstop, major‑league player and manager. The award’s namesake legacy continues to inspire athletes who strive to excel both on and off the field.