The Big 12 announced its 2026 baseball honors this week, naming Dee Kennedy of the Kansas State Wildcats to the first team, a testament to his breakout offensive campaign.
A season defined by power and speed
Kennedy finished the year with a .359 average, a .463 on‑base rate and a .742 slugging percentage, while launching 20 home runs and stealing 20 bases.
He is only the third player in the nation to reach both the 20‑home‑run and 20‑steal milestones in the same season, underscoring his rare blend of power and speed.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Kennedy’s hometown roots trace back to a city known for its baseball tradition, adding a personal narrative to his on‑field achievements.
Madliak’s emergence behind the plate
Teammate Bear Madliak earned honorable mention from the conference after a solid .311 batting average, 13 doubles, nine homers and a .559 slugging percentage.
The Georgia native also posted a .413 on‑base rate, drove in 43 runs and scored 41 times, appearing in 46 games with 40 starts at catcher.
Madliak’s 43 RBI and 41 runs placed him among the top 37 catchers nationally meeting the .310 threshold with at least 22 extra‑base hits.
Both players are also recognized beyond the conference, with Kennedy a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Trophy and the Brooks Wallace Award, while Madliak is in the running for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
Their performances have helped the Wildcats remain competitive in the Big 12 race, and the recognition reflects the program’s growing emphasis on developing elite talent.