Duck baseball stars earn national honors
The University of Oregon’s baseball program capped a memorable season with a wave of national recognition, as six of its standout players were selected to prestigious All‑American and regional teams.
Right‑hander Tanner Bradley emerged as one of the nation’s most dominant pitchers, posting a microscopic 1.66 earned run average across 31 appearances while fanning 84 batters, a performance that placed him among the elite in the sport.
Outfielder and slugger Ryan Cooney powered the lineup with a career‑high eight home runs, a .331 batting average and 43 runs batted in, underscoring his dual threat at the plate.
Freshman catcher Brayden Jaksa quickly made his mark, smashing 10 homers and maintaining a .318 average, earning early accolades as one of the most promising backstops in the country.
Veteran Drew Smith anchored the Ducks’ offensive production, driving in a team‑leading 64 runs while batting .338, a combination that highlighted his importance in the middle of the order.
Outfielder Angel Laya contributed 14 home runs and a .296 average, while also perfecting his defense with zero errors in the outfield, a rare blend of power and precision.
Meanwhile, pitcher Will Sanford dominated opposing hitters, striking out 126 batters over 17 starts and posting a 3.74 ERA, a feat that earned him the Eugene Regional MVP award.
National accolades follow on‑field excellence
The recognitions come from a confluence of respected bodies, including the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, the American Baseball Coaches Association and Perfect Game, each of which highlighted the players’ impact on the 2026 collegiate season.
University of Oregon’s athletic department and its coaching staff praised the collective achievement, noting that the honorees exemplify the program’s commitment to developing talent both on and off the diamond.