Ryan Niedzwiedz, a junior first baseman from North Aurora, Illinois, was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 15th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, landing the 434th overall pick. The announcement marks the first time a SIUE player has been drafted since 2023 and adds to a growing list of Cougars who have reached the professional ranks.
A Record‑Breaking Season
During the 2026 campaign Niedzwiedz set a program single‑season record with 27 home runs, a total that placed him seventh among all NCAA Division I hitters. His 69 runs batted in topped the Ohio Valley Conference and ranked 24th nationally, while his .768 slugging percentage stood second in SIUE history and 13th across the entire NCAA.
The power surge was only one part of a dominant offensive profile. Niedzwiedz led the team with 80 hits, a figure that places him fourth on SIUE’s all‑time single‑season list, and posted a .326 batting average that positioned him seventh among Division I players.
Recognition and Rankings
His achievements earned him co‑Player of the Year honors in the Ohio Valley Conference and a spot on the All‑Midwest Region team selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association. The accolades underscore a career that also placed him fourth in SIUE history with 46 home runs and fourth all‑time in RBIs with 166.
Coach Sean Lyons expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that the draft selection reflects the hard work and talent that have defined Niedzwiedz’s three‑year tenure. ‘We’re thrilled to see Ryan taken by a club like the Rockies,’ Lyons said, noting the player’s impact both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
Niedzwiedz joins a lineage of SIUE alumni who have signed professional contracts, becoming the fourth player from the Division I era to be drafted by a Major League organization. As he prepares for his professional debut, the baseball community will be watching how his collegiate success translates to the minor leagues.