Academic Excellence Recognized
The Mid-American Conference announced its 2026 Academic All-MAC Team this week, honoring ten members of the Central Michigan University baseball program for their performance both on the field and in the classroom.
To qualify, each student-athlete must have earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 and have participated in at least half of their team’s games during the season, a standard that underscores the conference’s commitment to scholarly achievement.
Among the honorees, redshirt senior Spencer Verburg leads with a 3.87 GPA while pursuing a master’s degree in health system leadership, and redshirt senior Nate Ross holds a 3.86 GPA as he works toward a graduate certificate in leadership.
Other notable performances include Liam Stumpf, a redshirt senior studying general management with a 3.71 GPA, and junior Jared Hanson, who majors in exercise science and carries a 3.70 GPA.
Seniors such as Hayden Bailey, studying community development with a 3.49 GPA, and Zach Knowlton, an accounting major with a 3.48 GPA, round out a diverse cohort that reflects the university’s broad academic offerings.
The team also recognizes repeat achievers; Jared Hanson, Cole Prout and Bryson Webb each earned Academic All-MAC honors for the third time, while Nate Ross adds a second distinction to his record.
University officials praised the student-athletes for embodying the Chippewas’ dual commitment to athletic competition and academic rigor, noting that the recognition highlights Central Michigan’s supportive environment for scholarship and sport.