USC’s baseball program added another chapter to its draft legacy when four of its players were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking the 62nd consecutive year the university has been represented in the annual talent selection.
Among the draftees, All‑American pitcher Mason Edwards headed the group, being chosen in the second round by the Athletics, while utility standout Austin Overn and right‑handed prospect Ethan Hedges followed in the third round with the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies respectively.
A legacy of talent
The selections reflect the sustained excellence under head coach Andy Stankiewicz, who has overseen at least one player drafted in the first three rounds in each of the past three seasons, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a pipeline for major‑league talent.
The roots of this draft success trace back to 1965, when catcher Don Johnson became the university’s first ever draft pick, selected by the Milwaukee Braves; although Johnson never reached the majors, that year’s draft also produced Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver and two‑sport star Mike Garrett, who famously chose football over a baseball career.
Today, the combination of historic continuity and recent high‑profile selections illustrates how USC remains a magnet for elite baseball prospects, a fact that bodes well for the program’s future and its ongoing relationship with professional clubs.