Wake Forest Baseball Celebrates Dual All‑America Honors
The 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of the most dominant in recent Deacons history, as two of its standouts earned national recognition that placed them among the country's elite.
Sophomore right‑hander Chris Levonas emerged as a cornerstone of the rotation, finishing with a 10‑3 record and a 2.82 ERA across 15 starts. His 116 strikeouts over 73.1 innings underscored his ability to dominate hitters, a feat highlighted by a 14‑strikeout performance against Loyola Marymount on Feb. 28, 2026, in which he threw six hitless innings.
Junior infielder Kade Lewis anchored the lineup, batting .354/.444/.592 while driving in 58 runs and smashing 13 home runs. His consistency at the plate helped the team secure crucial victories throughout the ACC schedule.
A Roster Built Around Excellence
Levonas and Lewis were repeatedly praised by the baseball community, earning consensus All‑American honors for Levonas and third‑team All‑America status from the American Baseball Coaches Association for Lewis. Their achievements were further validated by selections to the second teams of Baseball America, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Perfect Game.
Coach Jim McKay emphasized that the team's success hinged on the performances of Levonas and Lewis, noting that their contributions in the circle and at the plate were pivotal to Wake Forest's overall record and its deep run in the NCAA tournament.
The recognition from multiple prestigious outlets reflects not only individual talent but also the program's growing reputation on the national stage. As the Deacons look ahead, the blend of veteran leadership and emerging star power promises to keep the program competitive for years to come.
Fans and alumni alike celebrated the accolades, viewing them as a testament to the university's commitment to athletic excellence and the hard work of its student‑athletes.