College World Series 2026: Best Players to Watch – Two Key Performers for Every Team

The 2026 Men’s College World Series is underway in Omaha, featuring a record five SEC teams alongside North Carolina, West Virginia, and Troy. This year’s field is wide open and full of talent, with future MLB draft picks, breakout stars, and players capable of carrying their teams to a national championship.

Here are the two must-watch performers for each of the eight teams competing at Charles Schwab Field.


No. 3 Georgia: RHP Caden Aoki and C Daniel Jackson


Caden Aoki has been dominant in the postseason. Primarily a reliever during the regular season and a Stopper of the Year finalist, he has transitioned into the rotation effectively, delivering 11.2 innings with 20 strikeouts in two tournament starts.

Daniel Jackson, the Bulldogs’ star catcher, is having a historic season. He became the first Division I catcher to record 25 home runs and 25 stolen bases in the same year. Jackson is hitting .396, won the SEC triple crown, and now has 31 home runs after going deep twice in the super regionals.


No. 5 North Carolina: RHP Jason DeCaro and CF Owen Hull

Jason DeCaro (11-2, 2.28 ERA) brings valuable CWS experience. The veteran right-hander pitched effectively in last year’s College World Series and is expected to start the opener against Ole Miss.

Owen Hull, a transfer from George Mason, has been a offensive force. The center fielder is batting .390 with 81 RBIs and delivered the walk-off hit against Southern California in the super regionals.


No. 6 Texas: LHP Dylan Volantis and RF Aidan Robbins

Dylan Volantis is one of the top arms in college baseball and a projected high first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The left-hander boasts a 2.03 ERA and is nearly unhittable in big moments.

Aidan Robbins, who transferred from Seton Hall, has been a power-hitting machine for the Longhorns. He is batting .342 with 24 home runs and a 1.115 OPS.


No. 7 Alabama: RHP Myles Upchurch and SS Justin Lebron

Myles Upchurch, a freshman right-hander, has shown tremendous promise despite some command issues. He sits at 8-3 with 77 strikeouts and a 3.57 ERA, while holding opponents to a .198 batting average.

Justin Lebron remains one of the most dynamic players in the country on the bases. The shortstop has swiped 41 bases in 42 attempts, providing elite speed even as his batting average sits at .277.


No. 16 West Virginia: LHP Maxx Yehl and UTL Gavin Kelly

Maxx Yehl has made a remarkable recovery from Tommy John surgery. The left-hander owns a 2.10 ERA and has been outstanding in the tournament, allowing just two runs on seven hits in his last two starts.

Gavin Kelly, a sophomore utility player, has been red-hot with at least one hit in all seven tournament games, boosting his average to .384. His versatility — playing both catcher and second base at a high level — makes him a valuable asset and a rising 2027 draft prospect.


Mississippi (Ole Miss): RHP Cade Townsend and 3B Judd Utermark

Cade Townsend is a top draft prospect but has been inconsistent lately, allowing 14 runs in his past three starts (3.94 ERA). Ole Miss will need a sharper version of him in Omaha.

Judd Utermark has provided big power all season with 22 home runs. He went 3-for-7 with four RBIs in the super regional sweep of Auburn.


Oklahoma: LHP Cord Rager and C Deiten Lachance

Cord Rager, a freshman, has excelled since moving to the top of the rotation. He struck out eight in the regional opener and threw a gem in the super regional, allowing just one hit in six innings.

Deiten Lachance, a junior college transfer, has been a dual threat at catcher and first base. He is hitting .332 while leading the Sooners in hits (73), home runs (15), and RBIs (62).


Troy: LHP Hayden Smith and INF Aaron Piasecki

Hayden Smith delivered four strong innings of one-run ball to help eliminate Florida in the regionals and anchors a deep pitching staff.

Aaron Piasecki, a middle infielder who transferred from Central Michigan, has been Troy’s offensive catalyst. He is batting .346 with excellent plate discipline (39 walks vs. 24 strikeouts). The Trojans have also gotten a huge boost from DH Jabe Boroff, who is hitting .462 with six homers in the tournament.The 2026 College World Series promises high drama, breakout performances, and potentially another memorable run from an unlikely contender. With elite arms and impactful bats across the board, any of these eight teams can make a championship push in Omaha.



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