Get ready for some serious baseball action as we dive into the incredible performances that made up Baseball America's College Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2026 season! This is where the cream of the crop shines, and we're about to uncover some truly remarkable talent.
Baseball America has a special way of recognizing the best of the best each week, and this time, it's all about celebrating the top performers across the nation. From power-hitting sluggers to dominant pitchers, these players have left their mark on the diamond.
But here's where it gets interesting: the selection process isn't just about raw stats. While they play a crucial role, Baseball America also considers the strength of competition and underlying data. It's a comprehensive approach that ensures we're not just looking at numbers, but at the overall impact these athletes have on the game.
Let's meet the stars of Week 3:
Catcher: Weber Neels from Minnesota. This fourth-year starter had an incredible week, going 10-for-14 with four home runs and a perfect strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also stole two bases and drove in nine RBIs. Neels is one of the few players in the Big Ten with five or more home runs this season, a true force behind the plate.
First Base: Ryan Niedzwiedz of SIUE. With three home runs added to his season total in Week 3, Niedzwiedz is making a strong case for himself in the 2026 draft. His five-game performance included eight hits, seven runs, and nine RBIs, showcasing his power and consistency.
Second Base: Jarren Advincula from Georgia Tech. Advincula's three-homer week helped secure Georgia Tech's third straight series win. He's not just a power hitter; his 16 total bases and eight RBIs show his all-around skill. And did we mention he's Baseball America's 85th prospect for the 2026 draft?
Third Base: Temo Becerra of Texas. Becerra had an impressive week, scoring eight runs, hitting three home runs, and driving in seven RBIs. His three-homer weekend set a new career high, and he reached base safely in eight out of 13 plate appearances.
Shortstop: Jake Schaffner, a transfer from North Dakota State to North Carolina. Schaffner had his best week yet, going 11-for-17 with four doubles, a triple, and a home run. He's also shown incredible discipline at the plate, striking out only once in 13 games with the Tar Heels.
Outfield: Cider Canon of Duke. Canon's week included four home runs and 10 RBIs, but he's not just a power hitter. He drew five walks and added three stolen bases, showcasing his ability to combine damage with discipline.
Outfield: Drew Detlefsen of UTSA. Detlefsen has been a key player in UTSA's fast start, and his Week 3 performance was no exception. He went 8-for-18 with three home runs and a double, ranking fourth in the American Conference in slugging percentage.
Outfield: Will Gasparino, the center fielder for UCLA. Gasparino is on fire, leading the nation with 10 home runs, including four in Week 3. With just two singles all season, he's still batting at an impressive .378. His surge has evaluators rethinking his draft potential, as he's shown a more measured approach this spring, paired with above-average athleticism.
Designated Hitter: Daniel Jackson of Georgia. Jackson, dubbed the Bulldogs' top breakout candidate by coach Wes Johnson, continued to live up to the hype in Week 3. He went 8-for-21 with five home runs and a stolen base, making an impact in nearly every game. Jackson is on track to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases as a junior, an incredible feat.
Pitcher: Michael Sharman of Clemson. Sharman had one of the most impressive outings of the week, tossing a complete game against South Carolina on just 78 pitches. He allowed only one run, struck out four, and didn't issue a single walk. An incredibly efficient performance, lowering his season ERA to 0.90.
Pitcher: Mason Edwards, the lefthander from USC. Edwards is on a hot streak, rivaling Gasparino's incredible start. He hasn't allowed a hit in 18 innings, and in Week 3, he struck out 11 over seven innings at Cal Poly. He's quickly becoming a top candidate for the best college lefthander in the 2026 class.
Pitcher: Chris Levonas of Wake Forest. Levonas dominated Loyola Marymount, firing six perfect innings with a career-high 14 strikeouts. This 2027 draft prospect has allowed just one run over 14.2 innings this season, striking out 33 batters.
Pitcher: Andrew Herrmann of Louisiana. Herrmann had a career performance against UC San Diego, spinning a complete-game shutout while allowing only one hit and three walks. He struck out 13 batters, and the Tritons' lone hit didn't come until the sixth inning.
Two-Way Player: Caylon Dygert of UT Arlington. Dygert had an incredible performance against No. 9 Arkansas, striking out 11 over 8.2 innings without allowing an earned run. He threw 130 pitches and carried the Mavericks to an upset victory. While he didn't record a hit against Arkansas, his dominance on the mound earned him a spot on the Team of the Week.
These players have proven their worth, and their performances are a testament to the incredible talent in college baseball.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the stats. It's about the impact these players have on their teams, the way they elevate the game, and the stories behind their success.
So, what do you think? Who impressed you the most? And are there any players you think deserve a spot on this list? Let's discuss in the comments and celebrate the amazing world of college baseball!
