The 2026 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards have been announced, and it's a star-studded affair. The conference's head coaches have selected the top players, pitchers, and coaches, with a few surprises and some well-deserved accolades. Here's a breakdown of the winners and some of the key takeaways.
Landon Hairston: The Dominant Hitter
Arizona State's Landon Hairston was named the Big 12 Player of the Year, and it's easy to see why. With a batting average of .421, Hairston led the conference in several key categories. His .526 on-base percentage and .911 slugging percentage are impressive, and he accumulated a total of 195 total bases, 90 hits, and 77 runs. Hairston's power-hitting ability is further showcased by his 27 home runs, the fifth-most in the country and third-most in the Big 12. With 77 RBIs, he also ranks second in the conference and fourth nationally. Hairston's dominance at the plate is a testament to his skill and consistency.
Maxx Yehl: The Ace of the Mound
West Virginia's Maxx Yehl was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year, and his performance on the mound speaks for itself. Yehl recorded the lowest ERA in the conference with a 2.10, which is the seventh-best mark nationally. He tied for the second-most wins in the Big 12 with seven and boasted the third-best WHIP among pitchers. Yehl's ability to keep the ball in play and limit damage is a hallmark of an elite pitcher. His performance this season has solidified his status as one of the top pitchers in the conference.
Tyce Armstrong: The Power Hitter from Baylor
Baylor's Tyce Armstrong earned the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors, and it's no surprise. Armstrong led the Bears in several offensive categories, including slugging percentage (.770), total bases (157), RBIs (64), runs (47), and home runs (24). He ranked inside the top four of all Big 12 players in home runs, slugging percentage, and total bases. Armstrong's power-hitting ability and all-around offensive prowess have made him a key contributor for Baylor.
Enzo Infelise: The Rising Star from Cincinnati
Cincinnati's Enzo Infelise was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, becoming the second Bearcat to earn a Big 12 yearly accolade. Infelise recorded the fourth-most hits in the conference with 79 in his first year. His ability to contribute offensively from the get-go is a testament to his talent and potential.
Ashton Johnson: The Scholar-Athlete Extraordinaire
BYU's Ashton Johnson was named the Big 12 Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Cougar to garner a Big 12 yearly award. Johnson's academic achievements are impressive, with a 3.80 GPA while pursuing a degree in neuroscience. His ability to excel both on the field and in the classroom is a rare and commendable feat.
Dan Fitzgerald: The Consecutive Coach of the Year
Kansas' Dan Fitzgerald was named Big 12 Coach of the Year for a second consecutive season. Under his leadership, the Jayhawks extended their program record for Conference wins in a season to 22 and recorded at least 39 wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1993-94. Fitzgerald's ability to build a successful program and maintain consistency is a testament to his coaching prowess.
The All-Big 12 Teams
The All-Big 12 First Team is headlined by Landon Hairston and Maxx Yehl, who were both unanimous selections. The Second Team features a mix of talented players from across the conference. The All-Freshman Team showcases the next generation of stars, with Enzo Infelise being a unanimous selection. The Honorable Mention list includes a variety of players who had outstanding seasons but didn't quite make the cut for the All-Big 12 teams.
In summary, the 2026 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards highlight the talent and diversity of the conference. From dominant hitters to ace pitchers, and rising stars to scholar-athletes, the Big 12 continues to produce exceptional players and teams. As the conference evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these players and teams continue to shape the landscape of college baseball.
