Indiana University Athletics
2026 Baseball Preseason Watch List Central
1/3/2026 9:00:00 PM | Baseball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Before the 2026 baseball season begins, publications and outlets like D1 Baseball, Perfect Game, Baseball America will release preseason honors, awards and accolades. Below is a list of all preseason honors and awards earned by Hoosiers during the build up to the new campaign on the diamond.
The Hoosiers will be led by a talented sophomore core that includes reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Jake Hanley. IU is set to open the new season against nationally-ranked ACC foe North Carolina in Chapel Hill on February 13th.
This list will be updated throughout the preseason.
Perfect Game Preseason All-American Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (3rd Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was one of three Big Ten players tabbed as a Preseason All-American by Perfect Game in 2026. After winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last year, Hanley returns as one of the most experienced and productive players in the conference. He hit 14 home runs last year with 52 RBIs while finishing third on the team with 73 hits.
Hanley will be tasked with anchoring the middle of the lineup alongside a deep collection of sophomore bats. His classmates shortstop Cooper Malamazian, catcher Hogan Denny and third baseman Will Moore make up a talented cohort of returning talent for head coach Jeff Mercer in 2026.
Full Release
The Hoosiers will be led by a talented sophomore core that includes reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Jake Hanley. IU is set to open the new season against nationally-ranked ACC foe North Carolina in Chapel Hill on February 13th.
This list will be updated throughout the preseason.
Perfect Game Preseason All-American Team
#34 Hanley, Jake (3rd Team)
Sophomore first baseman Jake Hanley was one of three Big Ten players tabbed as a Preseason All-American by Perfect Game in 2026. After winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors last year, Hanley returns as one of the most experienced and productive players in the conference. He hit 14 home runs last year with 52 RBIs while finishing third on the team with 73 hits.
Hanley will be tasked with anchoring the middle of the lineup alongside a deep collection of sophomore bats. His classmates shortstop Cooper Malamazian, catcher Hogan Denny and third baseman Will Moore make up a talented cohort of returning talent for head coach Jeff Mercer in 2026.
Full Release
Players Mentioned
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