College Baseball's Weekly Elite: Unveiling the Stars of Week 3
Baseball America is on a mission this season: to spotlight the nation's top collegiate baseball talent, week after week. Their National College Team of the Week isn't just about flashy stats (though there's plenty of those!). It's a carefully curated selection that considers not only raw numbers but also the caliber of competition and underlying performance metrics. Think of it as a who's who of players who are dominating the game, both statistically and strategically.
But here's where it gets interesting: This week's team features a designated hitter spot that's essentially a wildcard. It's not just about who played DH, but about recognizing exceptional performance, regardless of position. Think of it as a nod to the player who's simply too good to ignore, even if they didn't technically fill that role.
And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about home runs and strikeouts. Baseball America's selections delve deeper, considering factors like on-base percentage, defensive prowess, and even the difficulty of the opponents faced. It's a holistic approach to identifying the players who are truly making a difference on the diamond.
Now, let's meet the Week 3 standouts:
C: Weber Neels (Minnesota) - This fourth-year starter exploded against Kansas, going 10-for-14 with four home runs, two doubles, and a staggering nine RBIs. Neels is proving himself as a consistent power threat in the Big Ten.
1B: Ryan Niedzwiedz (SIUE) - Niedzwiedz continued his power surge, adding three more home runs to his season total. His 6-foot-2 frame generates serious pop, and he's a name to watch in the upcoming 2026 draft.
2B: Jarren Advincula (Georgia Tech) - Advincula was a key cog in Georgia Tech's dominant weekend, contributing three home runs and eight RBIs. Ranked as Baseball America's No. 85 prospect, he's showcasing his potential as a future MLB talent.
3B: Temo Becerra (Texas) - Becerra had a breakout weekend, going 6-for-12 with three home runs and seven RBIs. His ability to get on base consistently (reaching safely in 8 of 13 plate appearances) makes him a dangerous offensive weapon.
SS: Jake Schaffner (North Carolina) - This North Dakota State transfer is making a splash in his first season with the Tar Heels. Schaffner's Week 3 performance (11-for-17 with four doubles and a triple) highlights his all-around offensive skills and impressive plate discipline (only one strikeout in 13 games).
OF: Cider Canon (Duke) - Canon is a versatile threat, excelling both behind the plate and in the outfield. His Week 3 performance (9-for-14 with four home runs and 10 RBIs) demonstrates his power and discipline at the plate, coupled with his speed on the bases (three stolen bases).
OF: Drew Detlefsen (UTSA) - Detlefsen is a driving force behind UTSA's strong start. His Week 3 performance (8-for-18 with three home runs and six RBIs) solidifies his position as a key contributor to the team's success.
OF: Will Gasparino (UCLA) - Gasparino is on fire! Leading the nation with 10 home runs, including four in Week 3, he's forcing evaluators to re-evaluate his draft potential. His transformation from a power-only hitter to a more disciplined and athletic player is truly remarkable.
DH: Daniel Jackson (Georgia) - Coach Wes Johnson's preseason prediction about Jackson being a breakout star is proving true. Jackson's Week 3 performance (8-for-21 with five home runs and nine RBIs) showcases his power and ability to impact games consistently.
P: Michael Sharman (Clemson) - Sharman delivered a masterpiece against South Carolina, tossing a complete game on just 78 pitches. His efficiency and control (one run, four hits, no walks, four strikeouts) are a testament to his pitching prowess.
P: Mason Edwards (USC) - Edwards is on an unprecedented streak, not allowing a hit in 18 innings. His Week 3 performance (11 strikeouts in seven innings) solidifies his position as a top college left-hander and a serious contender for the 2026 draft.
P: Chris Levonas (Wake Forest) - Levonas dominated Loyola Marymount with six perfect innings and a career-high 14 strikeouts. His sophomore season is off to a blazing start, and he's definitely one to watch in the 2027 draft.
P: Andrew Herrmann (Louisiana) - Herrmann pitched a complete-game shutout against a strong UC San Diego lineup, allowing only one hit and striking out 13. His performance lowered his ERA to a stellar 1.33, establishing him as a dominant force on the mound.
TWP: Caylon Dygert (UT Arlington) - Dygert's performance against No. 9 Arkansas was nothing short of heroic. Striking out 11 batters over 8.2 innings without allowing an earned run, he led the Mavericks to a stunning upset. While his batting performance was less impressive, his pitching dominance earned him a well-deserved spot on the Team of the Week.
Food for Thought: Baseball America's Team of the Week highlights the incredible depth of talent in college baseball. Who do you think will emerge as the breakout stars of the season? Are there any players you feel deserve recognition who didn't make the cut? Let's discuss in the comments!
