Southern Miss’s Kyle Morrison Among Semifinalists for 2026 Dick Howser Trophy
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Kyle Morrison, a senior second baseman at the University of Southern Mississippi, is among 48 semifinalists for the 2026 Dick Howser Trophy, the award announced Monday by the trophy committee and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
The trophy is awarded annually to college baseball’s top player, based on performance, leadership, moral character and courage. Morrison has played all 51 games for the Golden Eagles this season, batting .311 with 38 runs scored, 11 doubles, two triples, 14 home runs and 42 RBIs, according to school officials. He also has a fielding percentage of .973 at second base and is one of four Southern Miss players to start every game in 2026.
The 39th annual Dick Howser Trophy finalists will be announced June 4. The winner will be honored at a news conference at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, home of the College World Series, on June 12. The presentation will be broadcast on MLB Network at 9:30 a.m. Central time, before the first game of the NCAA tournament’s final series.
This year’s semifinalists come from 12 NCAA Division I conferences, including 31 schools and Oregon State, an independent. The Southeastern Conference leads with 15 semifinalists, followed by the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 with eight each. The Big Ten has six, and other conferences have one or two representatives each.
The Dick Howser Trophy is named for the late Florida State University standout and major league player and manager, who died of brain cancer in 1987. The award recognizes qualities exemplified by Howser, including leadership, integrity and courage. It was established shortly after his death by friends and colleagues in the St. Petersburg area.
David Feaster, chairman of the Howser Trophy Committee, noted that the award honors the best college player and those who embody Howser’s character traits. He added that many past winners have gone on to successful professional careers and community service, reflecting lessons learned during their college years.
The 2026 semifinalists include players from a variety of schools and positions, with Morrison highlighted among the top candidates from Southern Miss.
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