OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – University of Evansville freshman Wyatt Pennington (Avon, Ind./Avon) was one of 49 players in the country to be named to the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award watch list, the College Baseball Foundation announced on Wednesday.

Pennington is one of 14 freshmen and two MVC players to be selected for the watch list.

The 2026 watch list for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award features the best dual role players in the nation. The award is named after former Washington State University standout John Olerud, who achieved success both as a first baseman and left-handed pitcher during the late 1980s. He was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Pennington, who was named the Preseason MVC Freshman of the Year by D1Baseball and Perfect Game, has started all 11 games in the infield to start his career. In 41 at-bats, Pennington has hit .244 with a .706 OPS, including two doubles and a home run. In yesterday's contest at SEMO, the right-hander made his debut on the mound, tossing two innings. He allowed two unearned runs on one hit while striking out one.

Pennington and the Aces are back in action this weekend for a three-game set at Ole Miss. First pitch for Friday's series opener is set for 6:30 PM.