Carey Named Brooks Wallace Award Winner as Nation's Top Shortstop

Nebraska senior Dylan Carey has been named the recipient of the 2026 Brooks Wallace Award, as announced by the College Baseball Foundation on Saturday.

The award annually honors the nation’s top shortstop based on combined offensive and defensive performance. It is named for former Texas Tech shortstop Brooks Wallace, who played for the Red Raiders from 1977 to 1980 and tragically passed away from leukemia at the age of 27.

The Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award was first awarded in 2004. Prior to 2009, the award recognized the National Player of the Year. Carey becomes the second Husker to win the award, joining Alex Gordon, who won the honor as the national player of the year in 2005.

Roch Cholowsky of UCLA, the 2025 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year, was a finalist for this year’s award. Other 2026 finalists included Georgia Tech’s Carson Kerce, California Baptist’s Chris Ramirez and North Carolina’s Jake Schaffner.

“Winning the Brooks Wallace Award is something I’ll never forget,” said Carey. “I’m extremely grateful knowing the history behind this award and who it honors. I’m forever grateful for my time in the Nebraska baseball program. The coaches, teammates, and fans have played a huge role in shaping me into the player and person I am today. Above all, I thank Jesus Christ for His faithfulness and for blessing me with these opportunities. Through every high and low, He has been my foundation. This award isn’t just mine, it’s shared with everyone who has supported, challenged, and believed in me along the way. I’m forever grateful.”

The shortstop put together a stellar senior campaign, earning third-team All-America honors from Perfect Game this week, while also receiving Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten recognition this season.

Carey turned in a .353 batting average with 16 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 65 RBI and 53 runs scored. The Castle Rock, Colo., native became the program’s all-time leader in career doubles this season and was the ninth Husker in program history to reach 200 career hits, 150 runs and 150 RBI.

“Dylan’s relentless daily approach in his preparation, leadership and competitiveness is everything you want in a college baseball player,” said head coach Will Bolt. “What makes Dylan special goes beyond the numbers and accolades. He represents this program the right way, on and off the field, and our guys look up to him for it. Nebraska baseball is incredibly proud of him, and this award couldn’t have gone to a better person.”

Carey was equally impressive in the field, committing just four errors in 216 chances for a .981 fielding percentage while turning 29 double plays at shortstop.