LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock third baseman Nolan Freund has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I Gold Glove Team, the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sporting Goods announced Monday.
Freund, a junior from Kingman, Kansas, is joined by Auburn's Eric Guevara and Michigan's Brayden Jefferis as the three finalists at third base. The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove winners will be announced Wednesday, June 17, via X by Rawlings Sporting Goods.
The honor adds to a standout season for Freund, who helped lead Little Rock to one of the greatest years in program history. The Trojans captured their second consecutive Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship, earned a second straight NCAA Regional berth, won the Hattiesburg Regional and advanced to the first NCAA Super Regional in school history.
Freund was previously named Second Team All-OVC and earned a spot on the Hattiesburg Regional All-Tournament Team after helping anchor the left side of the Little Rock infield throughout the Trojans' postseason run. Freund owned a fielding percentage of .989 and only committed two errors on 118 attempts.Â
"To be a finalist is pretty amazing," Freund said the cab of a combine on his family farm Monday afternoon. "I kind of knew there was a chance because I didn't make many errors this season, but to actually be named a finalist is really special."
Freund, who hit .323 with 43 RBI, credited Little Rock's defensive culture and preparation for his success and the success of the Trojan defense throughout the season.
"I think we take a lot of pride in playing good defense," Freund said. "It translates to the way we practice and the way the coaches get us ready every day. Defense is never taken lightly here. We bring in guys who can really play defense, and I think that showed this season. The amount of work we put into our defensive development is tremendous, and it paid off."
The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were first recognized in 2007 and are presented annually to the top defensive players from each division of collegiate and high school baseball. To see all the finalists go HERE.
