Three Francis Marion University baseball players have earned spots on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for 2026: catcher Zander Buchan, pitcher Aydin Palmer, and first baseman Riley Orr. This selection honors their athletic achievements as well as academic excellence. Buchan excels in management information systems with a 3.63 GPA, Palmer in business with a 3.64 GPA, and Orr in management with a 3.89 GPA. The Academic All-America庐 nominees will be announced in late June, with Orr advancing as a finalist. Together, they helped lead the Patriots to a record-setting 46-14 season and their first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade.

By the Numbers
  • Zander Buchan: .323 batting average with 51 hits in 52 games.
  • Aydin Palmer: 10-2 record, 75 strikeouts over 68.0 innings pitched.
  • Riley Orr: .373 batting average, 78 RBIs, and 84 hits in 60 games.
Yes, But

While these athletes received prestigious recognition, the intense competition for the Academic All-America庐 honors may limit their chances given the caliber of other nominees in their divisions. Additionally, maintaining balance between athletics and academics remains a continuous challenge for student-athletes.

State of Play
  • The Patriots set a new single-season record with 46 wins.
  • FMU reached the Super Regionals for the first time in program history in 2026.
  • The team is currently ranked ninth nationally in the ABCA NCAA Division II Baseball Coaches Poll.
What's Next

The announcement for the Academic All-America庐 honorees is expected by late June. Depending on their performances, Buchan, Palmer, and Orr may receive further accolades and recognition at the national level. FMU will also look to build on its momentum from this past season to improve in future competitions.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Buchan, Palmer, and Orr highlights the dual commitment to academics and athletics at Francis Marion University. Their achievements not only add to their personal accolades but also elevate the reputation of FMU baseball on a national stage. These young athletes exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete, blending excellence on the field with outstanding academic performance.