Nolan Freund, a junior third baseman from Little Rock, has been named a finalist for the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I Gold Glove Team. Joining Freund in the competition are Eric Guevara from Auburn and Brayden Jefferis from Michigan. This recognition follows a remarkable season for Freund and the Trojans, who achieved significant milestones including a second consecutive Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship and a historic NCAA Super Regional appearance. Freund boasted a .989 fielding percentage with only two errors across 118 attempts. His performance has been integral to the team's strong defensive culture and overall success.

By the Numbers
  • Freund achieved a fielding percentage of .989 with only 2 errors on 118 attempts.
  • He contributed a batting average of .323 with 43 RBI throughout the season.
Yes, But

While Freund's individual accolades highlight his defensive prowess, the recognition also reflects the collective effort and strategic focus of the Little Rock program on defensive training and culture.

State of Play
  • The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove winners will be announced June 17 via X by Rawlings Sporting Goods.
  • Freund has previously been named Second Team All-OVC and was recognized on the Hattiesburg Regional All-Tournament Team.
What's Next

Following the announcement of the Gold Glove winners, Freund's future opportunities may expand, potentially influencing his college career trajectory and professional prospects.

Bottom Line

Nolan Freund's recognition as a Gold Glove finalist underscores his exceptional skills and the strong defensive ethos at Little Rock, positioning him as a key player to watch in collegiate baseball.