UC Davis baseball pitcher Rowen Barnes has earned a spot on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America First Team for NCAA Division I, recognized for both his athletic performance and academic prowess. In the 2026 season, Barnes recorded a 0.80 ERA with 12 saves while maintaining a 3.55 GPA as a graduate student. His teammate Mason Lerma also received accolades, being named to the CSC Academic All-District team after a strong season as well. Barnes' achievement places him among the top performers in the nation, with his 12 saves ranking third at UC Davis historically.

By the Numbers
  • Rowen Barnes: 0.80 ERA, 12 saves, 31 strikeouts in 33.2 innings
  • Mason Lerma: 2.96 ERA, 53 strikeouts in 54.2 innings
State of Play
  • Rowen Barnes was the closer for UC Davis, going 2-0 over 27 relief appearances.
  • Cumulative GPA requirement for CSC recognition is at least 3.50, met by both athletes.
What's Next

Both players will continue their academic and athletic pursuits, with Barnes looking to build on his successful closing role and Lerma aiming to elevate his performance in future seasons. Their achievements highlight the commitment of UC Davis athletes to excel both in the classroom and on the field.

Bottom Line

Rowen Barnes鈥� recognition as an Academic All-American underscores the intersection of athletic skill and academic diligence, serving as a benchmark for future student-athletes at UC Davis. Both he and Lerma exemplify the potential of balancing sports with academic excellence.