Two HBCU standouts selected in 2026 MLB Draft

HBCU baseball was represented twice during the 2026 MLB Draft as Delaware State pitcher Michael Lane and former Prairie View A&M standout Michael Smith Jr. heard their names called.

The San Diego Padres selected former Prairie View A&M outfielder Michael Smith Jr. in the 13th round with the 395th overall pick following his standout season at the University of Dayton. Later in the draft, the Detroit Tigers chose Delaware State right-hander Michael Lane in the 16th round with the 486th overall pick.

Michael Smith Jr.

While Smith was drafted out of Dayton, his emergence as a professional prospect began at Prairie View A&M.

Smith made an immediate impact during his freshman season with the Panthers in 2024, batting .331 with a .511 on-base percentage and .592 slugging percentage. He added nine home runs, 52 RBIs and 65 runs scored, quickly establishing himself as one of the top young players in HBCU baseball. His breakout campaign earned him Black College Nines’ 2024 All-Elite Freshman of the Year honor and a spot in the 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic, Major League Baseball’s annual showcase highlighting many of the top HBCU baseball players in the country.

Smith returned to Prairie View A&M in 2025 before transferring to Dayton ahead of the 2026 season. His lone season with the Flyers further elevated his draft stock. Smith started all 53 games, hitting .332 with a .502 on-base percentage and a .588 slugging percentage. He finished the season with 10 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs, 56 RBIs and 65 runs scored while setting Dayton’s single-season record with 38 stolen bases.

Smith’s performance earned him Atlantic 10 Second Team honors, ABCA/Rawlings East All-Region Second Team recognition and a place among D1Baseball’s Top 100 outfielders during the season.

Michael Lane

Lane, meanwhile, continued Delaware State’s tradition of producing professional talent. The right-hander became the latest Hornet selected in the MLB Draft, joining former Delaware State draftees Trey Paige, Garrett Lawson, Dan Perkins, Eric Carter and Pedro Swann. Lane earned the opportunity after becoming a full-time starter during the 2026 season. Although he finished with a 4-9 record and a 7.12 ERA, his ability to miss bats attracted professional attention.

He struck out 88 batters in 14 appearances, ranking second in the Northeast Conference, while his 36 called strikeouts led the league. Lane also logged 73.1 innings, the sixth-highest total in the conference. Across three seasons at Delaware State, Lane appeared in 38 games, making 21 starts, while recording 155 strikeouts and throwing one complete game.

The post Two HBCU standouts selected in 2026 MLB Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.