​The Eugene-Springfield area boasted some of the state’s top freshman athletes during the 2025-26 OSAA sports season, and the moment has come to decide which local ninth-grader stood out above the rest this year. The Register-Guard invites readers to vote for the 2025-26 freshman boys athlete of the year, a distinction sponsored by Active Chiropractic.
Nominees for the 2025-26 Register-Guard Boys Freshman of the Year are Jonny Jenkins from Willamette in football, Brayden Rauschert from Junction City in baseball, Jose Rivera from Willamette in wrestling, Kaden Seaton from Pleasant Hill in cross-country and track and field, Coda Skinner from North Eugene in baseball, Keanan Weber from Thurston in track and field, and Jarron Weed from Junction City in baseball. Cast your vote at registerguard.com/sports; the poll closes at noon on Sunday, July 19.
Jonny Jenkins, wearing number 25, carried the ball for Willamette in the second half during a postseason clash with Central Catholic in Eugene on November 14, 2025. It’s rare for a freshman to leave such a mark in a high-stakes game for a top Class 6A program, but Jenkins was arguably Willamette’s most influential player in the quarterfinals, erupting for three touchdowns and 93 yards on 18 carries to keep the Wolverines competitive in a narrow defeat.
Brayden Rauschert, the Junction City pitcher, took the mound as the Tigers hosted Marist Catholic on April 21, 2026, at Marist Catholic High School in Eugene. Rauschert also served as the starting shortstop for a Junction City squad that finished 20-7 and climbed to No. 4 in the Class 4A rankings. His performance earned him third-team all-state honors for Junction City.
Jose Rivera of Willamette placed sixth at the Class 6A state championships at 215 pounds, continuing a notable season for the WAillemette grappler.
Pleasant Hill’s Kaden Seaton distinguished himself as the fastest freshman in Lane County on the cross-country course in 2025, posting a 5,000-meter personal best of 17 minutes, 11.9 seconds. That time ranks 33rd-fastest statewide among ninth-graders, underscoring his early-season promise in distance running.
Coda Skinner of North Eugene earned a starting role on a Midwestern League title-winning team as a freshman. His steady performance helped pit North Eugene among the league’s top squads, and Skinner received Class 5A third-team all-state honors for his efforts.
Keanan Weber of Thurston stepped onto the podium with a sixth-place finish in the Class 5A triple jump, recording a personal-best mark of 43 feet, 1 inch.
Jarron Weed, a Junction City outfielder and first baseman, also contributed as a crucial member of the Tigers’ pitching rotation. Weed’s freshman season culminated in Class 4A second-team all-state honors as he helped Junction City post a 20-7 record.
The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite candidate at registerguard.com/sports. The voting window will close at noon on Sunday, July 19. For more stories and updates, readers can follow coverage from The Register-Guard, including game highlights and athlete profiles from the Eugene-Springfield area and beyond. If you’d like to reach the author for comments or SEO details, you can contact Jarrid Denney at jdenney@reg.com.