​LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas baseball has its first 2026 MLB Draft selection, as Tyson LeBlanc was chosen No. 61 overall by the Detroit Tigers in the second round. The junior infielder/outfielder from the Jayhawks clubbed his way onto the draft boards this spring, becoming the program’s first draftee of the year.
LeBlanc arrived in Lawrence after transferring from LSU Eunice ahead of the 2026 college season. A former junior college standout who twice impressed at the junior college level, he proved he could translate his success to Division I competition in the highly competitive Big 12. His performance this season underscored the value of his versatility and skill set, as he carved out a crucial role for a Kansas program that contended for conference supremacy and postseason glory.
Throughout the season, LeBlanc received recognition from various outlets, earning All-American honors at multiple levels in addition to his postseason and All-Big 12 accolades. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Jayhawks sweep the Big 12 regular-season and tournament championships, advance through the Lawrence Regional in the NCAA tournament, and host a super regional before their season concluded. His leadership and steady production in the heart of Kansas’s lineup were key factors in their success.
LeBlanc started all 63 games he appeared in for the Jayhawks, posting a .341 batting average, with 87 hits, 69 RBIs and 25 home runs. He led Kansas in batting average, hits, RBIs and homers, showcasing a well-rounded offensive profile. His combination of contact, power and on-base capability, along with solid plate discipline and a fearless approach, positioned him as a potential long-term asset for professional teams seeking a versatile, middle-of-the-order bat with defensive flexibility.
On the field, LeBlanc’s preparation and adaptability allowed him to contribute in multiple ways, whether at infield corners or in the outfield, underscoring why Major League teams repeatedly showed interest throughout the spring. His ability to perform in high-leverage situations and his consistency across the season reinforced the belief that he could sustain success at the next level.
LeBlanc’s selection by Detroit marks the Tigers’ recognition of his potential and the culmination of a standout season that elevated Kansas baseball’s profile. The Tigers will now chart his development path, hopeful that his bat speed, power output, and defensive versatility translate into a productive professional career. For Kansas fans and the program, his drafting signals a high point of a transformative season that demonstrated the program’s capacity to develop and showcase its talent on a national stage.
Jordan Guskey, who covers University of Kansas Athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal, has followed LeBlanc’s rise closely. Guskey noted LeBlanc’s impact in a season highlighted by significant team success and personal achievement. For more details and analysis, readers can contact Guskey at jmguskey@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @JordanGuskey. This article originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal, with the updated note that Kansas baseball’s Tyson LeBlanc was selected by Detroit in the 2026 MLB Draft as part of the program’s ongoing coverage of Jayhawks athletics.