​Dominic Voegele was selected No. 82 overall in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking a notable moment for Lawrence, Kansas baseball as he became the second Jayhawk to hear his name called this year. The Baltimore Orioles chose the junior right-hander from the Kansas program after a season in which Voegele showcased durability, power, and competitive grit on the mound. His selection underscores the long-running success he has enjoyed at KU and signals the next chapter in a career that has continually leaned toward professional aspirations.
Over the previous collegiate season, Voegele played a key role for the Jayhawks as they advanced to a NCAA super regional, a progression buoyed by the team’s strong performance that included capturing both the Big 12 Conference regular-season title and the Big 12 tournament crown. The same squad also earned a berth in the Lawrence Regional of the NCAA tournament, illustrating the program’s upward trajectory and Voegele’s contributions as a reliable starting pitcher.
In 2026, Voegele earned a series of individual accolades that highlighted his impact at Kansas. He was selected to the All-Big 12 second team, earned a spot on the Big 12 all-tournament team, and was named to the Lawrence Regional all-tournament team. These honors reflected not only his statistical output but also his influence in pivotal moments for the Jayhawks during a landmark season. Across 17 starts, he posted a 5.85 ERA and a 6-4 record, while striking out 120 batters over 97 innings pitched. His high strikeout total demonstrated his ability to miss bats and impose his will in college games, even as he continued to refine his craft against quality competition.
Voegele’s trajectory at Kansas began with a standout freshman campaign that hinted at his potential to reach the professional ranks. From the outset, he was given a chance to contribute immediately, a testament to his readiness and willingness to compete at a high level. He has embraced that challenge throughout his KU tenure, never shying away from the workload or the pressure that comes with facing top collegiate and, eventually, professional hitters. The 2026 draft selection by the Orioles provides him with a concrete pathway to demonstrate his abilities at the professional level and to pursue his development within a major league organization.
Photographs from the season captured Voegele’s presence on the mound as he pitched for Kansas in crucial moments, including the NCAA Lawrence Super Regional against Oklahoma. The atmosphere at Hoglund Ballpark during those games underscored the significance of KU’s postseason run and Voegele’s role within it. The Jayhawks’ campaign, driven by strong pitching, timely offense, and a resilient defense, culminated in a season that will be remembered for its postseason charge and the stories of players like Voegele who pushed the program forward.
For more context on Kansas baseball and its coverage, Jordan Guskey of the Topeka Capital-Journal has chronicled Voegele’s journey and the team’s exploits throughout the season. Guskey, who previously earned recognition as the 2022 National Sports Media Association Sportswriter of the Year for the state of Kansas, has provided ongoing reporting on KU athletics and their postseason efforts. Readers can reach Guskey at jmguskey@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @JordanGuskey for updates and commentary.
This report originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal with the intent of highlighting the Orioles’ selection of Dominic Voegele, a Kansas baseball standout, in the 2026 MLB Draft. The achievement adds to a growing list of notable KU alumni and underscores the program’s ability to develop players who can transition to the highest level of competitive baseball. As Voegele embarks on the next phase of his career, Kansas fans and the Jayhawks faithful will be watching to see how his professional journey unfolds and what impact he might have in the days ahead.