​Murfreesboro Daily News Journal reports that Middle Tennessee State University outfielder Owen Nowak, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound Wisconsin native, was selected by the Houston Astros with the 361st pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12. Nowak joined the Blue Raiders for his lone season after transferring from McHenry County College, where he spent two years honing his skills. His 2026 campaign with MTSU stood out as a standout junior year, marking a significant milestone in his college baseball career.
During the 2026 season, Nowak appeared in 57 games, all of which he started in the outfield, and posted an impressive batting average of .318. He recorded nine doubles and eight home runs, driving in 37 runs and stealing eight bases on the season. Notably, he showcased excellent plate discipline and contact skills, drawing 36 walks while striking out only 11 times. Defensively, Nowak contributed error-free performances in the outfield, adding to his value as a well-rounded contributor for the Blue Raiders.
His performance helped him earn recognition beyond his stat line. Nowak was named a second-team All-Conference USA selection, a nod that underscored his impact during his time with MTSU. The accolades highlighted his two-year stretch at McHenry County College, where he also earned all-region honors, signaling his potential to translate his junior-college success to the Division I level.
Cecil Joyce, who covers high school sports and MTSU athletics for The Daily News Journal, follows Nowak’s progression closely. Joyce can be reached at cjoyce@dnj.com for insights or additional information, and he can be followed on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, under the handle @Cecil_Joyce.
This article originally appeared in the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal as part of coverage on the Houston Astros selecting MTSU outfielder Owen Nowak in the 2026 MLB Draft, a development that has drawn attention from local fans and scouts alike. The selection marks a notable chapter for Nowak as he transitions from college baseball in Rutherford County to professional baseball with Houston, a milestone that could shape the trajectory of his athletic career in the coming years.