​LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WCIA) – Nolan Decker flashed his signature grin at the 2026 Prospect League All-Star Game in Lafayette, Indiana, where he enjoyed the event and a full summer league experience right in his home state. The rising Eastern Illinois University redshirt sophomore logged a club-best number of appearances in the All-Star showcase—one—matching the number of games he played for the Panthers during the 2026 season. And his mood brightened even more when reflecting on the spring in Charleston.
“Absolutely awesome,” Decker said when describing his 2026 season with EIU. “Very thrilling, to say the least.” He spent the summer of 2026 with the Kokomo CreekChubs, continuing his development after a spring at EIU that came on the heels of his transfer from Troy. That spring wasn’t just notable for the Panthers’ 33-win record; it also provided Decker the chance to share in the company of a longtime friend and key teammate: Bryce Riggs.
“[He] absolutely dominated this year,” Decker commented about Riggs, a Noblesville, Indiana native who was named the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year. The two have grown up together and now, as they navigate their college careers, they are planning to room together for the 2026-27 school year while continuing their roles with the Panthers’ baseball program.
“Just seeing him on the mound, dominating, sharing laughs, and still competing at a high level has been a blessing,” Decker added. He believes the summer stint in the Prospect League has provided him valuable experiences and a boost in self-confidence that he’ll carry into his continued development at EIU.
Looking ahead, EIU will welcome a new pitching coach in 2027 as Jake Lotz takes over after spending the prior three years at DII Lewis University. Decker’s journey through 2026—balancing summer league play, a strong spring with the Panthers, and a budding on-field partnership with Riggs—highlights a season of growth, camaraderie, and anticipation for what lies ahead in his collegiate career.
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