OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – After finishing as a semifinalist for the Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award in 2025, Missouri State junior Max Knight appeared on the watch list for the 2026 award Wednesday, it was announced by the College Baseball Foundation. Knight is the only Conference USA player on the list.
 
Knight has also won the weekly Olerud Award twice in his career, including Feb. 16 of this season.
 
In 2026, Knight is 1-0 with two saves on the mound, striking out 13 in nine innings with a .179 opponent batting average. Offensively, the Bixby, Okla., native has started at first base, left field and designated hitter, and is batting .244 with three home runs and five RBIs through 12 games.
 
Last season, Knight was the only player nationally with 45 RBIs, 45 innings pitched and 55 pitching strikeouts.
 
Knight and the Bears (7-5) host Memphis this weekend in a three-game series at Hammons Field. Game times are slated for 3 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets to all home games are available here.