The University of Georgia placed three players among the early selections in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft Saturday in Philadelphia, underscoring a breakout season for the Bulldogs program.
Early picks reflect standout season
Georgia’s most prominent selection came at No. 37 overall, when catcher Daniel Jackson was chosen by the Colorado Rockies as a competitive-balance pick. Two other Bulldogs followed: right-hander Joey Volchko went to the Chicago White Sox at No. 77 (third round), and outfielder Rylan Lujo was selected by the Los Angeles Angels with the No. 109 pick in the fourth round.
The trio’s draft status caps a season in which Georgia finished 53-14, won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships and placed third at the College World Series.
What each player showed this year
- Daniel Jackson — A Sandy Springs native who turned in one of the nation’s most decorated seasons, Jackson hit .379 with 32 home runs and set a school record with 87 RBIs. He also swiped 26 bases and collected multiple national honors.
- Joey Volchko — The right-handed transfer from Stanford emerged as Georgia’s weekend ace, going 11-2 with a 3.68 ERA across 18 starts and totaling 119 strikeouts in 95 1/3 innings. He delivered a notable complete game with 15 strikeouts against Texas in the College World Series.
- Rylan Lujo — A transfer from Dayton who made an immediate impact, Lujo batted .358 with 14 homers, 49 RBIs and 13 stolen bases, earning first-team All-SEC recognition.
Draft details at a glance
| Player | Position | Drafted by | Round / Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Jackson | Catcher | Colorado Rockies | Competitive Balance A / No. 37 |
| Joey Volchko | RHP | Chicago White Sox | 3rd round / No. 77 |
| Rylan Lujo | Outfielder | Los Angeles Angels | 4th round / No. 109 |
The draft resumes Sunday with rounds five through 20. For Georgia, the early returns validate a season that combined individual achievement and team success, and provide a direct pathway to the professional ranks for three players who played key roles in the Bulldogs’ run.
Locally, the selections will be watched closely by Bulldogs fans and area baseball programs alike. Jackson, a high-profile award winner this season, brings power and run production; Volchko offers a workhorse starter’s profile; and Lujo’s blend of contact, pop and speed projects well in pro scouting reports.
As the draft moves into later rounds, the university and players will finalize decisions about signing and professional assignments. For now, Saturday’s results mark a significant moment for Georgia baseball and the communities that supported these players’ development.
