Miami Hurricanes junior shortstop Jake Ogden has been named to the 2025 Brooks Wallace Award Watch List, an honor recognizing the nation's top shortstop. The Brooks Wallace Award, presented annually by the College Baseball Foundation, honors the legacy of former Texas Tech shortstop Brooks Wallace who passed away from leukemia at age 27.
A transfer from UNC Greensboro, Ogden has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Hurricanes. He has started all 41 games, is batting .331 through 160 at-bats, has scored 36 runs off 53 hits and is a perfect 10 for 10 on stolen bases.
Ogden's performance has been instrumental in Miami's recent successes, including their recent victory over No. 13 Georgia Tech, where he contributed an RBI during a pivotal third-inning rally. The Brooks Wallace Award Watch List features 100 of the nation's top shortstops, with Ogden being one of several ACC players recognized. The award evaluates both offensive and defensive excellence, highlighting players who exemplify the all-around skill set required at the shortstop position.
Ogden honed his baseball skills at Coral Reef Senior High School in Miami. During his senior year, he batted .372 with two triples, seven doubles, and 20 RBIs, earning spots on the 2022 7A-16 All-District Team and the Senior All-Star Public Team. Despite his impressive performance, Ogden was overlooked by major Division I programs, leading him to begin his career at Barry University, a Division II school.
As a freshman at Barry University, Ogden started 51 of 52 games, achieving a .322 batting average with nine doubles, two triples, eight home runs, and 38 RBIs. His outstanding performance earned him the Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year award.
Transferring to UNC Greensboro in his sophomore year, Ogden continued his upward trajectory. He started all 54 games, batting .313 with 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, and 45 RBIs. Notably, he hit a three-run walk-off home run against Samford, securing a series victory for the Spartans.
Ogden's journey reflects his dedication and adaptability, transitioning from a Division II program to becoming a key player for a Division I team. His story serves as an inspiration and that hard work can lead to success at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.