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Arkansas Catcher Ryder Helfrick Named to Preseason Buster Posey Award Watch List
Helfrick is one of 56 preseason nominees for the award given to the nation's top collegiate catcher.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:07am
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Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick has been selected as one of 56 preseason nominees for the Buster Posey Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher by the Wichita Sports Commission. Helfrick is one of 10 SEC catchers to make the preseason watch list.
Why it matters
The Buster Posey Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college baseball, recognizing the best catcher in the nation. Helfrick's inclusion on the preseason watch list is a testament to his exceptional skills behind the plate and highlights Arkansas' strength as a top baseball program.
The details
Last season, Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 with 15 home runs and 38 RBIs, while also committing only three errors on 629 chances (.995 fielding percentage) and throwing out 10 of 45 attempted base stealers. He has been tabbed as a preseason All-American by both Baseball America and D1Baseball.
- The 2026 college baseball season begins on Friday, February 13.
- Helfrick and the Razorbacks will open their season against Oklahoma State at 7 p.m. on February 13 in the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The players
Ryder Helfrick
A catcher for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team, Helfrick is considered one of the top catchers in the nation and has been named to the preseason watch list for the Buster Posey Award.
Dave Van Horn
The 24th-year head coach of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team, Van Horn has led the program to eight College World Series appearances.
What’s next
Helfrick and the Razorbacks will open their season against Oklahoma State on February 13 in the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The takeaway
Ryder Helfrick's inclusion on the preseason Buster Posey Award watch list is a testament to his exceptional skills as a collegiate catcher and highlights the strength of the Arkansas baseball program under the leadership of head coach Dave Van Horn.
