Rett Johnson Makes USA Collegiate National Team, Becomes 17th Wolfpack Player to Represent Team USA

NC State outfielder Rett Johnson continues to add to an already remarkable freshman résumé.

Johnson has earned a spot on the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, becoming the 17th player in program history to represent the United States at the collegiate level.

He is one of just two ACC players on this year’s roster, joined by Louisville infielder Tague Davis.

The United States opens play in the World Collegiate Baseball Championship on Saturday against Korea. This year’s tournament will be held in Taiwan.

Strong Showing in Team USA Camp

Johnson impressed throughout USA Baseball’s selection process.

Stars and Stripes Exhibition Slate

5-for-9
3 RBI
4 runs scored
2 walks
1 stolen base

Stars and Stripes Series

Johnson appeared in five games, starting two.

He finished with:

0-for-6
1 run scored
1 walk
5 stolen bases

While the hits didn’t come during the series, Johnson’s speed was on full display as he wreaked havoc on the basepaths.

Continuing NC State’s Team USA Tradition

Johnson becomes the latest Wolfpack player to represent the United States, joining a long list of NC State greats.

NC State Players to Represent Team USA

The list includes some of the greatest players in program history, including Carlos Rodón, Trea Turner, Patrick Bailey, Joey Devine, and Andrew Brackman.

2026: Rett Johnson
2025: Jacob Dudan, Ryan Marohn, Anderson Nance
2024: Cooper Consiglio, Jacob Dudan, Derrick Smith, Alex Sosa
2021: Sam Highfill, Chris Villaman
2019: Patrick Bailey
2018: Patrick Bailey, Will Wilson
2015: Tommy DeJuneas
2013: Carlos Rodon, Trea Turner
2012: Carlos Rodon, Trea Turner
2007: Eric Surkamp
2006: Andrew Brackman
2004: Joey Devine
1995: Tom Sergio
1993: Andy Barkett, Pat Clougherty, Terry Harvey
1980: Joe Plesac

Historic Freshman Campaign

Johnson’s Team USA selection comes on the heels of one of the best freshman seasons in NC State history.

He earned:

Freshman All-American honors from NCBWA, Perfect Game and D1Baseball
Second Team All-ACC
ACC All-Freshman Team

2026 Statistics

.381 batting average
.490 on-base percentage
75 hits
42 walks
14 stolen bases

Johnson’s .381 batting average led NC State and ranked sixth in the ACC.

His .490 on-base percentage also led the Wolfpack and ranks sixth in school history for a single season.

Climbing the Freshman Record Book

Johnson’s debut season wasn’t simply outstanding by freshman standards.

It was one of the best in school history.

His 75 hits rank as the ninth-most ever by an NC State freshman, and his combination of contact ability, plate discipline, and speed quickly made him one of the ACC’s top offensive players.

Final Thoughts

Making the USA Collegiate National Team is one of the highest honors a college baseball player can receive.

For Rett Johnson, it’s simply the latest accomplishment in what has already been an unforgettable freshman season.

Now he’ll have the opportunity to represent both NC State and the United States against some of the top collegiate talent in the world.