Texas A&M’s left-handed pitcher Ryan Prager has been honored as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a testament to his exceptional performance both on the baseball field and in the classroom. This prestigious award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding athletic achievement, academic excellence, and exemplary character.
Prager’s 2024 season was nothing short of remarkable. He posted a 9-1 record with a 2.95 ERA in 19 starts, striking out 124 batters and allowing only 20 walks. His 124 strikeouts ranked ninth all-time in Texas A&M history, marking the first time since 2021 that an Aggie pitcher surpassed 100 strikeouts in a season. Notably, Prager held opponents to a .226 batting average and achieved a 6.20 strikeout-to-walk ratio, ranking second nationally.
In addition to his athletic prowess, Prager excelled academically, maintaining a high GPA and demonstrating a commitment to his studies. His dedication to both his sport and academics embodies the ideal of a student-athlete.
Prager’s achievements extend beyond the SEC. He was named a Second-Team All-American by D1Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). His exceptional performance earned him the SEC Pitcher of the Week honor on May 20, 2024, following a dominant outing against No. 2 Arkansas, where he struck out nine batters over seven innings .
Despite being selected in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels, Prager chose to return to Texas A&M for the 2025 season. This decision underscores his commitment to his education and his desire to continue contributing to the Aggies’ baseball program .
Ryan Prager’s recognition as the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year highlights his exceptional balance of athletic excellence and academic achievement, setting a standard for future student-athletes to aspire to.