Landon Blais Earns NJCAA Third Team All-America Honors Following Outstanding Freshman Season
DOUGLAS, Ariz. – Following one of the most successful seasons in recent program history, Cochise College freshman Landon Blais has been recognized among the nation's best, earning NJCAA Division I Third Team All-America honors for the 2026 season.
The prestigious national recognition caps an extraordinary freshman campaign in which Blais emerged as one of the most valuable and versatile players in Region 1 baseball. His impact could be felt in every phase of the game, helping lead the Apaches to a 46-15 overall record, a tie for the program's regular season wins record, a Region 1 Championship Series appearance, and one of the most memorable seasons in Cochise Baseball history.
Season Statistics
2026 Season Stats
-
Games Played: 57
-
Batting Average: .435
-
Hits: 80
-
Runs Scored: 59
-
Doubles: 15
-
Triples: 4
-
Home Runs: 8
-
RBIs: 46
-
Stolen Bases: 8
-
On-Base Percentage: .527
-
Slugging Percentage: .701
Throughout the spring, Blais established himself as one of the most consistent offensive performers in the ACCAC. Batting near the top of the lineup, he routinely delivered in key situations, recording numerous multi-hit games while serving as a catalyst for an offense that shattered the program's single-season home run record and became one of the highest-scoring teams in the region.
His biggest performances often came against top competition. During conference play, Blais delivered multiple game-changing hits, including a two-home run performance against Central Arizona College and several clutch RBI games against nationally ranked opponents. In the postseason, he continued to rise to the occasion. During the NJCAA Region 1 Tournament in Henderson, Nevada, Blais played a critical role in Cochise's run through the elimination bracket. Against Arizona Western in the tournament semifinals, he collected two hits, including a key ninth-inning double that set the stage for the game-winning rally that sent the Apaches to the Region 1 Championship Round.
Season Highlights
Among Blais' biggest moments during the 2026 season:
-
Two-home run performance against Central Arizona College.
-
Key postseason performance against Arizona Western in the Region 1 semifinals.
-
Multiple multi-hit games against nationally ranked competition.
-
First Team All-ACCAC and All-Region selection.
-
NJCAA Division I Third Team All-American.
While his offensive production garnered attention throughout the season, Blais' value extended far beyond the batter's box. The freshman outfielder became one of the team's most dependable defensive players while also contributing valuable innings on the mound. His versatility provided Cochise with a unique weapon throughout the season, allowing the Apaches to utilize him in multiple roles while maintaining a high level of production.
One of his most memorable performances came late in the season when he stepped into a starting pitching role against Arizona Western during the Region 1 Tournament. Facing elimination, Blais delivered 5.1 strong innings and helped keep the Apaches alive during their remarkable postseason run. His ability to contribute both offensively and on the mound highlighted the all-around skill set that made him one of the premier players in junior college baseball.
Blais' postseason honors reflected the impact he made throughout the year. In addition to earning NJCAA Third Team All-America honors, he was selected to the All-ACCAC and All-Region First Team, recognizing him as one of the top outfielders in Region 1. He joined teammates Shiryu Sato, Gavin Mesa, Jorge Cardenas, and Andrugh Yee as First Team selections, helping Cochise place five players on the conference's top team.
The 2026 Apaches will be remembered for their record-setting offense, resilience in postseason play, and ability to compete with the nation's top programs. At the center of that success was Blais, whose consistency, versatility, and competitive drive helped elevate Cochise throughout the season.
For a freshman to earn national recognition in one of the country's toughest junior college baseball conferences is a remarkable achievement. For Cochise Baseball, Landon Blais' All-America honor serves as another reminder of the talent, determination, and championship culture that defined the 2026 season.
