If you’re a fan of college baseball, you’ve probably heard of Dylan Campbell. He’s the junior right fielder for the University of Texas Longhorns, and he’s been on fire this season.

Campbell has a school-record hitting streak going at 33 games, dating back to March 23. He’s also hitting .343 with 10 home runs, 29 RBI, 40 runs scored and 24 stolen bases. He ranks in the top 10 of nine Big 12 offensive categories, making him one of the most versatile and productive players in the league.

But Campbell is more than just a great hitter. He’s also a stellar defender, with five outfield assists and several clutch catches. He’s helped the Longhorns win a share of the Big 12 championship and secure a regional host berth for the NCAA Tournament.

How Campbell Became a Star

Campbell was always a talented athlete, lettering and starting four years at shortstop for Strake Jesuit High School in Houston. He also played football and basketball, earning first team All-District honors and offensive MVP awards in both sports.

He was ranked the No. 44 overall player in Texas and 12th-ranked shortstop in the state by Perfect Game. He also participated in Area Code Games in Long Beach, California.

Campbell had a dream of playing for the University of Texas since elementary school. His parents were both student-athletes at Texas Southern University, and his father Donovan was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1988 and played four seasons in their organization.

Campbell made his debut for the Longhorns in 2021, playing in 32 games with 12 starts as a freshman. He batted .189 with three doubles and one homer, driving in seven RBI and scoring 10 runs.

He improved his game as a sophomore in 2022, playing in 65 games with 47 starts and batting .267 with 10 home runs, 29 RBI and 40 runs scored. He led the team with 14 stolen bases on 17 attempts and five outfield assists. He was named to the NCAA Austin Regional All-Tournament team after helping the Longhorns advance to the Super Regional.

This year, he has taken his game to another level, becoming one of the best players in the nation. He has been a key cog for the league co-champion Longhorns, who are ranked No. 2 in the country by Baseball America.

What Makes Campbell So Special

Campbell is a rare combination of power, speed, defense and consistency. He can hit for average and for extra bases, as well as steal bases and score runs. He can play multiple positions on the field, including outfield, infield and designated hitter. He can also deliver in clutch situations, as he showed with his go-ahead homer and walk-off RBI single against East Carolina in the Super Regional.

Campbell is also a leader on and off the field, inspiring his teammates with his work ethic and attitude. He has a major in Communication & Leadership and is active in community service.

Campbell’s coach David Pierce has praised him as “the best player in the conference” and a deserving candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year honors. Although he lost out to West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt, who leads the nation with a .447 batting average, Campbell has been more valuable to his team’s success.

What’s Next for Campbell

Campbell has a bright future ahead of him, both in college and beyond. He still has one more year of eligibility left at Texas, but he could also opt to enter the MLB Draft this summer. He is projected to be a high-round pick by many scouts and analysts.

Whatever he decides to do, Campbell will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Texas history. He has already etched his name in the record books with his hitting streak, which is still active as of May 24.

He will also have a chance to lead his team to glory in the NCAA Tournament, which starts on June 3. The Longhorns are aiming for their seventh national title and their first since 2005.

If you want to watch Campbell and his teammates play some exciting baseball, tune in to ESPN or follow them on social media. You won’t regret it.