SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- The Bryant baseball team has been recognized as the favorite in the America East this season by D1Baseball.com.

The national outlet chose the Bulldogs to represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years. Bryant has won each of the last two America East Regular Season titles, posting a combined record of 35-13 in league play.

In addition, fifth year second baseman Zac Zyons was tabbed as the Preseason Player of the Year. Zyons set career highs in doubles (14), home runs (11) and RBI (45).

The release also listed the top prospects in the 2026 and 2027 drafts, as well as impact freshmen. Dylan Scudder, Landon White, Zyons and Brandyn Durand were listed among the top prospects in 2026. Michael Belcher and Owen Birchard were both listed for 2027, while Mike Fiatarone was listed as an impact freshmen.