SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Junior right-handed pitcher Parker Puetz and sophomore outfielder Dante Smith have been named to the Summit League Baseball Players and Pitchers to Watch list, the league office announced on Wednesday morning.

Smith was named to the All-Summit League Second Team last season after posting a .375 batting average in Summit League play with 17 runs and 11 RBI across 22 contests. Puetz appeared in only six games after working back from an injury. The Volga. S.D., native was a 2023 All-Summit League Second Team selection and was named to the D1Baseball Freshman All-America Second Team.

As a team, the Bison were picked fifth in the Summit League Preseason Poll with 11 total points. Oral Roberts earned the top spot with 24 points and four first-place votes.

The full Summit League release can be viewed here.

NDSU will open the 2026 season at Florida Gulf Coast on Friday. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. CT