SWAC’s top slugger signs undrafted free-agent contract

Southern University standout KJ White has signed a free-agent contract with the Athletics organization, capping a historic senior season that cemented his status as one of the SWAC’s top players.

White, an infielder and lead-off hitter, was the driving force behind Southern’s success in 2026. He earned SWAC Hitter of the Year honors and First-Team All-SWAC recognition. He was named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Award, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player.

He closed his collegiate career with a .421 batting average, tallying 81 hits, eight doubles, one home run, and 33 RBIs while scoring 46 runs. White also posted a .486 on-base percentage and a .682 slugging percentage, consistently setting the tone at the top of the Jaguars’ lineup.

Behind White’s production, Southern finished 29-23 overall and 20-7 in conference play. The 29 wins marked the most under head coach Chris Crenshaw and the program’s highest total since the 2019 season.

“I’m extremely proud of KJ and everything he accomplished during his time at Southern University,” Crenshaw said in a statement on the school’s website. “He came to work every day with a professional mindset and earned this opportunity through his dedication, consistency and commitment to becoming the best player he could be.”

Throughout the season, White established himself as one of the SWAC’s most dangerous offensive threats, combining elite contact hitting with consistency and the ability to impact games in multiple ways. His performance helped keep Southern among the conference’s top contenders.