Jackson Manning is giving Illinois State a steady infield spark with a contact-first profile
In the 2026 season, Jackson Manning appeared in 23 games for Illinois State and hit .259 with a .375 on-base percentage, showing enough bat-to-ball skill and strike-zone feel to matter in the lineup. He also delivered a season-high three hits against Eastern Illinois on May 12, and multiple late-season games showed he can string together quality at-bats when the Redbirds need them. At 6-foot-2, he brings a solid infield frame and a quietly useful, team-first style that fits a roster looking for reliable production without a lot of flash.
