Zandt Payne is the Wildcats’ steady, switch-hitting spark plug at shortstop
In the 2026 season, Zandt Payne has been one of Abilene Christian’s most reliable bats and a clear infield anchor, earning semifinalist buzz for the Brooks Wallace Award and All-WAC Second Team plus All-Defensive Team honors.[2][7] He’s a high-contact, high-on-base infielder with pop and speed — he was hitting .331 with a .453 OBP through 39 games in 2026, after a breakout 2025 season (.376/.490/.550 with 10 steals).[2][1] The big selling point: he looks like a winning glue guy who produces, defends, and rarely disappears from the lineup.[2][7]
