ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State's Payton Byrd has been named to the NCBWA All-American First Team. Byrd was one of just two relief pitchers in all of Division 2 to be named to the first team.

Byrd becomes the first Reddie All-American since Taylor Langston in 2018; he also is the first Henderson State player to be named a First Team All-American since Nick Vanthillo in 2015. Vanthillo holds the record for saves in a single season, which Byrd fell short of by one game in 2025.

A senior from Warren, AR, Byrd appeared in 26 games this season for the Reddies, accruing a 2.66 ERA. Byrd also led Division 2 in saves for most of the season; his 13 saves were good enough for a tie for second in the division at season's end. He also led the team in appearances, WHIP, strikeouts, and batting average against.

Byrd helped lead Henderson State to a GAC Championship series appearance and an NCAA regional tournament berth for the second time in the past three years.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters, and publicists of the sport throughout all three divisions of NCAA competition.