SARGENT — A baseball journey that began on a family farm near Sargent has carried Camden Kozeal into the professional ranks.
The Miami Marlins selected Kozeal with the 87th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 MLB Draft. The former Millard South standout completed his college career at Arkansas after beginning it at Vanderbilt.
Kozeal’s uncle, Mike Kozeal, joined family members and friends at a draft watch gathering in Ashland when Camden’s name was called. Mike said Camden learned approximately three picks before the announcement that Miami planned to select him, but he kept the news to himself.
“He didn’t tell anyone, but we could tell by the look on his face that someone had drafted him,” Mike said. “We were just sitting around and waiting for that moment to come.”
When the selection was announced, Mike described the moment as both exciting and relieving for Camden and his parents.
“It finally happened, and his dream is going to come true,” Mike said. “He’s going to be a professional baseball player.”
Camden grew up near Sargent before his family moved to Omaha when he was in eighth grade. Mike said one of the primary reasons for the move was to provide Camden and his siblings with opportunities to play baseball at a higher level and gain more exposure.
Camden entered the Millard South baseball program and developed into one of Nebraska’s top high school players. He was named the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 before beginning his college career at Vanderbilt.
Although Camden attended Millard South, Mike said his nephew’s connection to central Nebraska remains strong. Camden continues to spend time in the Sargent, Burwell, and Broken Bow areas and was in central Nebraska during the week before the draft, fishing and floating the Middle Loup River.
“He is around Custer County a lot, and I still think he kind of calls this home,” Mike said.
Kozeal played his freshman college season at Vanderbilt in 2024, batting .284 with five home runs, 28 RBIs, 42 hits, and eight doubles in 43 games. He then transferred to Arkansas, where his offensive production continued to rise.
During his first season with the Razorbacks in 2025, Kozeal hit .333 with 15 home runs, 18 doubles, and 62 RBIs. He earned second-team All-SEC honors and helped Arkansas advance to the College World Series in Omaha.
Kozeal produced another strong season in 2026, starting all 62 games and leading Arkansas with a .318 batting average, 20 home runs, 71 RBIs, 59 runs, and 78 hits. He also recorded 18 doubles and two triples while posting a .410 on-base percentage and a .653 slugging percentage.
Across his three college seasons, Kozeal totaled 40 home runs and 161 RBIs. He received third-team All-America recognition following his final season at Arkansas and was a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate shortstop.
Mike said Camden’s connection to baseball began long before his success at Millard South, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. He remembers Camden playing alone in the yard at his grandparents’ home near Burwell when he was only 2 or 3 years old.
“He’d throw the ball up and hit it and run, and then call himself safe or out at first base and maybe argue with the imaginary umpire,” Mike said. “He loved baseball. He always has.”
Camden’s father later built a baseball field at the family’s farm near Sargent. Modeled after Omaha’s Rosenblatt Stadium, the field became a place where Camden played alongside his brothers, sisters, and uncles.
Mike said Camden’s natural ability was evident early, but his work ethic ultimately helped turn that talent into a professional opportunity.
During high school, Camden would reportedly arrive at Millard South around 5:30 a.m. to complete fielding drills and workouts before coaches and teachers arrived.
“He just has an unbelievable work ethic,” Mike said. “Camden didn’t just stumble into this.”
Mike also pointed to Camden’s attention to detail and self-motivation as qualities that helped him throughout his career.
“He works hard, not only in practice, but in all aspects of his life,” Mike said. “He’s trying to be the best person he can be and the best player he can be.”
At the plate, Mike believes Camden’s ability to hit is his greatest strength.
“He’s very gifted with the bat,” Mike said. “He’s quick to the ball and can really hit. He’s been fun to watch in college, and we’re hoping that translates to his professional career.”
Camden is expected to travel to Miami with his family for several days of orientation before beginning his career in the Marlins’ player-development system.
“It’ll be a change, and it’ll be a lot of pressure,” Mike said. “But I’m sure he’s excited for the challenge.”
