Seminole Sunday Sauce — July 5, 2026: Mendes, Walker Earn ACC Scholar-Athlete of Year Honors

It’s been three weeks since a Florida State athletic team last competed, but this week, two prominent athletes were recognized for their combined work in sports and in the classroom.

Florida State baseball’s Wes Mendes and track and field’s Shanese Walker were each recognized as ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year for their respective sports. Mendes was recognized on Tuesday; Walker’s recognition came a day later.

The ACC Pitcher of the Year, Mendes finished the season with a 9-3 and a stellar 2.90 ERA. In 93 innings of work, Mendes tallied 125 strikeouts to go with two complete games. He earned several All-American selections.

Joining Mendes on the All-ACC Academic team from the baseball program were outfielders Brayden Dowd, Chase Williams and Noah Sheffield, pitchers Chris Knier, Bryson Moore, Cade O'Leary, Cole Stokes, Kevin Mebil and Cooper Whited and infielder Gabe Fraser.

The national champion in the indoor 60 meters and outdoor 100 meters, Walker was recognized for the recent outdoor season. A native of Jamaica, Walker was also named the Women’s MVP of both the ACC indoor and outdoor championships and the ACC Performer of the Year for both seasons. She has been named a semifinalist for The Bowerman, which goes to the top track and field athlete in the country.

Walker was one of 19 FSU track and field athletes to make the All-ACC Academic team. On the women’s side, she is joined by Bieke Schipperen, Suus Altorf, Zianna Curtis, Nicole Dinan, Lorelai Fiolsa, Micayah Holland, Brooke Hooper, Ella Menke, Me'Yauney Peoples, Kayla Pinkard, Alexa Schwartz, Oluwadara Soremi and Nafy Thiam. Neo Mosebi, Shamar Reid, Trace White, British Wilkerson and Justin Woulard represented the FSU men.

FOOTBALL

Recognitions: None

Commitments: None

Decommitments: None

2027 Recruiting Class Rank: No. 47 nationally, 14th in ACC* (13 total commitments)

Wrap-up: Less than two months stand between us and the 2026 season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Commitments: None

Decommitments: None

2027 Recruiting Class Rank: N/A (0 total commitments)

Wrap-up: We’re about four months from the return of hoops.

- Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson. For all of his work, “Like” or “Follow” Mike on Facebook.