CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The 2026 MLB Draft concluded this last weekend, and for the third year in a row, Austin Peay had at least one player selected. This year, it was standout pitcher Cody Airington who had the honor, as he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 20th round.

Despite being selected by the Rangers, Airington took to social media shortly after the draft to announce that he will return to Austin Peay for the 2027 season.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Texas Rangers for selecting me in the 2026 MLB Draft. It was an incredible honor and an experience I will never forget,” said Airington. “After a lot of thought, I have chosen to return to Austin Peay for another season.”

Airington’s return should be a nice boost as the Govs look to rebound from a down 2026 season. The starter led the team with 63.1 innings pitched and ended with a 5.12 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts to just 23 walks. In 2025, Airington started in eight games and ended with a 4-1 record, a 3.54 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” Airington said. “The work starts now. Let’s go Peay!”

Before coming to Clarksville, Airington starred at Cowley County Community College, where he was an NJCAA East Division First Team All-KJCCC selection in 2024.

Austin Peay State University's baseball team came away with a 2-1 walk-off victory over Central Arkansas in game two of its ASUN weekend series, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park. (Robert Smith, APSU Athletics)
Austin Peay State University’s baseball team came away with a 2-1 walk-off victory over Central Arkansas in game two of its ASUN weekend series, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park. (Robert Smith, APSU Athletics)

Austin Peay, Roland Fanning continue to produce MLB draft picks

The past few seasons have been some of the best in the long history of Austin Peay baseball. We’ve seen a number of talented players come through Clarksville including several who are now in the MLB. Just over the last four seasons, the Govs have had nine players make it to the next level.

In 2024, the Govs saw Titan Kennedy-Hayes, Jon Jon Gazdar, Lyle Miller-Green, and Tyler Hampu drafted. Then, in 2025, Cameron Nickens was drafted. Airington’s selection kept the streak going in 2026, and the hope is that Airington will be drafted even higher in the 2027 MLB draft.

In Austin Peay baseball history, only two players have been drafted and opted to return to college: Keith Gilliam in 1981, and Zach Neff in 2017. Gilliam returned to Austin Peay and went on to be drafted again in 1982. Neff went on to transfer to Mississippi State and was drafted again in 2018. Airington is thus the first player since Gilliam to be drafted and opt to return to Austin Peay.

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