December marked the arrival of one of the most anticipated releases in the world of baseball card collecting: Bowman Draft. The product has long been a staple for collectors, introducing the first Bowman cards for players drafted in the previous year. Typically showcasing most first-round picks while holding back a few notable names for Bowman Baseball the following year.
Maintaining tradition, the 2025 release followed suit by reserving third overall pick Charlie Condon and eighth overall pick JJ Wetherholt for the 2026 product. Though their absence left collectors curious for the forthcoming releases, this year’s set did not disappoint in terms of excitement and intrigue.
Notable highlights included the debut Bowman cards for Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick often dubbed as the “next Shohei Ohtani.” Caglianone’s inclusion held particular significance as during his time at the University of Florida, he made history by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps. While Topps did not release cards of him during his college stint, collectors can now own cards showcasing his time at Florida via other channels.
Baseball’s distinctive development pipeline sets it apart from other major sports, with prospects spending years refining their skills in the minor leagues. For collectors, investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight, as the value of these cards can soar once a player hits the majors and fulfills their potential.
The introduction of college-themed cards by Topps aligns with the changing landscape of collegiate sports due to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. Expanding into college football and basketball products post-NIL rules in 2021, Topps reintroduced college-focused Bowman cards for baseball this year.
In a unique move, this year’s Bowman Draft features a subset of Chrome College Variations, adding an interesting twist for collectors. While not a completely college-centric set, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within the Bowman brand. The response has been exceptional, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from the set recently fetching an impressive $6,500, setting a record as the highest-priced Florida Gators card ever.
The subset comprises ten standout players like Travis Bazzana, Hagen Smith, Jac Caglianone, Christian Moore, Ryan Waldschmidt, Carson Benge, James Tibbs III, Braden Montgomery, Cam Smith, and Blake Burke. These cards are highly scarce, with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Beyond the base versions, collectors can pursue limited parallels such as gold refractors numbered to 50, orange refractors numbered to 25, red refractors numbered to 5, and the ultra-rare 1/1 Superfractor.
The rarity and allure of these cards have made them highly sought after, appealing to both traditional collectors and new enthusiasts drawn to the infusion of college imagery in the Bowman Draft lineup. It’s an exciting time for collectors, blending the thrill of prospecting with the nostalgia of college sports.
Bowman Draft continues to innovate, with the Chrome College Variations showcasing Topps’ dedication to pushing boundaries in the hobby. As collectors delve into packs in search of these prized possessions, the connection between baseball’s future stars and their collegiate roots strengthens. This year’s Bowman Draft isn’t just a card set; it’s a tribute to baseball’s past, present, and future, narrated through a hobby that remains as vibrant as ever.
