Dylan Volantis, Sam Cozart named finalists for national pitching honors Sam Cozart and Dylan Volantis have been named finalists for prestigious national pitching awards after standout seasons for the Texas Longhorns. Volantis, a transition from closer to starting pitcher, is a finalist for the National College Baseball Hall of Fame’s national pitcher of the year award, while Cozart, a freshman closer, is a finalist for the NCBWA’s stopper of the year honor. Both players have played pivotal roles in Texas’ NCAA tournament run, with their performances highlighting the team’s depth and competitiveness. Volantis, who has excelled in his shift to the starting rotation, is among three Texas pitchers still alive in the NCAA tournament. He ranks third nationally in ERA, trailing only UC Santa Barbara’s Jackson Flora and USC’s Mason Edwards. His ability to dominate hitters has made him a key asset for the Longhorns, particularly in high-stakes games. This marks the second consecutive season Volantis has earned finalist status for the national pitcher of the year award, a testament to his consistency and impact on the mound. Cozart, meanwhile, has been instrumental in Texas’ success as a closer, recording eight saves this season and leading the team to a perfect record in games he has appeared in. His performance has earned him recognition as one of only five Longhorns to be named a finalist for the stopper of the year award. Among pitchers with at least 45.0 innings pitched, Cozart leads the nation in WHIP (0.72) and batting average allowed (.137), finishing second in ERA to Flora. His dominance in high-pressure situations has solidified his role as a critical part of Texas’ bullpen. Together, Volantis and Cozart form one of the most formidable pitching tandems in the tournament.#texas_longhorns #sam_cozart #dylan_volantis #ncbwa #national_college_baseball_hall_of_fame
