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
Longhorns Baseball Star Named Stopper of the Year Award Finalist Following a standout regular season, Texas Longhorns baseball standout Sam Cozart has advanced to the final round of the prestigious Stopper of the Year Award. The freshman left-hander, who has quickly become a key figure in the program, was recently named one of 14 finalists for the honor, marking a significant milestone in his collegiate career. Cozart’s performance has been nothing short of impressive, as he has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate opposing batters and elevate his team’s chances of success. Cozart, a native of North Carolina, has made a strong case for himself with his exceptional statistics. Over the course of the season, he posted a 1.72 earned run average (ERA) in 47 innings pitched, striking out 67 batters while limiting opponents to a .137 batting average. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations has been a defining trait, as he has thrived in both starting and relief roles. In particular, Cozart has excelled in the Longhorns’ bullpen, where he has recorded eight saves—ranking him among the top rookies in the nation. These saves, combined with his overall dominance, have solidified his position as a serious contender for the award. The 2026 season has been a breakout year for Cozart, who has not only contributed to the Longhorns’ success but also set new benchmarks for himself. His performance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has been particularly noteworthy, as he has maintained a 1.01 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) during conference play. These numbers highlight his ability to control the game and keep opponents in check, even against the toughest competition.#texas_longhorns #southeastern_conference #sam_cozart #stopper_of_the_year_award #sean_conrad
