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
College Baseball Notebook: Top Seeds Set for Conference Tournaments The NCAA Baseball Tournament is entering its final phase as 28 of the 29 automatic bids for the 64-team national field are set to be determined through conference tournaments. With regional play scheduled to begin on May 29 and the College World Series set for June 12-22 in Omaha, Nebraska, the focus has shifted to the power conferences where the top seeds are already locked in. In the Atlantic Coast Conference, Georgia Tech is the top seed for the second consecutive year, led by first-year coach James Ramsey. The Yellow Jackets finished the regular season with 10 straight wins over ACC opponents, ranking first nationally in scoring (10.7 runs per game) and batting average (.358). North Carolina, the 2025 champion, leads the conference in ERA (3.71) and fielding (.981), with reliever Caden Glauber posting an ACC-leading 1.96 ERA. Boston College, which finished with a 36-20, 17-13 record, had its best season in program history, while Louisville’s Tague Davis leads the nation with 34 home runs. The Big Ten tournament in Omaha will feature UCLA as the top seed. The Bruins set a program record with 48 wins and 28 conference victories, finishing the regular season with a 3.34 ERA. Projected No. 1 MLB draft pick Roch Cholowsky led the Big Ten with 21 home runs. Nebraska, the 2025 champion, enters with a seven-game Big Ten winning streak, a .314 batting average, and a fourth-place national fielding ranking (.984). A dramatic 14th-inning squeeze bunt by Oregon’s Burke-Lee Mabeus secured the Ducks a 6-5 win over Southern California, earning them the No. 3 seed over the Trojans. USC, meanwhile, leads the nation with nine shutouts.#ucla #big_ten #big_12 #atlantic_coast_conference #southeastern_conference
