#texas_longhorns

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

Vanderbilt Baseball | Shutout to Even the Series Vanderbilt handed No. 4 Texas its first shutout of the season on Saturday, securing a 6-0 victory at Hawkins Field to even the three-game series against the Longhorns. The Commodores’ dominant performance on the mound and their explosive offensive display in the first inning set the tone for the game, which saw Texas’ offense struggle to register a single hit against the Vanderbilt pitching staff. The win marked a significant milestone for the Commodores, who now hold a 26-18 overall record and a 10-10 mark in SEC play, while Texas remains at 31-9 overall and 13-6 in the conference. The pitching staff was the backbone of Vanderbilt’s success, with three arms combining to strike out 14 Texas batters while limiting the Longhorns to just five hits. Freshman Aiden Stillman made his second collegiate start, throwing 3.2 innings and striking out six Longhorns. Junior Luke Guth followed with 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, holding Texas to one hit and recording four strikeouts. True freshman Tyler Baird closed the game with three scoreless frames, earning his fifth save of the season. The trio’s collective dominance shut down Texas’ offense, which managed only a single hit in the entire game. Vanderbilt’s offense wasted no time asserting its dominance, erupting for five runs in the top of the first inning. Mike Mancini led off the frame with a two-run home run, immediately putting the Commodores ahead. Brodie Johnston followed with a triple, scoring Mancini to extend the lead to 3-0. Braden Holcomb then launched his 13th home run of the season, a towering shot to left-center that added three more runs, giving Vanderbilt a commanding 6-0 advantage.#texas_longhorns #vanderbilt_commodores #vanderbilt_baseball #mike_mancini #braden_holcomb

SEC Baseball Standings After Florida Knocks Off Georgia The Georgia Bulldogs remain the top team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) baseball standings despite dropping their first series of the season. The Bulldogs suffered a 2-1 series loss to the Florida Gators at home, marking a significant setback for Georgia. The series result saw Florida dominate Georgia, with the Gators scoring 21 runs across the two games. Georgia’s manager, Wes Johnson, acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We struggled today on the mound and getting big hits when we had the opportunities,” following the 13-7 loss to Florida on Sunday. The series between Texas and Texas A&M was cut short due to inclement weather, leaving Texas A&M with a 2-0 series victory. The Aggies, who are among the SEC’s top teams, secured the win after sweeping the first two games of the series. Meanwhile, South Carolina capitalized on a matchup against Missouri, sweeping the Tigers on the road in a battle between two of the SEC’s lower-ranked teams. Oklahoma also claimed a notable road series win, defeating Vanderbilt 6-5 on Saturday. Tennessee extended its dominance over Mississippi State, handing the Bulldogs a second consecutive SEC sweep. Ole Miss made a strong move in the standings after sweeping LSU at home, while the Arkansas Razorbacks earned a crucial road sweep against Alabama, boosting their position in the conference. Auburn secured a 2-1 series win over Kentucky, with a shutout victory on Sunday solidifying their place in the top tier of the SEC.#texas_longhorns #georgia_bulldogs #florida_gators #sec_baseball #texas_am_aggies

Philadelphia Eagles Eye Undervalued Safety Michael Taaffe for 2026 NFL Draft The Philadelphia Eagles are entering the final stages of preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, with a growing focus on identifying undervalued prospects who could provide immediate impact. As the draft approaches, college football coaches and analysts have highlighted several players who may be overlooked but offer significant upside. Among them, Texas Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe has emerged as a potential target for the Eagles, despite being projected to fall into the early third-round range. Coaches and scouts are emphasizing his combination of football IQ, versatility, and value for a team looking to address specific needs without overpaying for high-profile picks. Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, recently praised Taaffe’s potential in an ESPN interview with Adam Rittenberg, calling him a “diamond in the rough” for NFL teams. Sarkisian highlighted Taaffe’s elite football intelligence and his ability to contribute beyond traditional defensive roles. “He’s a guy who’s going to not only contribute on defense but on special teams, so there’s value for him there,” Sarkisian said. This dual-threat profile makes Taaffe an attractive option for teams seeking depth and flexibility, particularly in a draft class where high-end talent may be scarce. While the Eagles have publicly prioritized positions like wide receiver, offensive tackle, and pass rusher, their need at safety has remained less prominent in public discussions. However, analysts suggest that the starting roles at safety may be more fluid than previously assumed. Andrew Mukuba, the team’s current starting safety, is expected to lead the unit but is coming off a season-ending injury, leaving uncertainty about his long-term role.#philadelphia_eagles #howie_roseman #texas_longhorns #steve_sarkisian #michael_taaffe

Sean Miller says Texas not Cinderella despite Sweet 16 run PORTLAND, Ore. — Coach Sean Miller dismissed the idea that Texas is a Cinderella team, despite the Longhorns’ stunning 74-68 victory over third-seeded Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament. The win, which propelled Texas to the Sweet 16, marked the program’s 11th tournament win as a double-digit seed since seeding began in 1979. Miller emphasized that the team’s status as the University of Texas and its representation in the SEC should not be overlooked. “I don’t think we ever want to sign up to be the Cinderella story, because we are the University of Texas, and what we represent in the SEC,” Miller said after the game. The 11th-seeded Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16, a feat Miller called a testament to the team’s preparation. His record in the round of 32 now stands at 9-1 (including vacated games), surpassing the previous best by coaches since the tournament expanded to 32 teams in 1975. Texas’ path to the Sweet 16 included a first-round upset over sixth-seeded BYU, despite a 35-point performance from freshman AJ Dybantsa. The team’s success was bolstered by a rigorous regular-season schedule in the SEC, featuring victories over Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, and Texas A&M. Miller credited the conference’s competitiveness for preparing the team for the postseason. “There’s no easy game in the SEC. The league itself prepares you for the postseason,” he said. “Sometimes the lessons you learned along the way strengthen you. We’re a much better team right now than we would have been a month ago.” The Longhorns became the sixth team to start in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 since the format began in 2011.#ncaa_tournament #texas_longhorns #sec #university_of_texas #sean_miller

No. 11 seed Texas Longhorns defeat No. 6 BYU Cougars 79-71 in March Madness second-round game The Texas Longhorns, seeded 11th in the NCAA tournament, advanced to the next round with a 79-71 victory over the No. 6 BYU Cougars in a tightly contested second-round matchup. The game, played on March 20, 2026, saw Texas overcome a challenging matchup against the higher-seeded Cougars, with standout performance from guard Vokietaitis, who scored 23 points to lead the Longhorns. The contest, officiated by referees Verne Harris, Larry Scirotto, and James Breeding, featured a back-and-forth battle throughout. Texas, known for its defensive intensity, managed to contain BYU’s offensive threats while capitalizing on key opportunities in the second half. The Longhorns’ ability to maintain composure under pressure proved critical, as they extended their lead in the final minutes to secure the win. BYU, which entered the game as a top-six seed, struggled to find consistent scoring after the first quarter. Despite efforts to rally in the second half, the Cougars’ offense faced challenges against Texas’ disciplined defense. The Longhorns’ balanced scoring attack, combined with key contributions from their bench, ultimately proved too much for BYU to overcome. The victory marks a significant milestone for Texas, as the 11th-seeded team advances further in the tournament than many had anticipated. The result highlights the unpredictability of the NCAA tournament, where lower-seeded teams can disrupt higher-ranked opponents. For BYU, the loss ends a strong season but leaves room for reflection on how to adjust their strategy for future matchups. The game also underscored the importance of clutch performances in high-stakes college basketball.#texas_longhorns #byu_cougars #vokietaitis #verne_harris #larry_scirotto

NCAA Tournament First Four: Expert Predicts UMBC and Texas Will Advance to Round of 64 The NCAA Tournament’s First Four begins in Dayton on Tuesday, featuring two high-stakes matchups: No. 16 seed UMBC of the America East faces No. 16 seed Howard of the MEAC at 6:40 ET, while No. 11 seed Texas of the SEC takes on No. 11 seed NC State of the ACC at 9:15 ET. CBS Sports and SportsLine analyst Matt Severance breaks down the games, offering insights into each team’s strengths and potential outcomes. UMBC, the Retrievers, enters the tournament with a strong record, having won 12 consecutive games—the second-longest active streak in the nation. The team, led by graduate guard DJ Armstrong, who scored a career-high 33 points in the America East tournament title game, has a history of upsets. In 2018, UMBC stunned No. 1 seed Virginia, marking its only NCAA Tournament victory in three attempts. The Retrievers’ 3-point shooting prowess, with Armstrong averaging 2.6 made threes per game and a 40.4% shooting rate, gives them an edge against the MEAC’s Howard. Howard, the MEAC regular-season champions, brings a formidable 1-2 punch in Bryce Harris and Cedric Taylor III, both averaging over 17 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. However, the Bison have struggled in past First Four appearances, going 0-4 in their previous four trips. Despite their offensive firepower, MEAC teams have a 4-7 record in the First Four, and Howard’s 0-1 mark in the round adds to the challenge. If UMBC advances, it will face Big Ten runner-up Michigan, a Midwest No. 1 seed, in the Round of 64. The America East has a 2-0 record in the First Four, but teams from the league have struggled in the next round, going 1-18 all-time.#texas_longhorns #umbc_retrievers #ncaa_tournament_first_four #nc_state_wolfpack #matt_severance

Texas Claims First Women's SEC Tournament Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina The Texas Longhorns secured their first women’s SEC tournament championship with a decisive 78-61 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. The game, played in Greenville, South Carolina, saw Texas take control early, building a 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and never allowing the Gamecocks to reclaim the momentum. The Longhorns’ dominance extended throughout the contest, with their lead never dropping below double digits as they claimed the title. South Carolina, the three-time defending SEC tournament champion, faced its most significant defeat in the tournament’s history. The Gamecocks, who had dominated the conference for the past three years, struggled to respond to Texas’ early aggression. Coach Vic Schaefer’s team, ranked No. 4, showcased resilience and precision, with standout performances from key players. Tournament MVP Madison Booker led the charge, scoring 18 points and averaging 20 points on 61% shooting across the tournament. Booker’s second-half contribution of 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting underscored Texas’ ability to maintain its intensity. The victory marked a historic moment for Texas, as Schaefer became the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at two different schools. His previous success with Mississippi State in 2019 now joins this milestone, highlighting his impact on the program. Schaefer emphasized the team’s focus on toughness and resilience, noting that Texas’ early dominance set the tone for the entire game. “We belong in the SEC,” Booker said, reflecting the team’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Texas’ early lead.#south_carolina_gamecocks #texas_longhorns #vic_schaefer #madison_booker #dawn_staley