The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 2 Baseball’s Riojas, Cozart selected to Baseball America’s midseason national awards watch lists
04.01.2026 | Baseball
Longhorns are one of three SEC programs with multiple players honored
AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas student-athletes Ruger Riojas and Sam Cozart earned spots on Baseball America's first-ever midseason national awards watch lists, the outlet announced Wednesday morning.
Riojas was named to the midseason watch list for the College Pitcher of the Year Award, while Cozart was tabbed as one to watch for the Freshman of the Year Award.
As Texas' ace, Riojas has posted a 5-0 ledger and a 1.59 ERA, which ranks fourth in the Southeastern Conference. The senior's 64 strikeouts are tied for the fifth-most in the country, topping the league by six punchouts. Riojas has notched a 0.88 WHIP across 39 2/3 innings.
In his debut campaign, Cozart leads all pitchers nationally in WHIP (0.61). The 6-foot-6, 260-pound right-hander also paces the SEC in opponent batting average (.116). Overall, Cozart has totaled a 5-0 record with two saves and a 1.93 ERA. The rookie has registered 34 strikeouts over 28 innings.
The duo has helped the Longhorns mount the country's fourth-best ERA (2.93) and seventh-best WHIP (1.15).
Baseball America will announce the four finalists in each category on May 27. Players not included on the midseason watch lists remain eligible to win all awards.
