The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 4 Baseball’s Cozart, Volantis recognized as National Pitcher of the Year semifinalists
04.22.2026 | Baseball
Longhorns are one of two SEC programs with multiple honorees
AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas student-athletes Sam Cozart and Dylan Volantis were among the 43 players named semifinalists for the 2026 National Pitcher of the Year Award, the College Baseball Foundation announced Wednesday afternoon.
The Longhorns are one of only two Southeastern Conference programs with multiple honorees, alongside Auburn.
One of just three rookies recognized on the prestigious list, Cozart has notched a 5-0 ledger with a 1.83 ERA, 0.55 WHIP and six saves in his first 13 career appearances.
The 6-foot-6, 260-pound right-hander has totaled 49 strikeouts over 34 1/3 innings pitched. Cozart is holding opposing hitters to a .104 batting average.
The High Point, N.C., is tied for the most saves among Power Four true freshmen.
A finalist for the award a year ago, Volantis has mounted a 5-0 ledger and a 2.13 ERA across nine starts this season.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound southpaw has registered 69 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings, limiting opponents to a .196 average.
As of April 22, Volantis ranks sixth in ERA and eighth in WHIP (1.05) within the SEC.
The duo has helped anchor a Texas pitching staff that boasts the third-best WHIP (1.16), fifth-lowest ERA (3.41) and sixth-best strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.36) in the country.
