Forty Acres Insider: June 16

Chris Del Conte head shot 2025

Longhorn Nation,

We're making room in the Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame, y'all — the NACDA LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP is staying right here where it belongs. With Baseball still competing at the MCWS the official results aren't in just yet, but we've already clinched it — and by a comfortable margin over runner-up Stanford. That makes three-straight Directors' Cup victories and five in the last six years in the race for the hardware that goes to the premier athletics department in the country. Winning the Cup is the crown jewel for an athletics department and the spectacular trophy will be delivered soon enough. It will look absolutely glorious taking center stage alongside the others in our growing collection of Learfield Directors' Cups and so much more inside the Hall of Fame — a shining reminder that the PRIDE AND WINNING TRADTION of The University of Texas is second to none. I'm so incredibly proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, and we couldn't do this without the passion, pride and unwavering support of Longhorn Nation right there by our side every step of the way. Team Texas is a reckoning — united as one with our Board of Regents, president, faculty, staff, students, and fans. It's a great time to be a Longhorn!

the NACDA Learfield Directors' Cup is staying right where it belongs 🤘🏆#HookEm pic.twitter.com/JdTP76Ikvt
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) June 14, 2026

THIS YEAR'S CUP comes on the heels of a tremendous second year in the Southeastern Conference, where we claimed a league-best six crowns — seven conference titles when you add in Beach Volleyball's MPSF Championship — along with National Championships in Softball, Rowing and Men's Swimming and Diving, a run to the NCAA Championship match for Men's Tennis, and NCAA Final Four finishes for Women's Basketball and Beach Volleyball. Women's Swimming and Diving's third-place finish gave us SEVEN teams among the nation's top three, along with 11 top-five finishes and 13 top-10s — all among the best totals in our history. Over the last six years, while claiming five Learfield Directors' Cup titles, our Horns have won 16 NCAA Championships, posted 29 NCAA top-two finishes, 60 top-fives and 78 top-10s. We've had multiple National Championships in all six of those seasons, matching the longest such streak in school history (1986-91), and with Softball and Men's Swimming and Diving going back-to-back this year, five of our programs have won consecutive National Crowns during that span. Those are some eye-popping numbers to be oh-so-proud of — and we're not done yet. I'd be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit is due. It all starts with our unbelievable leadership — Chairman Eltife and President Davis — and their incredible support that allows our coaches, student-athletes and staff to do their thing. And Longhorn Nation, y'all are the absolute best. You've been right there with us among our record-setting crowds and historical viewership numbers, helping us vigorously row the boat in the same direction. When we do that — and keep those BBs in the box — we can accomplish anything under the sun! Y'all know it: a United Texas is a reckoning, my friends!

Baseball's CWS win Monday secured at least a Top-5 NCAA finish, making it 1⃣1⃣ for our Horns this season (2nd-most in school history). With 3 NCAA Championships, 7 top-3 finishes, 13 top-10s and another Learfield Directors' Cup. The numbers over the last 6 years are incredible!🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/PZIjlOEHCn
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) June 16, 2026

As we continue to pull for our final team still in competition, Baseball keeps battling its way through the College World Series bracket and will take the field tonight against No. 3 Georgia (7 p.m. CT/ESPN) with its season on the line. The Omahorns' record 39th appearance in the MCWS continues and our Horns will be fighting until the final out to survive and advance again tonight. As that unfolds, we also head into FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND, and here's to cherishing the patriarchs in our lives. It's a time to applaud and thank them for the sacrifices they've made, the lessons they've taught, and the love and support they've provided along the way. I especially want to send a shoutout to all Longhorn Dads. May this weekend be filled with gratitude, family time, admiration, appreciation, reflection and love.

For Coach Schloss and our Baseball guys, it's all about THRIVING AND ADVANCING, and that's exactly what happened in yesterday's 14-2 victory over No. 7 Alabama. Ruger Riojas set the tone on the mound by striking out the side in the first inning and punching out seven Crimson Tide batters in his six innings of work. And how about the performance at the plate from our Adrian Rodriguez – absolutely EN FUEGO! Adrian went 5-for-5 (tied for the most by a Texas player in a MCWS game) with 7 RBI (tied for the most in a game in MCWS history) and became just the THIRD player in MCWS history to hit for the cycle. We're one of six teams still standing and square off in a rematch with Georgia tonight for a spot in the semifinals against Oklahoma. With team success comes individual accolades and honors — and amid our outstanding season, the national awards came rolling in last week. Sam Cozart filled up the 'ol trophy case in a fabulous freshman campaign, receiving NCBWA Stopper of the Year, NCBWA National Freshman Pitcher of the Year and Perfect Game co-Freshman Pitcher of the Year recognition. Fellow freshman Anthony Pack Jr. was named Baseball America National Freshman of the Year, making it back-to-back Horns to garner that award after Dylan Volantis brought home the hardware in 2025. And four of our Horns claimed All-America honors from the recent teams announced. Aiden Robbins, Volantis and Cozart were tabbed first-team All-America, while Carson Tinney earned third-team honors. Cozart and Pack earned Freshman All-America accolades as well. Congratulations, fellas!

thrive and advance 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/eEMwPQUpFF
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 15, 2026

Speaking of honors and appreciation, we've got more to celebrate with Women's Golf and the fantastic Farah O'Keefe. Last week, she represented us as a member of the Team USA squad that won the 44th Curtis Cup — a prestigious biennial international team golf competition that pits the United States against Great Britain and Ireland. Farah had a historical week, not only making the title-securing final putt, but going 5-0 and becoming just the fourth player under the current format since 2008 to finish with a perfect 5-0 record. And on Monday, it was announced that Farah is this year's HONDA COLLEGIATE SPORTS AWARD winner for golf. That's more history for our Austin native and great Longhorn, who becomes our first golfer in nearly 30 years to claim that honor. She joins Debbie Petrizzi (1977-78), Michiko Hattori (1989-90), Charlotta Sorenstam (1992-93) and most recently, Heather Bowie (1996-97), as Longhorn Honda Award winners for golf. Farah is now a finalist for the prestigious Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and Class of 2026 Honda Cup, and she'll be honored at the 50th Collegiate Women's Sports Award event in New York City on Monday, July 27 (6 p.m. CT/CBS Sports Network). All of that adds to an already memorable year for Farah — the SEC Player of the Year, ANNIKA Award winner, Golfweek and WGCA National Player of the Year, and NCAA Individual Champion. We're very lucky to have her in the Burnt Orange & White and looking forward to more to come!

among the best in collegiate athletics 🤘

Farah is the Honda Award winner for golf #HookEm | #HondaAwards pic.twitter.com/aH0sNtLtv2
— Texas Women's Golf (@TexasWGolf) June 15, 2026

While I've got you, the Walter Camp Football Foundation is among the best of the best when it comes to organizations with a rich and proud history of handing out awards in college football, so you know when someone's being recognized by them, it's something to take notice of and has been well earned. That's certainly the case when it comes to their naming our very own John Bianco as this year's Bill Keish Sports Communicator Award winner, as they did last week. Not only is it an award for excellence in sports communications, it goes beyond that in an overall appreciation of the impact made on the sport. To quote the WCFF press release – "John Bianco has been instrumental in shaping the public voice of major college football programs. His professionalism and dedication have made him one of the most trusted figures in collegiate athletics." Can't say it any better than that, and I would add we appreciate the impact he's had on all of our programs in leading our communications efforts. Well done, my friend!

the best in the business 🤘📰#HookEm pic.twitter.com/wnBqVZrjTq
— Texas Longhorns (@TexasLonghorns) June 12, 2026

Hook 'Em Horns,

Chris Del Conte

P.S. — Well said Boss and thank you for your support!

Congratulations to @_delconte and all our student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff on yet another Directors' Cup! Whether in the classroom, the lab, or the playing field, Longhorns always aim for excellence.🤘 https://t.co/H0tclH7FnK
— Jim Davis (@JimDavis_UT) June 14, 2026

P.S. — Thank You Longhorn Nation — Best in the Nation!

Longhorn Nation, y'all showed out 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/eNDXvPZatY
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 10, 2026

P.S. — MOST-WATCHED Softball Game Ever!

all eyes on Texas 🤘👀#HookEm pic.twitter.com/LS0no3lxPD
— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) June 9, 2026

P.S. — All Eyes on Texas, gotta love it!!

Make it FIVE Texas programs drawing ONE-MILLION+ viewers in '25-26🤘🏻
🥎2.5 Softball G-2 WCWS Champ Series (most-watched ever)
🏈16.6 FB at Ohio State (most of regular season)
🏀5 WBB Final 4 (3rd-most of season)
🏀8.35 MBB Sweet 16 (2nd-most of S-16)
⚾️1.1 Baseball Super Regional https://t.co/GQzUKb6Wrb
— John Bianco (@UT_Bianco) June 13, 2026

P.S. — The Pride and Winning Tradition on full display right here!

Farah O'Keefe's 2026 so far:

• Three college victories in regular season
• Runner-up at SEC Championship
• Co-low amateur at Chevron Championship
• Named recipient of Annika Award as national player of the year
• Won NCAA individual title
• T-34 at U.S. Women's Open
• 5-0… pic.twitter.com/DcjnvYOez8
— Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) June 15, 2026

P.S. — Two School Records, including the Second-Fastest Time in NCAA History for Track and Field!

KENDRICK SMALLWOOD wins 110mH SILVER with the second-fastest time in collegiate history‼️🤘

🥈 12.95‼️#FloKnows x #HookEm pic.twitter.com/8HwIv5SKDF
— Texas T&F/XC (@TexasTFXC) June 13, 2026

Amelliah Birdow, the NCAA Outdoor 400mH silver medalist with a PROGRAM RECORD 53.60‼️🤘🥈#FloKnows x #HookEm pic.twitter.com/B72DtLqVl8
— Texas T&F/XC (@TexasTFXC) June 14, 2026

P.S. — National Awards aplenty for Baseball!

STOPPER OF THE YEAR 🏆#HookEm | @NCBWA pic.twitter.com/6tmPC7DmyM
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 12, 2026

NATIONAL FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR 🏆#HookEm | @theeantpack pic.twitter.com/NUzgeu6Wee
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 11, 2026

NATIONAL FRESHMAN PITCHER OF THE YEAR 🏆#HookEm | @NCBWA | @PerfectGameUSA pic.twitter.com/87g1JQm7La
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 9, 2026

P.S. — Congrats to our Men's Tennis National Award winners!

Congrats to our 2️⃣ @ITA_Tennis National Award winners – Sebastian Gorzny as Senior Player of the Year, and Benni Becker as Assistant Coach of the Year!https://t.co/8ofj4hYhmN #HookEm 🤘🎾 pic.twitter.com/h8XZszt3SH
— Texas Men's Tennis (@TexasMTN) June 16, 2026

P.S. – Congrats to our National Rowing Coach & Staff of the Year and Rower of the Year Awards!

led by the nation's best 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/Dt5UuTGFXP
— Texas Rowing (@TexasRowing) June 12, 2026

LUCY SEARLE IS YOUR CRCA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 🤘🏆#HookEm pic.twitter.com/Uwfq8Ug7g5
— Texas Rowing (@TexasRowing) June 12, 2026

P.S. — What Starts Here! Best in the Business right here!!

no one better in our opinion 😎🤘#HookEm | @coach_bowman pic.twitter.com/yuCroXgU30
— Texas Men's Swimming & Diving (@TexasMSD) June 10, 2026

more @TeamUSA coaching for the one and only, @Capitani_Texas 🤘#HookEm pic.twitter.com/yhjGkNOqTB
— Texas Women's Swimming & Diving (@TexasWSD) June 10, 2026

HEADLINES:

Softball's Stewart, Martinez garner CSC Academic All-America honors:

Softball signs Texas Tech transfer Samantha Lincoln:

Men's Tennis' Gorzny, Becker earn ITA National Awards:

Women's Golf's O'Keefe wins Curtis Cup with Team USA:

Birdow's school record leads Women's Track & Field on final day of NCAA Outdoor Championships:

Smallwood's historic hurdles performance leads Men's Track & Field at NCAA Outdoor Championships:

Rowing's Searle garners CRCA Athlete of the Year, O'Neill named Coach of the Year to highlight postseason awards:

Video: Sean Miller appears on Aaron Torres sports podcast (June 11):

Women's Golf's O'Keefe selected Golfweek Player of the Year:

No. 6 Baseball's Cozart named NCBWA Stopper of the Year:

Video: No. 6 Baseball pre-Men's College World Series press conference (June 11):