Draft Day at UNC Wilmington
Three members of the University of North Carolina Wilmington baseball program heard their names called during the 2026 Major League Baseball draft, underscoring the program’s sustained ability to produce major‑league talent.
Right‑hander Cooper Allen, the team’s ace, was taken by the Washington Nationals, while fellow starter Connor Marshburn found a home with the Seattle Mariners. Both pitchers were recognized as among the nation’s most effective college arms this past season.
Allen capped his collegiate career with a career‑high eight victories and a 2.79 earned‑run average over 15 starts. He limited opponents to a .210 batting average, posted a 1.01 WHIP and struck out 96 batters in 87 innings, earning second‑team All‑CAA honors, CAA tournament recognition and three weekly Pitcher‑of‑the‑Week awards.
Marshburn, also a second‑year starter, made 15 appearances and logged a career‑high 80 ⅔ innings, finishing 4‑5 while allowing just two home runs all year. His consistency earned him two CAA Pitcher‑of‑the‑Week selections and helped the Seahawks remain competitive in the conference.
UNC Wilmington’s draft pedigree stretches back to 1965, with 104 alumni eventually signing professional contracts. The latest selections add to a legacy that has seen the program punch above its size in producing major‑league talent.
The draft marks a milestone for the university’s athletic department and offers both players a chance to prove themselves on baseball’s biggest stage. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely as Allen and Marshburn begin their professional journeys with the Nationals and Mariners, respectively.