The University of Texas baseball program is celebrating a double dose of freshman excellence as the Longhorns prepare for the College World Series. Two standout first‑year players have been highlighted by national baseball publications for their remarkable performances during the 2026 season.
Sam Cozart, a right‑handed pitcher, was crowned National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, adding to his collection of Freshman All‑SEC honors. He enters the postseason with a perfect 6‑0 record, nine saves and a nation‑leading .69 WHIP, while his 1.65 earned‑run average ranks second among all Division I pitchers.
Cozart’s Pitching Dominance
Cozart’s combination of high strike‑out rates and low walk numbers has transformed Texas’s bullpen into a reliable late‑game weapon. His 22 appearances this season have yielded 69 innings pitched with only 11 earned runs, underscoring his consistency on the mound.
Outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. earned Baseball America’s National Freshman of the Year after batting .359 for Texas, stealing 20 bases and launching 11 home runs with 52 runs batted in. His all‑around production has made him the fifth Longhorn to receive the accolade.
Pack’s impact extends beyond the box score; his speed on the bases and clutch hitting have frequently shifted momentum in Texas’s favor. The freshman’s 20 stolen bases top the conference among Power Four players, and his 11 homers rank among the team leaders.
Both awards underscore the depth of talent on the roster as the team eyes its first national championship since 2005. Coach Jim Schlossnagle praised the contributions of the newcomers, noting that their performances have helped shape a competitive lineup heading into Omaha.
The Longhorns’ recent surge reflects a broader resurgence of the program, which has combined strong recruiting with development under Schlossnagle. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team prepares for the upcoming College World Series games.