Sam Cozart, a left‑handed pitcher for the University of Texas at Austin, has been selected as one of the five finalists for the 2026 Stopper of the Year Award, given annually to the nation’s most effective reliever. He is the fifth pitcher from the Longhorns program to reach this stage.
Elite Statistics Across the Board
In the latest Division I rankings Cozart tops the leaderboard in WHIP at 0.72 and limits opponents to a .137 batting average. His 1.72 earned run average places him second only to Jackson Flora of UC Santa Barbara, while his 6‑0 record and eight saves rank among the most impressive rookie performances nationwide. Over 47 innings he has struck out 67 batters, underscoring his ability to miss bats.
Dominance in Conference Play
Within the SEC his impact has been even more pronounced. Cozart posted a 1.01 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP, while recording a league‑best seven saves. His perfect 6‑0 ledger in conference action reflects a composure that has translated into late‑game stability for the Longhorns.
The award will be presented during the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, a venue that has previously honored Texas alumni such as J. Brent Cox, Chance Ruffin and Corey Knebel. Cozart’s nomination also coincides with his candidacy for the Baseball America National Freshman of the Year honor, a testament to his immediate influence.
Beyond the numbers, Cozart’s presence has reshaped Texas’s pitching staff, providing a reliable option in high‑leverage situations and inspiring teammates with his work ethic. As the final vote approaches, the left‑hander remains a central figure in discussions about the future of collegiate relief pitching.