Sam Cozart has etched his name into the record books after a stellar 2026 campaign. On Tuesday, the North Carolina native was named the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. He is the third player in Longhorns history to earn the honor.
In his first season in the burnt orange, Cozart posted a 1.65 ERA in 22 appearances. While working out of the rotation and the bullpen, the Wesleyan Christian High alum held opponents to a .132 batting average and struck out 71 batters. Regardless of the situation, Cozart was one of the Longhorns' most relied upon arms.
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NATIONAL FRESHMAN PITCHER OF THE YEAR 🏆#HookEm | @NCBWA | @PerfectGameUSApic.twitter.com/87g1JQm7La
— Texas Baseball (@TexasBaseball) June 9, 2026
As the Longhorns proved to be one of the best teams in the nation, Cozart was relied upon in high-leverage situations. He finished his freshman campaign with nine saves, which matched Portland's Alex Via for the most among freshmen nationally. In tournament play, Cozart has continued to come through in clutch situations. That was on display when he got the final out against Oregon that punched the Longhorns ticket to the College World Series.
While Cozart's focus is on winning a national title, he has joined elite company. The only other Longhorns players to have won the honor are Corey Knebel in 2011 and Dylan Volantis last season. Volantis, like Cozart, proved to be one of the best in the nation starting from his first outing of the season.
Texas pitchers Dylan Volantis and Sam Cozart have been selected to the @PerfectGameUSA All-American First Team. #HookEmpic.twitter.com/8VqA7Si66N
— Longhorn Baseball News (@HornsBsblNews) June 10, 2026
As the Longhorns look to end their national title drought, Cozart will be relied on heavily. Regardless of how the rest of the postseason plays out, Cozart will at the very least have to make room in his trophy case for one honor that he will never forget.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: National Freshman Pitcher of Year is Texas baseball closer Sam Cozart