UNC's top two pitchers nominated for college baseball awards

The UNC baseball team continues to dominate its competition in 2026, highlighted by ranked series wins and breakout stars.

Two of the Diamond Heels' (41-9-1, 20-7 ACC) greatest stars are a pair of shutdown pitchers: ace starter Jason DeCaro and freshman reliever Caden Glauber.

On Thursday, DeCaro and Glauber both earned recognition for their strong seasons with Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist nominations, while DeCaro is also a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award.

Both awards honor the top player in collegiate baseball, which DeCaro and Glauber certainly proved themselves as worthy of.

DeCaro, now a junior, continues North Carolina's recent streak of ace pitchers. Sporting a 9-2 win-loss record, 1.91 earned run average and 61 strikeouts, DeCaro is improving as UNC inches closer to postseason baseball.

Glauber, a star freshman, is 7-0 with a 1.84 ERA and 69 strikeouts. When combining with Walker McDuffie, Glauber helps forms a deadly bullpen duo no one wants to face.

The Diamond Heels' pitchers and hitters will be tested throughout their series against NC State, which is fighting for an at-large berth in NCAA Tournament play. The Wolfpack (31-19, 13-14 ACC) totaled 22 runs across three games against Stanford, but now have to prove their pitching can play the part.

North Carolina's pitching is the backbone of is 2026 team success, but had a few shaky moments in recent games, giving up seven runs at UNC-Wilmington and 12 against Coastal Carolina.

If DeCaro and Glauber can pitch at their best, UNC has a great shot to win its first College World Series in program history.

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