Jake Knapp Named National Pitcher of the Year
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Jake Knapp, the ace of the North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team, has been honored as the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year. This recognition marks a historic achievement, making him the first Tar Heel to receive the award since its inception in 2009 and the first since Andrew Miller in 2006.
Knapp’s season was a remarkable journey of perseverance. After suffering a severe elbow injury that sidelined him for the entire previous season, his determined return to the mound inspired both teammates and fans alike. "Jake represents everything that is good about college baseball," said Chris Snead, chair of the National Pitcher of the Year Committee. "His fourteen consecutive wins are impressive, showcasing his skills as both a pitcher and a leader."
North Carolina head coach Scott Forbes praised Knapp’s resilience, noting, "Watching him return after his injury and lead our team to success speaks volumes about his character." Knapp’s journey began as a walk-on at UNCW, and after facing challenges, he found his way to UNC where he excelled.
In the 2025 season, Knapp achieved a flawless 14-0 record, the best in the nation, with a 2.02 ERA and 88 strikeouts over 102.1 innings pitched. This stellar performance not only earned him the ACC Pitcher of the Year title but also solidified his status in UNC’s record books.
Other finalists for this prestigious award included Gabe Craig from Baylor and Jacob Morrison from Coastal Carolina. The committee noted Knapp’s unique ability to overcome personal challenges, emphasizing that his impact as a leader made him a deserving recipient of this honor.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.