The University of North Carolina's baseball team is having a stellar 2026 season, and a big reason for that success is their dominant pitching staff. The Diamond Heels (41-9-1, 20-7 ACC) have been turning heads with ranked series wins and breakout performances, and now two of their top arms are getting national recognition.

On Thursday, ace starter Jason DeCaro and freshman reliever Caden Glauber were named semifinalists for the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, which honors the top player in college baseball. DeCaro also earned a spot as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, making him the only ACC pitcher among the 25 best players in the sport.

DeCaro, now a junior, has been nearly untouchable this season. With a 9-2 record, a sparkling 1.91 ERA, and 61 strikeouts, he continues North Carolina's proud tradition of elite aces. As the postseason approaches, he's only getting better.

Glauber, meanwhile, has been a revelation as a freshman. He's a perfect 7-0 with a 1.84 ERA and 69 strikeouts, forming a deadly bullpen duo with Walker McDuffie that opposing hitters dread facing.

The Diamond Heels' pitching will be put to the test in their upcoming series against NC State, a team fighting for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid. The Wolfpack (31-19, 13-14 ACC) showed offensive firepower with 22 runs in a series against Stanford, but now they'll have to prove their pitching can match up.

While North Carolina's pitching has been the backbone of the team all season, there have been a few shaky moments lately, including giving up seven runs at UNC-Wilmington and 12 against Coastal Carolina. But if DeCaro and Glauber can pitch at their best, the Diamond Heels have a real shot at winning their first College World Series in program history.

For fans looking to gear up like the Tar Heels, now is the perfect time to stock up on UNC baseball apparel and show your support as the team makes its push for Omaha.