Southern Miss Pitcher Colby Allen Named to Watch List for National Pitcher of the Year

Overland Park, Kansas — Colby Allen, a senior right-hander at the University of Southern Mississippi, has been named to the 2026 Pitcher of the Year watch list, released Wednesday. The list includes 142 of the top college pitchers from 26 different conferences, highlighting standout performers early in the season, according to organizers.

Brian Melakian, co-chair of the National Pitcher of the Year Award, said early season performances have confirmed the adage that pitchers tend to lead the way in baseball’s opening stages. Allen, a preseason All-American, holds a 1-1 record with a 2.61 ERA this season. He has struck out 18 batters and walked six in 20 2/3 innings, and is scheduled to start in Southern Miss’s weekend openers.

The award was first given in 2009, with past winners including notable Major League stars such as Stephen Strasburg, Trevor Bauer, and Aaron Nola. The 2026 watch list continues a tradition of recognizing elite college pitchers, with previous recipients spanning from 2009 to 2025, including Paul Skenes and Jake Knapp.

The College Baseball Foundation also presents weekly awards, including the National Pitcher of the Week, along with honors for players at other positions. Additional information about the award can be found on the foundation’s website.

Source: Original Article