CONWAY, S.C. — Three members of the Coastal Carolina bullpen have been named to the 2026 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List, the association announced Tuesday.
A total of 104 players were selected to the initial watch list for the 21st annual award, which recognizes the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. Nominees were submitted by institution and conference sports information directors.
Dominick Carbone, a junior, played a key role out of the bullpen during Coastal's 2025 campaign. Carbone appeared in 28 games and logged 41.0 innings, posting a perfect 6–0 record while earning five saves. He struck out 52 batters against 174 hitters. Carbone enters 2026 after being named a Preseason Second-Team All-American by the NCBWA and a D1Baseball Preseason First-Team All-American.
Darin Horn, a redshirt senior, brings veteran experience to the Chanticleers' bullpen. Horn finished the 2025 season with a 5–1 record in 19 appearances, striking out 34 batters over 26.1 innings.
Ryan Lynch, a graduate student, returns after one of the most dominant relief seasons in program history. Lynch posted a 0.56 ERA across 32.0 innings in 28 appearances during the 2025 season, recording nine saves with a 2–1 record. He struck out 36 batters while facing just 134 hitters. Entering the 2026 season, Lynch has been named a Preseason First-Team All-American by the NCBWA, earned Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference honors, and was selected as a D1Baseball Preseason Second-Team All-American.
The Stopper of the Year Award is presented annually to the nation's top relief pitcher, with updates to the watch list announced throughout the season.
