Feb. 4, 2026, 6:18 p.m. ET
College baseball season is right around the corner – and UNC is fully-prepared to win its first College World Series championship.
North Carolina appeared well on its way to the 2025 CWS, thanks to a 16-run domination of Arizona in Game 1 of the Chapel Hill Super Regional, but a lack of offense and critical mistakes in Games 2 and 3 sealed its fate. The Diamond Heels lost plenty of guys during their offseason, but also return several and added transfer portal talent.
Two guys expected to make a major, 2026 impact for UNC are starting pitcher Ryan Lynch and catcher Macon Winslow. This is reflected on a pair of preseason lists.
On Tuesday, Lynch earned a nomination to Baseball America’s Preseason College Pitcher of the Year Watch List. On Wednesday, Winslow made the Buster Posey National College Catcher of the Year Watch List.
Lynch played a major role in North Carolina’s bullpen a season ago: logging a 5-1 win-loss record, two saves, a 2.92 earned run average and 72 strikeouts in 61.1 innings pitched.
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Winslow is the favorite to replace Luke Stevenson behind the dish – and he took a non-traditional route to Chapel Hill, transferring from archrival Duke.
Winslow started 96 of his 100 appearances in Durham, compiling a .267 batting average with 65 RBIs, 61 runs and 33 extra-base hits. Winslow helped the Blue Devils upset Georgia in the Athens Regional, earning All-Tournament Team honors, after recording four hits and two homers.
When you watch the Diamond Heels on TV this season, expect plenty of electricity between Lynch and Winslow. Will this battery lead UNC to collegiate baseball glory?
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