Feb. 4, 2026, 6:18 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
College baseball season is right around the corner \u2013 and UNC is fully-prepared<\/a> to win its first College World Series championship.<\/p>\n North Carolina appeared well on its way to the 2025 CWS, thanks to a 16-run domination of Arizona in Game 1<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Two guys expected to make a major, 2026 impact for UNC are starting pitcher Ryan Lynch<\/a> and catcher Macon Winslow<\/a>. This is reflected on a pair of preseason lists.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Winslow is the favorite to replace Luke Stevenson behind the dish \u2013 and he took a non-traditional route to Chapel Hill, transferring from archrival Duke.<\/a><\/p>\n 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<\/a> in the Athens Regional, earning All-Tournament Team honors, after recording four hits and two homers.<\/p>\n When you watch the Diamond Heels on TV this season<\/a>, expect plenty of electricity between Lynch and Winslow. Will this battery lead UNC to collegiate baseball glory?<\/p>\n Follow us\u00a0@TarHeelsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on.\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina\u00a0Tar Heels<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinions.<\/p>\n