What Happened to Samuel Craig Cozart?
Sam Cozart is a highly touted freshman right-handed pitcher for the University of Texas Longhorns, known for his dominant performances and physical maturity. In his 2026 season, he has been a key closer, earning multiple wins and saves with a low ERA, leading to his nomination as a finalist for the Stopper of the Year Award and helping Texas reach the Men's College World Series.
Quick Answer
Sam Cozart is a 19-year-old freshman right-handed pitcher for the University of Texas Longhorns baseball team, born July 18, 2006. He has had a standout 2026 season, serving as a dominant closer with a 1.72 ERA, 6 wins, and 8 saves in 47 innings pitched. Cozart was named a finalist for the Stopper of the Year Award and the Baseball America National Freshman of the Year Award, playing a crucial role in Texas's run to the Men's College World Series in June 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Orlando, Florida
Samuel Craig Cozart was born in Orlando, Florida.
Received first scholarship offers in 8th grade
Sam Cozart began receiving scholarship offers for baseball as early as eighth grade, highlighting his exceptional talent at a young age.
Committed to Mississippi State
As a freshman in high school, Sam Cozart verbally committed to Mississippi State University, primarily due to his relationship with pitching coach Scott Foxhall.
High School Career at Wesleyan Christian Academy
Cozart was a six-year letterman at Wesleyan Christian Academy, achieving a 19-1 record, 1.97 ERA, and 283 strikeouts, leading his team to two state titles.
Flipped commitment to Texas A&M, then to Texas
Cozart flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Texas A&M, and later to the University of Texas, where he would eventually enroll.
Activated by West Virginia Black Bears (MLB Draft League)
Sam Cozart was activated by the West Virginia Black Bears in the MLB Draft League, where he posted a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings across 4 starts.
Assigned to Texas Longhorns
Sam Cozart was officially assigned to the Texas Longhorns baseball team for his freshman collegiate season.
Collegiate debut with 8 strikeouts
In his first collegiate start against UT-Rio Grande Valley, Cozart pitched 4.0 innings, giving up one hit with eight strikeouts and three walks.
Early season success highlighted
A 247 Sports article highlighted Cozart's early season success, noting his 3-0 record and 1.38 ERA, and his background as a 'baseball lifer'.
Dominant as a closer in SEC play
Cozart demonstrated 'superstar moxie' as a closer, maintaining a 1.83 ERA and shutting down opponents in key SEC games.
Considered for SEC Freshman of the Year
Cozart was making a strong case for the SEC Freshman of the Year title, boasting 6 wins and 8 saves with a 1.59 ERA.
Named Stopper of the Year Award Finalist
Sam Cozart was named one of 14 finalists for the Stopper of the Year Award, recognizing him as one of the nation's top relief pitchers.
Helps Texas reach Men's College World Series
Cozart closed out the Austin Super Regional against Oregon, retiring all six batters he faced to secure Texas's spot in the Men's College World Series.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Samuel 'Sam' Craig Cozart, born on July 18, 2006, in Orlando, Florida, has quickly emerged as one of college baseball's most promising talents. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 260 pounds, Cozart possesses a physically mature build that belies his freshman status. His baseball lineage is strong, with his father, Craig Cozart, having played and coached at UCF and High Point University, and his older brothers, Caleb and Jacob, also having successful collegiate and professional baseball careers.
Cozart's early career was marked by exceptional talent. He was a six-year letterman at Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point, North Carolina, where he amassed an impressive 19-1 record with a 1.97 ERA and 283 strikeouts over 170.1 innings, leading his team to two state titles. His prowess on the mound was evident from a young age, receiving scholarship offers in eighth grade and initially committing to Mississippi State due to a relationship with pitching coach Scott Foxhall. He later flipped his commitment to Texas A&M before ultimately landing with the University of Texas Longhorns.
The 2026 season has been a breakout year for Cozart as a freshman at Texas. He has been a versatile and crucial arm for the Longhorns, initially making starts in early-season midweek games before transitioning into a dominant closer role. His statistics reflect his impact: a 1.72 ERA, 6 wins, and 8 saves across 47 innings pitched, with 67 strikeouts and holding opponents to a .137 batting average. In SEC play, he elevated his game further, posting a 1.01 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with seven saves, the most by any pitcher in the conference.
Cozart's exceptional performance has garnered national recognition. He was named one of 14 finalists for the Stopper of the Year Award, an honor for the nation's top relief pitcher, and also a finalist for the Baseball America National Freshman of the Year Award. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted in the Austin Super Regional on June 8, 2026, where he retired all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth innings, securing his ninth save and punching Texas's ticket to their 39th Men's College World Series. His presence on the mound, described as more like a veteran than a freshman, has been a significant factor in the Longhorns' success, making him a key player to watch in collegiate baseball.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Samuel Craig Cozart made different choices?