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While the Longhorns' national championship run is far from over, Anthony Pack Jr. is drawing national praise. On Thursday, the Longhorns' star outfielder was named the National Freshman of the Year by Baseball America. The honor comes after a stellar regular season in which he was one of the best players in the nation.
During the 2026 campaign, the California native posted a .359 batting average in 58 games while driving in 52 runs. He also showed some power with 27 extra-base hits, including 16 doubles, and was a threat on the bases with 20 stolen bases. As Pack added to his trophy case, he also etched his name into the record books.
The Longhorns became just the third program to have back-to-back Baseball America Freshman of the Year honorees. Last season, Dylan Volantis took home the honors after posting a sub-2.00 ERA while working out of the bullpen. LSU and Vanderbilt are the only other programs in the nation to produce back-to-back winners.
As Pack frustrated pitchers on a nightly basis, he thrived in conference play. Against SEC teams, he posted a .400 batting average and .511 on base percentage. He was the SEC freshman to hit .400 in conference play since Mississippi State's Jake Mangum in 2016.
Although expectations are now higher for Pack, it is a challenge he is ready to meet. He showed no signs of slowing during his first season on the Forty Acres and saw his playing time pile up as the games became more important. That has been on display during tournament play, as the Longhorns had to beat a talented Oregon team to reach the College World Series.
Next up, the Longhorns will be taking on Georgia. With Pack entrenched in the middle of the lineup, they have a shot against one of the best teams to make it to Omaha.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas baseball star Anthony Pack Jr. is National Freshman of the Year
Continue reading...
During the 2026 campaign, the California native posted a .359 batting average in 58 games while driving in 52 runs. He also showed some power with 27 extra-base hits, including 16 doubles, and was a threat on the bases with 20 stolen bases. As Pack added to his trophy case, he also etched his name into the record books.
The Longhorns became just the third program to have back-to-back Baseball America Freshman of the Year honorees. Last season, Dylan Volantis took home the honors after posting a sub-2.00 ERA while working out of the bullpen. LSU and Vanderbilt are the only other programs in the nation to produce back-to-back winners.
As Pack frustrated pitchers on a nightly basis, he thrived in conference play. Against SEC teams, he posted a .400 batting average and .511 on base percentage. He was the SEC freshman to hit .400 in conference play since Mississippi State's Jake Mangum in 2016.
Although expectations are now higher for Pack, it is a challenge he is ready to meet. He showed no signs of slowing during his first season on the Forty Acres and saw his playing time pile up as the games became more important. That has been on display during tournament play, as the Longhorns had to beat a talented Oregon team to reach the College World Series.
Next up, the Longhorns will be taking on Georgia. With Pack entrenched in the middle of the lineup, they have a shot against one of the best teams to make it to Omaha.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas baseball star Anthony Pack Jr. is National Freshman of the Year
Continue reading...
