McElvain Named Stopper of the Year Award Finalist

Oliver Grigg June 4, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas’ Ethan McElvain has been named one of 14 finalists for the 21st annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, presented to the nation’s top relief pitcher.

The Razorback left-hander was a force in the bullpen during the season, posting a 6-0 record with a 1.03 ERA and six saves in 35.0 innings in 19 relief appearances. McElvain, who earned All-SEC honors from the league’s 16 head coaches, tallied 52 strikeouts while limiting opposing hitters to a .163 average and allowing just four runs on 21 hits and 10 walks.

He struck out a season-high seven batters across three scoreless frames in relief at Kentucky on May 15 before tossing a season-long 4.1 innings of shutout ball with six strikeouts vs. Auburn on May 23 in the SEC Tournament. McElvain’s final appearance of the year came in a start against Kansas on May 31 in the NCAA Lawrence Regional, allowing four runs in 3.1 innings of work to finish the campaign with a 6-0 record, 1.88 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 38.1 innings on the mound.

The 2026 NCBWA Stopper of the Year will be announced during a news conference at the College World Series on June 12 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb. Arkansas’ Kevin Kopps won the award during his legendary 2021 season.

2026 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award finalists
John Abraham, Jr., Florida State (ACC)
Caden Aoki, Gr., Georgia (SEC)
Nick Bonn, Sr., Cal Poly (Big West)
Tanner Bradley, So., Oregon (Big Ten)
Sam Cozart, Fr., Texas (SEC)
Clayton Freshcorn, Jr., Texas A&M (SEC)
Caden Glauber, Fr., North Carolina (ACC)
Cooper Harrington, So., Liberty (CUSA)
Easton Hawk, So., UCLA (Big Ten)
Skyler Hutto, Jr., Jacksonville State (CUSA)
Ethan McElvain, Jr., Arkansas (SEC)
Wylan Moss, So., UCLA (Big Ten)
Albert Roblez, Sr., Oregon State (Independent)
J’Shawn Unger, So., Nebraska (Big Ten)

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).