Knapp & McDuffie Earn NCBWA All-America Honors

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina ace Jake Knapp has been named a first-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), the organization announced on Wednesday. Reliever Walker McDuffie was also recognized with a spot on the Freshman All-America second team.

Knapp is the 27^th individual to earn first team All-America recognition in program history and it is the ninth time the NCBWA has selected a Tar Heel for its first team. He is the first Carolina starting pitcher to earn a first-team nod since J.B. Bukauskas in 2017.

The 2025 ACC Pitcher of the Year and NCBWA District 4 Player of the Year has been phenomenal this season in battling back from Tommy John surgery that took away his 2024 campaign. His 14-0 record is both the best in the country and the best in program history, as he finished with the most wins without defeat ever by a Tar Heel. He wrapped up his season with a 2.02 ERA in 102.1 innings pitched, two complete games, 88 strikeouts, and only 16 walks.

McDuffie is one of 34 freshmen from across the country to be featured in the 2025 NCBWA Freshman All-America team. He is the 12^th Tar Heel to earn the honor from the association and first pitcher since Trent Thornton in 2013.

The Lee County legend McDuffie was exceptional out of the bullpen all season for the Tar Heels, leading the team with 28 appearances while racking up 55.1 IP, 72 strikeouts, and three combined shutouts. The All-ACC Freshman team member had the most saves by a true freshman Tar Heel (6) since Trent Thornton in 2013.

The NCBWA was founded in 1962 and is made up of writers, broadcasters and publicists that cover the sport. Both teams were voted upon by the full membership of the association.

Players Mentioned

Jake Knapp

Walker McDuffie

Related Videos