DALLAS, Texas – Coppin State's
Justin Ritz has been selected as one of 104 players named to the 2026 Watch List for the 21
st Annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball, the association announced on Tuesday morning.
"Justin has been really a great player for us since his arrival at Coppin State three years ago," said head coach
Sherman Reed. "We know that once we can get through seven or eight innings with the lead, Justin's going to close the door and seal the win. He's very deserving of this national recognition, and I can't wait to watch him continue to perform at a high level as he closes out his collegiate career!"
A senior from Portsmouth, Va., Ritz was the first-ever CSU player to receive All-NEC honors last season as he made the Second Team after leading the league with seven saves while appearing in a CSU record 27 games on the mound. Ritz finished 3-2 with a team-best 4.11 ERA while striking out 36 batters in 57.0 innings. He also led the NEC with a 1.04 WHIP.
Fourteen preseason NCBWA All-America selections made the list and 17 conferences are represented, with at least two players coming from 16 different leagues. Ritz is the only player from the NEC on the Watch List.
The Eagles are scheduled to open the season at Joe Cannon Stadium on February 13-15 vs. Lafayette, followed by a midweek tilt vs. Mount St. Mary's before traveling West to play #19 Oklahoma on Feb. 20-22.
