Kopps Continues to Collect National Awards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Kevin Kopps’ list of accolades grows with every passing day.

The Razorback pitcher was honored as the District Player of the Year (District 7) by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association on Friday, one day after he was named a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy. The Howser Trophy, one of the most prestigious honor in the sport, is bestowed annually to the national college baseball player of the year.

Kopps, who is also one of five finalists for the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year Award, has put together one of the most dominant seasons ever. The SEC Pitcher of the Year and National Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball has racked up unfathomable numbers while pitching strictly out of the bullpen during the 2021 campaign, owning a perfect 12-0 record on the year with 11 saves and a jaw-dropping 0.68 ERA in 79.2 innings pitched (31 appearances).

The Sugar Land, Texas, native has struck out 120 batters while allowing only six runs and issuing just 15 walks. Kopps, a redshirt senior, leads the nation in numerous categories, including ERA (0.68) and WHIP (0.73), and continues to rewrite the Razorback record book with every outing he makes.

Kopps is also one of 25 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, which is presented by USA Baseball to the best amateur player in the country. Fans from across the country can vote for their favorite player on GoldenSpikesAward.com until Tuesday, June 15. The winner of the 43rd Golden Spikes Award will be named in July.

Kopps could become only the second Arkansas player to win the Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes. Outfielder Andrew Benintendi won both awards in 2015.

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