North Carolina leads the way with 8 All-ACC honorees for the 2026 regular season

When you win 40+ games and rank among the top two teams in the entire country, it's s safe bet to say that you'll be well-represented when it comes to postseason accolades.

The Diamond Heels fit the bill perfectly, as they led the entire conference with eight total All-ACC selections.

UNC baseball lands 8 players on the All-ACC teams

North Carolina, who won 9 consecutive conference series to end the regular season, led the conference with the most All-ACC selections. Their four first-team selections marked the most the program has had since the 2017 season.

When it comes to UNC, it all starts on the mound. Jason DeCaro, who made a very strong case to be the ACC Pitcher of the Year, earned first-team honors, marking the third consecutive season in which the right-hander earned all-conference accolades. Caden Glauber not only was named to the first-team as well, but earned ACC Freshman of the Year honors, becoming just the eighth Tar Heel to ever accomplish the feat.

Joining DeCaro and Glauber on the All-ACC first-team were two newcomers to the program: Owen Hull and Jake Schaffner.

Hull simply caught on fire as he got more comfortable at North Carolina. The Diamond Heels' centerfielder was a lethal weapon near the top of the order, and it felt like he got on base every time he stepped up to the plate, leading the way with a .370 batting average.

Schaffner took over as the team's starting shortstop and instantly made an impact in all aspects of the game. He led the team in hits, run scored and stolen bases, and has played remarkable defense at arguably the toughest position the sport has to offer.

UNC baseball freshman etches name into program history with this ACC recognition

Four other Tar Heels earned second-team All-ACC honors for the 2026 regular season. Once again, two right-handed pitchers, Walker McDuffie and Ryan Lynch, claimed rightful spots on the all-conference team while catcher Macon Winslow and captain Gavin Gallaher joined them.

McDuffie once again served as a workhorse out of the bullpen, leading the team with 29 appearances. He was called upon in many big situations, serving as a tremendous bullpen duo with Glauber.

Lynch was inserted into the starting rotation and did not disappoint, leading the team in innings pitched. A guy who embraces the big moment, Lynch took the Saturday starter role by storm, solidifying himself among the nation's best starting pitchers.

Winslow was one of the best transfer additions that Scott Forbes acquired last offseason. Taking over as the everyday catcher, Winslow brought it with the bat and the glove, serving as the leader of the pitching staff while also making a major impact with the bat. Gallaher's numbers were a bit down from what we're used to seeing from him, but he still produced at a high level while playing elite defense at a new position (second base).

You could make the case that other Diamond Heels deserved the recognition, but there's only so many spots to be had! There's no doubt that the 8 Tar Heels who were honored definitely deserved it, as they all played an instrumental role in the team's success throughout the regular season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow