The best of the conference: Jake Knapp named ACC Pitcher of the Year

Jake Knapp: ACC Pitcher of the Year.

Doesn't that have a nice ring to it!

On Monday, the senior right-hander was tabbed as the conference's top pitcher, becoming the fifth UNC baseball pitcher to win the award since the awards inception in 2005. Additionally, Knapp earned All-ACC first-team honors for his efforts.

As you could expect, the list of Tar Heels that Knapp is joining on this list is quite impressive company.

After missing all of last season due to injury, no one would've expected Knapp to return as dominant as he has this season. In fact, Knapp isn't just the top arm in the ACC: you can make a very strong case that he is the nation's best starting pitcher.

When Knapp is on the mound, good things happen for Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program. The Diamond Heels have won each of his 12 starts, 11 which resulted in wins for the senior right-hander. Knapp posted a stellar 2.14 ERA during the regular season, as he's been an absolute workhorse for the UNC baseball program.

His last regular season start as a Tar Heel is one fans won't forget for quite some time. In a pitchers duel with Jamie Arnold, Florida State's ace and projected top five pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Knapp got the better of the battle, pitching a complete game en route to a series opening victory for the Diamond Heels.

The Diamond Heels have benefitted greatly from Knapp's presence on the mound, as he is well-deserving of this prestigious accolade. It's safe to say that the right-hander played an instrumental role in the UNC baseball program's success this season, as they hope he has more in the tank to help guide the Tar Heels back to Omaha.