The NCBWA gets it right: Jake Knapp named a first-team All-American

In the history of the UNC baseball program, only 26 individuals have earned first-team All-American honors.

On Wednesday, the Tar Heels added one to that number.

Right-hander Jake Knapp was named a first-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). It serves as the 29th time overall that a Tar Heel has earned first-team All-American honors.

After being snubbed by Perfect Game, Knapp rightfully earned his spot among the NCBWA's first-team All-Americans. It's been quite some time since a Tar Heel has earned first-team accolades, as J.B. Bukauskas was the last to achieve this honor back in 2017.

Knapp was an absolute workhorse on the mound this season, one that came with an amazing journey to get to this point. The right-hander worked his way up the ladder, finding a home in Chapel Hill after stints at two other programs.

In what was set to be his true senior season in 2024, an injury ended that quest before he was even able to take the mound. Tommy John surgery followed, leading to a year-long recovery, but Knapp was determined to return to the mound, accomplishing that and much more.

His 14 victories tie the program's single-season wins record, as North Carolina was unbeaten in each of his 16 starts. He concluded his final collegiate season with a 2.02 ERA in 102.1 innings pitched, recording 88 strikeouts while allowing only 16 free passes.

Jake Knapp deserves all the credit in the world for what he did on the mound this season, as his leadership helped guide the UNC baseball program to another Super Regional appearance. Wearing the "C" on his jersey, Knapp was much more than just a pitcher for the Tar Heels: he was a true leader, setting the path for his teammates to follow.

When we look back at Knapp's career in Carolina Blue, we'll remember all the great things he accomplished. Most importantly, we'll remember his dominant final season, the one that made him a first-team All-American.