Nebraska baseball’s McConnaughey lands on two preseason award watch lists
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – USA Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association on Friday named Nebraska pitcher Mason McConnaughey to two preseason watch lists.
The NCBWA named McConnaughey as a preseason second-team All-American, while USA Baseball named him to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List.
Another preseason honor for 51. pic.twitter.com/47dhpkH1xF
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) February 7, 2025
The gold standard.
First Husker on the @USAGoldenSpikes Preseason Watch List since 2016.@mmcconnaughey33 | #GBR pic.twitter.com/AbDsUH6ptT
— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) February 7, 2025
McConnaughey is coming off a slew of awards last season, including third-team All-American, second-team All-Big Ten and a Big Ten Championship.
In 2024, he went 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 17 appearances, including 11 starts.
SEE ALSO: ‘First and foremost, host a regional’: Nebraska baseball aiming for a big 2025
The Topeka native totaled 91 strikeouts and held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average in 73 innings of work.
McConnaughey is the fifth Nebraska pitcher in school history to return after a 90-plus-strikeout season, joining Bob Sebra, Troy Brohawn, Shane Komine and Joba Chamberlain.
Earlier this week, the Huskers ranked No. 24 in the NCBWA’s preseason poll.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska baseball, softball teams ranked in national preseason polls
Nebraska will start its season in the MLB Desert Invitational on Feb. 14 against UC Irvine.
