UNC’s big-game ace who lived on the mound in 2026
In the 2026 season, Jason DeCaro emerged as North Carolina’s workhorse ace, going 11-3 with a 2.87 ERA, 99 strikeouts in 97.1 innings, and a 1.30 WHIP while earning All-America and Golden Spikes semifinalist recognition. What jumps off the page isn’t just the stats—it’s the big-moment polish: he threw a complete-game shutout against USC in the NCAA tournament and repeatedly worked deep into games, showing durable starter traits, command, and competitive edge. A 6-foot-5 righty with legit Friday-night energy, he looked like the kind of pitcher a staff can trust when the season is on the line.
