6-foot-7 freshman Cooper Pumphrey gives EKU a high-upside arm with growing trust
Cooper Pumphrey entered Eastern Kentucky as a highly regarded Missouri prep right-hander and quickly earned real innings in 2026, including a start in his collegiate debut and multiple midseason relief appearances for the Colonels. In the 2026 season, he showed flashes of swing-and-miss ability while working in leverage spots, but he was also hit early by strong lineups, so the profile still looks developmental. His biggest differentiator is obvious: a long, projectable 6-foot-7 frame that suggests more velocity and pitch shape are likely still coming. If you want upside and patience, he’s worth the flyer.
