After entering the 2026 campaign with high expectations, Carson Tinney has been one of the Longhorns’ best players. He has been stellar defensively and made a difference at the plate. On Wednesday, Tinney earned national recognition for his play when he was named to the midseason watch list for the 2026 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award. He was one of 50 players to make the cut with plenty of time to improve his case.
Through 29 games in the burnt orange, the Colorado native has posted a .284 batting average and driven in 21 runs. The Longhorns catcher has also shown some power with seven home runs and four doubles. Regardless of who has been on the mound, Tinney has been hard to get out and come through in clutch situations.
With Tinney behind the plate, the Longhorns’ pitching staff has been one of the best in the nation. So far this season, they rank in the top ten in ERA and WHIP. Multiple players, including Dylan Volantis, Sam Cozart, and Ruger Riojas, have won weekly awards. That is partly why Texas is seen as a national title contender with the playoffs just a few weeks away.
When it comes to this award, the Longhorns are not unfamiliar territory. Last year, Rylan Galvan was named a finalist. He made history, becoming the first Longhorn to be invited to the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet since Taylor Teagarden in 2005.
As Texas looks to build on its hot start, it will need Tinney to continue his impressive play. His ability to make an impact has been a bright spot, providing a much-needed spark. In his first season on the Forty Acres, the Valor Christian High alum has shown why he is one of the best catchers in the nation.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas catcher Carson Tinney on Buster Posey Award watch list
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
