UNC’s Jason DeCaro and Gavin Gallaher Named to 2026 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List
CARY, N.C. - When it comes to college baseball’s elite, North Carolina’s Jason DeCaro and Gavin Gallaher are firmly in the conversation. The standout juniors were named to the 2026 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List on Friday, joining a select group of 55 players recognized as the best in the nation heading into the new season.
For the Tar Heels, having two names on this prestigious list is more than just a feather in the cap - it’s a testament to the program’s ability to develop top-tier talent. UNC is one of just 13 schools with multiple players featured, and both DeCaro and Gallaher have been impact players since day one in Chapel Hill.
Let’s start with DeCaro. The right-hander from North Port, N.Y., is no stranger to preseason honors - this marks his second straight year on the Golden Spikes Watch List.
That kind of consistency is rare, and it’s backed up by his performance on the mound. In 2025, DeCaro went 9-3 with a 3.78 ERA, earning second-team All-ACC honors.
He logged 83.1 innings, second-most on the team, and struck out 70 while issuing just 26 walks - a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio that speaks to his command and poise under pressure. Add in his three All-America nods this preseason, and it’s clear the expectations are sky-high.
Then there’s Gallaher, the heart of the Carolina offense and a player who’s built for the big moment. In 2025, he slashed .325/.409/.603 with 17 home runs, leading the team in hits (77) and RBIs (68).
His ability to produce in clutch situations was on full display during the postseason, where he went on a tear and captured his second straight Chapel Hill Regional Most Outstanding Player award. Gallaher doesn’t just hit - he leads, and his bat is expected to be the engine that drives the Tar Heels this season.
Both players have been central to UNC’s recent success, and their presence on this year’s watch list only reinforces their status as two of the most dynamic talents in college baseball. With the season opener against Indiana set for Friday, Feb. 13 at Boshamer Stadium, all eyes will be on DeCaro and Gallaher as they look to turn preseason recognition into postseason hardware.
The Golden Spikes Award honors the top amateur baseball player in the country, and being named to the watch list is no small feat. For DeCaro and Gallaher, it’s a recognition of what they’ve already accomplished - and a challenge to take it even further in 2026.