Liggett Added to National Pitcher of the Year Award Watch List
Mar 11, 2026 | Baseball
MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State redshirt-senior Carson Liggett was added to the 2026 National Pitcher of the Year Award Watch List, as the College Baseball Foundation announced the nation's top hurlers Wednesday.
A total of 142 Division I pitchers are listed on the Pitcher of the Year watch list, including 13 from the Big 12 Conference. The pitchers on the watch list represent 26 different conferences and reflect the top mound performers to this point of the 2026 season.
Liggett, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, is off to a standout season after returning to the diamond for the first time since 2024, following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2025 season. The right-hander is the first Wildcat to be added to the watch list since current Major Leaguer Jordan Wicks in 2019.
In the Wildcats 5-3 victory over Nebraska at the College Baseball Series, Liggett needed just 51 pitches to retire 13 of 15 batters he faced in earning up his first win. He allowed just one hit in the outing and issued one walk, while striking out three over his 4 1/3 innings in relief.
In three outings this season, Liggett has allowed just four hits across 10 1/3 scoreless innings. He totals eight strikeouts on the year, including a season-high five during a five-inning shutout performance against UConn on February 14.
K-State (12-4, 0-0 Big 12) concludes its eight-game homestand Wednesday night, as the Wildcats host South Dakota State (5-10, 0-0 Summit) at Tointon Family Stadium. The midweek contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and can be seen on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.
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