University of Houston Athletics
Trio Named to 2026 Pitcher of the Year Watch List
3/11/2026 1:01:00 PM | Baseball
Houston ties for Big 12 lead with three watchlist honorees
HOUSTON – Junior Richie Roman, senior Paul Schmitz and junior Alex Solis earned a spot on the 2026 Pitcher of the Year Watch List, the College Baseball Foundation announced on Wednesday.
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The trio have been a large part of Houston's 11-5 start to the season, helping lead a pitching staff that ranks in the top 50 nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (6.94, 18th), WHIP (1.24, 37th) and ERA (3.79, 39th).
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Roman has posted a 1.74 ERA in three appearances this year, allowing just two earned runs in 10.1 innings on the mound. The junior averages 10.45 strikeouts per nine innings and tossed 1.1 no-hit innings against #19 Oregon State.
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Schmitz opened the season with a bang, earning the victory in the first game of the season against #21 Wake Forest. He threw 4.0 shutout innings, ceding just two hits against the now-#12 Demon Deacons. He then immediately followed it up with another win with five shutout innings against UTRGV.
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Solis, who has operated as both a starter and reliever this season, has amassed a 2.40 ERA across six outings. He's tied with Schmitz for the team lead with two wins, including an outing where he threw five perfect innings in relief against Sam Houston.
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Houston tied Arizona State for the most honorees in the Big 12 with three each. Overall, the league had 13 honorees. Houton's three selections to the list also leads schools in Texas.
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SUPPORT THE COUGARSÂ
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Baseball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Dugout Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond its operating budget.
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STAY CONNECTEDÂ Â
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at @uhcougarbb.
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The trio have been a large part of Houston's 11-5 start to the season, helping lead a pitching staff that ranks in the top 50 nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (6.94, 18th), WHIP (1.24, 37th) and ERA (3.79, 39th).
Â
Roman has posted a 1.74 ERA in three appearances this year, allowing just two earned runs in 10.1 innings on the mound. The junior averages 10.45 strikeouts per nine innings and tossed 1.1 no-hit innings against #19 Oregon State.
Â
Schmitz opened the season with a bang, earning the victory in the first game of the season against #21 Wake Forest. He threw 4.0 shutout innings, ceding just two hits against the now-#12 Demon Deacons. He then immediately followed it up with another win with five shutout innings against UTRGV.
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Solis, who has operated as both a starter and reliever this season, has amassed a 2.40 ERA across six outings. He's tied with Schmitz for the team lead with two wins, including an outing where he threw five perfect innings in relief against Sam Houston.
Â
Houston tied Arizona State for the most honorees in the Big 12 with three each. Overall, the league had 13 honorees. Houton's three selections to the list also leads schools in Texas.
Â
SUPPORT THE COUGARSÂ
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Baseball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Dugout Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Baseball for needs beyond its operating budget.
 Â
STAY CONNECTEDÂ Â
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarBB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Baseball. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at @uhcougarbb.
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– UHCougars.com –
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