DALLAS, Texas – LHP Jackson Kranawetter of Southeast Missouri Baseball was named to the 2026 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) 'Stopper of the Year' Midseason Watch List, the association announced on Wednesday afternoon. 
 
Kranawetter, a senior from Campbell Hill, Illinois, has made 13 appearances this season, including one start, and has thrown 24.0 innings having made an Ohio Valley Conference-best eight saves so far in 2026. Those eight saves ranks Kranawetter 12^th in the country and pushed his career save total to 16. He needs just two more saves this season to become the program's all-time saves leader, surpassing former Redhawk Kyle Miller (2021-24) who finished with 17. 
 
This year, Kranawetter has punched out 31 opposing hitters, allowed just 11 runs on 29 hits, and has only walked just three opponents. 
 
61 of the nation's top relief pitchers have been named to the midseason watch list for the 21st annual Stopper of the Year Award. Relief pitchers not included on the midseason list remain eligible to be considered as finalists for the award.
 
Eighteen of the 61 players were on the preseason watch list, released in February, including Hunter Alexander (Central Arkansas), Gavin Alveti (Austin Peay), Reese Bassinger (West Virginia) Cody Brasch (Louisiana), Ben Davis (Mississippi State), Gavin DeVooght (Michigan), Turan Doran (Western Michigan), Clayton Freshcorn (Texas A&M), Lucas Hartman (Virginia), Easton Hawk (UCLA), Darin Horn (Coastal Carolina) Brandon Jaenke (Minnesota), Jake Karmer (Purdue), Ryan Kroepel (Utah Tech), Walker McDuffie (North Carolina), Boede Rahe (Kansas), Albert Roblez (Oregon State) and Adam Troy (USC). Georgia Tech's Mason Patel (first team), McDuffie (third team) and Hartman (fourth team) were named to the Preseason NCBWA All-America Team. 
 
Roblez leads the country with 11 saves in 15.2 innings pitched and holds a 0.57 Earned Run Average. Ryan Kroepel follows 10 saves with a 2.95 ERA in 14 appearances, while Troy also boasts 10 saves in 21.2 innings pitched. 
 
There are 21 conferences represented on the list, with the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference leading the way with eight each. The Big 12 Conference follows with six, while the Atlantic Coast Conference has five and the American and Sun Belt each have four. Other multiple-selection leagues included: the Atlantic Sun Conference (3), Big West (2), Conference USA (3), Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference (2), Mid-American Conference (2), Ohio Valley Conference (2) and the West Coast Conference (3). 
 
 
The NCBWA will announce the finalists on Wednesday, June 3, with the winner being named on Friday, June 12, at the 2026 Men's College World Series.