Clemson pitcher picked for “Way-Too-Early ACC Pitcher of the Year” award from college baseball outlet

We are in the midst of the fall offseason for college baseball, and for one Clemson pitcher, he is getting some deserved recognition before the regular season even begins.

Returning for his junior season at Clemson, pitcher Aidan Knaak will be the leader of this pitching staff for Clemson in 2026. College Baseball outlet, On the Clock, released their Way-Too-Early awards for the ACC, and representing the Tigers, Knaak was selected as one of the picks to win ACC Pitcher of the Year for the 2026 season.

The other three selections were North Carolina’s Ryan Lynch and Jason Decaro, along with Florida’s Frank Menendez. On the Clock did note that each of their four contributors had to select a different ACC pitcher, so there were no duplicate pitchers for their selections.

After posting a great sophomore season, Clemson baseball fans are excited to see what Knaak will do in 2026. In his second season at Clemson, Knaak went 9-1 with a 4.18 ERA in 90.1 innings pitched. The right-hander from Fort Myers, Florida, added 110 strikeouts compared to just 29 walks in 16 appearances. Leading the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, and ERA (minimum of 50 innings pitched), the righty was the ace of the Clemson staff last season.

Coming into the 2026 season, Knaak will certainly be the guy that head coach Erik Bakich will rely on in the weekend rotation. Knaak will likely be the Friday night starter for Bakich’s team.

The only pitching transfer that is coming into the Clemson program who has a good chance to make the weekend rotation is Tennessee transfer Michael Sharman. The lefty was mainly a midweek starter and made appearances in conference play out of the bullpen, but has a legitimate chance to make the weekend rotation as a Sunday starter.

Knaak will be the leader in the rotation and is seemingly ready to take that next step into becoming one of the best starters in the ACC.