McConnaughey Lands on Golden Spikes Preseason Watch List

Junior Mason McConnaughey was named to the 2025 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, USA Baseball announced Friday afternoon.

McConnaughey becomes the first Husker named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List since Ryan Boldt in 2016. The junior is one of 55 players across high school and college baseball to earn mention on the watch list.

A two-time preseason All-American, McConnaughey earned second-team All-Big Ten accolades after going 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 17 appearances, including 11 starts in 2024.

The Topeka, Kan., native totaled 91 strikeouts and held opposing hitters to a .239 batting average in 73 innings last season. McConnaughey struck out nine or more batters in five starts, including three games with at least 10 strikeouts and a season-high 11 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.

The junior is the fifth NU pitcher in school history to return after a 90-plus strikeout season, joining Bob Sebra, Troy Brohawn, Shane Komine and Joba Chamberlain.

Fan voting will again play a part in the Golden Spikes Award in 2025. Following the midseason watch list announcement on April 3, baseball fans can vote for their favorite players on GoldenSpikesAward.com with the naming of the semifinalists and finalists. The 2025 Golden Spikes Award winner will be announced in late June in conjunction with the end of the amateur baseball season.