Western Kentucky pitchers Cal Higgins and Lucas Hartman were named to the 2025 National College Baseball Writers Association Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List, the association announced Wednesday.

The award is given annually to the top relief pitcher in Division I baseball.

Of the 56 players named to the midseason watch list, WKU’s selections are two of only three to represent Conference USA.

Higgins was previously selected to the NBCWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List before being recognized on the midseason list, being one of nine players to be named to both.

Higgins has had a very productive senior season at WKU. The Kearney, Nebraska native has appeared in 14 games this season with five saves. The left-hander has recorded a 1.50 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 24 innings of work while holding opponents to a .188 batting average.

Hartman is in his first season at WKU after transferring in from Florida Gulf Coast. The right-hander has appeared in 12 games with one start, posting a 4-0 record with two saves. The Bradenton, Florida native has recorded a 1.67 ERA and 39 strikeouts through 32 1/3 innings pitched, holding opposing hitters to a .162 batting average.

Along with the 2025 Stopper of the Year, the NCBWA presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player and the Mike Martin National Coach of the Year to the nation’s top coach. It also selects All-America Teams for all Divisions, a Division I Freshman All-American team, Division I, II and III Players of the Week and Division I, II and III Players of the Year.

The Hilltoppers continue Conference USA play this weekend as they travel to FIU for a three-game series beginning on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT.