The 2026 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Alabama.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in the Jacksonville/Oxford/Montgomery area at the AISA or AHSAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Alabama. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and by continuing our scheduled podcasts and releasing our preseason top-10 rankings in each AHSAA classification.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state.

Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week, updating the top-10 ranks in each AHSAA classification, as well updating our Power 25 overall rankings. One thing, especially, you don’t want to miss are our scheduled podcasts with guests from across the state, as well as the recaps and previews of the big games we’re covering.

*Please note the information has been gathered from head coaches across the state, based on their replies to the questionnaire we distributed over this offseason.

High School: American Christian Academy Patriots
Head Coach: Del Howell
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A, Area 9
2025 Record (Finish): 34-14 (State Champions)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• C/RHP Jaylen Crocker (Montevallo, 2026)
• SS Britton Taft (Meridian CC, 2026)
• OF Clayton Rice (Chipola CC, 2026)
• 1B/RHP Hunter Elmore (2028)
• INF/RHP BJ Garth (2028)
• 3B/RHP Caleb McAusland (2028)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• LHP/OF Drew Jackson III (2028)

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OTHER UPPERCLASS FOLLOWS

• LHP/1B Hudson McComb (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Fresh off a championship run, American Christian Academy enters 2026 with plenty of momentum after a dominant 34-14 campaign that ended with the Patriots claiming the Class 5A state title. The 2025 season showcased Patriot's ability to win in multiple ways, and with a strong core returning, American Christian will look to carry that championship standard forward as they begin the defense of their crown in Area 9.

The foundation of this year’s roster starts with a talented group of returners on both sides of the ball. C/RHP Jaylen Crocker (Montevallo, 2026) provides a steady presence behind the plate while also being a reliable arm on the mound. SS Britton Taft (Meridian CC, 2026) anchors the infield with experience and consistency, and OF Clayton Rice (Chipola CC, 2026) brings a proven bat and athleticism to the outfield. The Patriots also return a trio of talented underclass pieces in 1B/RHP Hunter Elmore (2028), INF/RHP BJ Garth (2028), and 3B/RHP Caleb McAusland (2028), all of whom gained valuable experience during last year’s title run. LHP/OF Drew Jackson III (2028) adds more two-way upside to the mix, while LHP/1B Hudson McComb (2027) provides additional depth and versatility. With this blend of experience and youth, the Patriots once again looks well-equipped on the mound and throughout the lineup.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Patriots’ identity should once again be built around depth, balance, and consistency across the roster. The expectation is to remain strong on the mound while continuing to develop a lineup capable of applying pressure throughout the order. As head coach Del Howell put it, “Look to be very deep on the mound and have some good key hitters returning. The freshman class that was such a big part of our run last year is a year older. While also filling some of the gaps from last year with some upperclassmen.” With that combination of returning experience and continued development, American Christian will aim to position itself for another deep postseason run while defending its 5A title.

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Find more information on the 2026 American Christian Academy program below:

+ Follow them on X or Facebook: @ACA__Baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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FOLLOW PREP BASEBALL ALABAMA THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Alabama on X
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Alabama on Facebook

 

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