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: Ardmore Tigers
Head Coach: Andrew Smith
Classification & Area Number: Class 5A, Area 16
2025 Record (Finish): 15-17 (No Postseason)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• SS Noah Stafford (2026)
• 1B Luke Ezell (2026)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF Carter Apodaca (2030)
• SS Jevan Rolin (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Ardmore enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after finishing 15-17 in 2025 and missing the postseason. Competing in a tough Class 5A Area 16, the Tigers leaned on a young group last spring and now turn their attention to improvement and consistency as they head into the new year. With a strong offseason behind them and a core of returning contributors, Ardmore is focused on growth and becoming more competitive within the area.

Offensively, the Tigers will continue to be led by SS Noah Stafford (2026), who has been at the top of the lineup since his freshman season. Stafford’s presence up the middle and at the top of the order has been a constant for Ardmore, though he is expected to miss some time early as he works his way back from injury during his senior season. In the middle of the lineup, 1B Luke Ezell (2026) returns after a productive 2025 campaign in which he hit .353 with eight doubles and 23 RBIs, giving the Tigers a reliable run producer to build around. The underclass group includes INF Carter Apodaca (2029) and SS Jevan Rolin (2028), both of whom add depth and will have opportunities to develop within the varsity mix as the season progresses. Their continued growth will be important as Ardmore looks to build a stronger foundation for the future.

Strong work ethic and leadership define Ardmore’s identity heading into 2026. With a group that has invested heavily in the offseason, the Tigers are eager to see who steps into expanded roles this spring. As head coach Andrew Smith noted, “We had a great offseason and our guys have worked extremely hard. I am looking forward to seeing who steps up on this team and what this group can accomplish.” With that mindset, Ardmore enters the 2026 season focused on improvement, competitiveness, and taking the next step in Class 5A.

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Find more information on the 2026 Ardmore High School program below:

+ Follow them on X: @AHSBaseballAL
+ 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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