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: Ashville Bulldogs
Head Coach: Steven Nuss
Classification & Area Number: Class 4A, Area 11
2025 Record (Finish): 10-21 (No Postseason)

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• C Dylan Palmer (2026)
• SS Easton Layfield (2027)
• OF Charley Hyde (2028)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• DH Camden McLemore (2028)
• 3B Hunter Bowlin (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Ashville enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after a 10-21 finish in 2025 that did not result in a postseason appearance. Competing in a challenging Class 4A Area 11, the Bulldogs were forced to grow up quickly last spring and now turn their attention to building consistency, cohesion, and competitiveness as they head into the new year.

The Bulldogs return a small but impactful core of experienced contributors. C Dylan Palmer (2026) is a four-year starter and one of the team’s primary leaders, bringing left-handed pop to the lineup while also factoring into the pitching rotation. Up the middle, SS Easton Layfield (2027) returns as a three-year starter who led the team in doubles and home runs in 2025 while serving as the leadoff hitter and a defensive standout. In the outfield, OF Charley Hyde (2028) returns fully healthy after missing most of last season due to a hip injury and is expected to provide additional left-handed impact in the lineup. The underclass group includes DH Camden McLemore (2028) and 3B Hunter Bowlin (2028), both of whom add depth as Ashville continues to develop its roster and expand roles throughout the season.

Defensively, Ashville aims to be sound while playing an aggressive small-ball style that puts pressure on opposing teams in the bunt and run game. As head coach Steven Nuss noted, “Our team had to grow up fast last year with our area. We’re learning to compete and have found some cohesion as a team this offseason. All these kids work hard and love playing with each other and for their school.” With that mindset, Ashville enters 2026 focused on improvement, toughness, and taking meaningful steps forward in Class 4A.

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Find more information on the 2026 Ashville program below:

+ Visit the Prep Baseball Alabama, 2026 HS Team Previews

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