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: Hackleburg Panthers
Head Coach: Jon McKinney
Classification & Area Number: Class 1A, Area 13
2025 Record (Finish): 33-7 (State Champions) 

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• INF/RHP Ross Hudson (Bevill State CC, 2026)
• OF Cam Ingram (2026)
• RHP/INF Maddox Vickery (2027)
• RHP/INF Kross Weeks (2027)
• OF Daughtry Gober (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• INF/RHP Kannen Cheatham (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Coming off a historic 2025 season, Hackleburg enters 2026 with championship expectations after finishing 33-7 and capturing the Class 1A state title. The Panthers not only claimed the program’s ultimate prize, but also added a North Alabama Conference championship and an Area 13 title to cap a dominant year. With State Championship MVP and All-State senior Ross Hudson leading the way, Hackleburg proved it could navigate the postseason gauntlet, and now returns with the experience and confidence that comes from winning it all.

The core of this group is built around INF/RHP Ross Hudson (Bevill State CC, 2026), who returns after a massive postseason run and will again be a centerpiece both on the mound and in the lineup. OF Cam Ingram (2026) provides a steady presence in the outfield, while RHP/INF Maddox Vickery (2027) and RHP/INF Kross Weeks (2027) give the Panthers versatile two-way options who can impact games in multiple ways. OF Daughtry Gober (2027) adds athleticism and depth to the lineup, and INF/RHP Kannen Cheatham (2028) is a young piece who is expected to continue growing into a bigger role as the season progresses. With multiple contributors back from a title team, Hackleburg should once again feature a balanced roster capable of winning in different ways.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Panthers’ strengths start with experience, pitching, and defense. This is a program that has reached the semifinals, quarterfinals, and now the mountaintop over the past three seasons, and that postseason mileage shows up most on the mound and in the field. Hackleburg returns its No. 2 and No. 3 starters from a year ago, arms that throw strikes and attack hitters, while leaning on a veteran group that understands what it takes to win in May. “We’re returning an experienced group that has logged a lot of playoff baseball, and that experience shows up most on the mound and defensively,” said head coach Jon McKinney. “With strong senior leadership setting the tone, we feel confident in our ability to compete at a high level this season.” With championship DNA still in the clubhouse, Hackleburg enters 2026 aiming to defend its title and make another deep postseason run.

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

+ Follow them on X or Facebook: Twitter: @Hack_Baseball | Hackleburg Panthers 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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