On The Rise: Programs Ready to Make a Jump in 2026
February 2, 2026
ALABAMA - Each spring brings a new wave of teams ready to take the next step, often after working through growing pains or laying the foundation the year before. These jumps don’t always show up immediately once the season begins, but they tend to reveal themselves as the spring unfolds.
While many of the programs listed have a chance to appear in their respective preseason class rankings, and some could ultimately emerge as championship contenders, this article is not a prediction piece. Instead, it highlights teams whose combination of returning production, roster continuity, and overall upside suggest they are positioned to go further than they did last spring. Teams are listed in alphabetical order, with no implied ranking.
Briarwood Christian
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
After moving down to Class 5A in 2025, Briarwood Christian found early success and showed it could compete at a high level within its new classification, advancing to the second round of the postseason before running into eventual 5A runner-up St. Paul’s Episcopal. With a balanced roster that blends experienced upperclassmen with high-end underclass talent, the Lions enter the spring positioned to build on that momentum and push even deeper this season.
Key Impact Players:
- C Parker Daniels (West Alabama, 2026) - a steady, experienced presence anchoring the lineup who provides real impact and run-producing capabilities.
- OF/LHP Houston Hartsfield (Alabama-Huntsville, 2026) - a two-way impact senior who is a mid-80s southpaw who posted a 2.28 ERA with a .335 batting average in '25.
- RHP/3B Ivan Hand (2028) - a top-15 prospect in Alabama’s 2028 class who touched 92 mph in the preseason. Earned 2nd Team All-State honors going 8-0 with a 1.46 ERA as a freshman last season.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How the supporting cast around returning seniors Daniels and Hartsfield rounds into form, and what Year 2 development looks like for Hand.
Demopolis
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Demopolis is coming off a strong 2025 campaign that saw the Tigers sweep their area and advance past Beauregard in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Elberta. That success continued a stretch of consistent postseason appearances for the program, highlighted by a Final Four run in 2023. With a roster that returns a deep and experienced stable of arms and five seniors already signed to play college baseball, Demopolis enters the spring with both proven experience and a high competitive ceiling.
Key Impact Players:
- RHP/INF Colton Colgrove (West Alabama, 2026) - a versatile two-way arm who provides rotation stability and positional value with athleticism and experience at both spots.
- RHP/UTL Jack Pritchett (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2026) - a multi-faceted senior with the ability to slot into big innings on the mound or deliver timely contributions offensively.
- SS/RHP Jake Powell (2026) - an impact middle infielder and key part of the pitching staff who rounds out a deeper returning core.
- C/RHP Bryce McElroy (Gadsden State CC, 2026) - a catcher with collegiate upside who provides stability behind the plate and contributes on the mound for the Tigers.
- 1B/LHP Braxton Vice (Huntingdon, 2026) - a left-handed first baseman with run-producing potential and a southpaw arm to help bolster the pitching staff.
- RHP Josiah Colgrove (Central Alabama CC, 2026) - a returning right-handed arm with experience and innings under his belt who provides depth to the rotation.
- C/RHP JW McAlpine (2026) - a two-way contributor who adds depth behind the plate and on the mound.
- 3B/RHP Bryant Deas (2026) - a versatile third baseman with arm strength who contributes both in the field and from the mound.
- OF Tucker Capps (2026) - a returning outfielder who brings athleticism and experience to the lineup for the Tigers.
- OF Conner Reynolds (2026) - a steady outfield presence who provides depth and a consistent bat.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Demopolis’ experienced pitching staff and senior leadership set the tone as the Tigers look to sustain their postseason momentum and push deeper into the playoffs.
Faith Academy
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
After moving down to Class 5A in 2025, the Rams navigated a tough area and advanced to the second round of the postseason, further establishing themselves as a factor within the classification. With a roster loaded with college-type prospects, particularly throughout the 2026 class, Faith Academy enters the spring firmly on the radar as one of the main contenders in Class 5A, especially in the southern half of the state.
Key Impact Players:
- OF/RHP Riley Wilemon (Bishop State CC, 2026) - a toolsy two-way prospect with power and an upper-80s arm on the mound.
- SS Braydon Wright (Mississippi College, 2026) - a smooth, reliable shortstop with some impact in the right-handed bat.
- INF Carlos Ortiz (2026) - a returning top-of-the-order type hitter and a multi-year starter for the Rams.
- RHP Christian Freeman (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2026) - another hard-throwing RHP showcasing an upper-80s fastball in previous looks.
- RHP/1B Brodie Wilson (Auburn, 2027) - one of the top two-ways in the '27 class with a low-90s fastball and gap-to-gap pop at the plate.
- C Eli Quinley (2027) - versatile prospect with well-rounded athleticism and coming off a strong sophomore campaign in '25.
- RHP/OF Grayson Finch (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2027) - another quality right-handed arm to add to the stable featuring a mid-80s fastball.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Faith Academy’s depth and experience across the roster come together as the Rams look to establish themselves as one of the top teams in Class 5A South.
Hazel Green
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Hazel Green enters the 2026 season positioned to benefit from the payoff of playing young over the past several years, as underclassmen who were thrust into key roles are now established juniors and seniors. That experience has already translated into success, with the Trojans putting together a steady run of playoff appearances in Class 6A despite their youth. With Andrew Dennis taking over as head coach after his time at New Hope, Hazel Green returns a strong pitching staff and a balanced lineup, creating a solid foundation as the Trojans look to make a deep postseason run this spring.
Key Impact Players:
- INF/RHP Bryce Zimmerman (2026) - a consistent bat hitting in the heart of the order with key returning experience.
- UTL/RHP Andrew Beaverson (Wallace State CC, 2026) - a physical two-way prospect with gap power at the plate and continuing to return to full strength on the mound.
- RHP Elijah Steele (2026) - a mid-80s arm who looks poised to take on a big role in the rotation this spring.
- 3B/RHP Colton Clark (2027) - a multi-year starter and contributor on both sides of the ball. Another returning run-producer who should log key innings with a mid-80s fastball.
- UTL/RHP Kolton Bentley (2027) - a projectable left-handed bat who continues to get better and looks poised for his biggest spring yet as a middle-of-the-order hitter.
- OF/LHP Ty Hunter (2028) - one of the few underclassmen returners who fills up the zone with competitive traits and low-80s fastball on the mound and consistently finds the barrel at the plate.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Hazel Green’s now-experienced junior and senior core builds on years of varsity reps to push deeper into the postseason.
Homewood
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Homewood enters the 2026 season as one of the most intriguing teams in Class 6A, stacking up as one of the better rosters on paper with a wealth of returning experience from last year’s 30-9 squad. The Patriots reached the Sweet 16 in 2025 before being edged out by eventual state champion Hartselle in a thrilling three-game series, capped by a narrow 2-1 loss in Game 3. With much of that group returning, including one of the top players in the state in Levi Nickoli, Homewood carries both proven postseason experience and a high ceiling. After becoming the first team in program history to reach the 30-win mark, expectations are understandably high as the Patriots look to build on a historic season.
Key Impact Players:
- SS/RHP Levi Nickoli (Auburn, 2026) - one of the top prospects in the state who will be a force in the heart of the order and a top arm in their pitching rotation with an upper-80s fastball.
- OF/RHP Jack Bland (Calhoun CC, 2026) - an athletic outfielder who impacts the game in a variety of ways for the Patriots.
- C Cooper Mullins (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2026) - a multi-year starter since his freshman season and does a great job of handling the pitching staff.
- OF/RHP Cooper Sain (2026) - another multi-year returning starter.
- UTL Will Siegel (2026) - a true utility player who will play a number of positions this spring. Also been on varsity since his freshman year.
- 1B/RHP Ben Roberts (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2026) - a switch-hitter looking to impact the order.
- UTL Drew Susce (Gadsden State CC, 2026) - another switch-hitter who will look have a big senior season.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Homewood handles elevated expectations with a target on their back after a program-defining 30-win season.
James Clemens
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
James Clemens continues to trend upward as a program, returning a strong core from last year’s playoff team while also welcoming a wave of young talent ready to push for roles this spring. The Jets bring back seven of their nine positional starters along with three of their top arms from the rotation, giving them a blend of continuity and upside across the roster. While getting a few key pieces healthy will be important early, the foundation is firmly in place in Madison as expectations continue to rise heading into the 2026 season.
Key Impact Players:
- INF/RHP Matthew Drinkwater (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2026) - a steady two-way contributor who will hit in the middle of the order and be a top arm in their pitching rotation.
- INF/RHP Jesse Isensee (Coastal Alabama-South CC, 2026) - a high-contact rate right-hander who should hit near the top of the order and log some innings on the mound.
- LHP Tyler Lewis (Tennessee-Southern, 2026) - a low-80s southpaw who should factor into the pitching rotation.
- OF Brooks Rhodes (2026) - a consistent left-handed bat looking to build off of his junior campaign.
- INF Hayden Udovich (Tennessee-Southern, 2026) - another contact right-handed bat who can help produce runs for the Jets this spring.
- RHP Will Votroubek (Montevallo, 2026) - an upper-80s right-hander with big stuff who is currently injured but could make a big impact if he gets back to full strength.
- OF/RHP Will Congo (2027) - a two-way prospect with athleticism and a fastball that creeps into the upper-80s on the mound.
- C Hudson Smith (2027) - a returning backstop who earned All-State Honorable Mention last spring as a sophomore.
- OF Bryson Hodge (2028) - one of the top outfielders in the sophomore class who has a chance to blossom into a big piece for the Jets this spring and in the future.
Early Storyline to Watch:
What kind of impact the next wave of young talent makes and whether its returning core can elevate the Jets from a playoff team to a true contender.
Lindsay Lane Christian
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Lindsay Lane Christian Academy enters the 2026 season with momentum after a 19-17 finish in 2025 that resulted in a Sweet 16 appearance and marked the program’s sixth consecutive playoff berth. The Lions have developed a track record of competing deep into the postseason, leaning on strong pitching, defense, and roster continuity. With a mix of senior leadership and a growing underclass core that logged meaningful varsity roles a season ago, Lindsay Lane Christian is positioned to sustain its success and potentially make a deeper run this spring in Class 2A.
Key Impact Players:
- OF/C Lane Jones (2026) - a senior leader who provides experience both in the lineup and behind the plate and helps set the tone on both sides of the ball.
- RHP/1B Wyatt Wallace (2028) - a young two-way contributor who returns innings on the mound while also factoring in at first base.
- RHP/INF Grayson Miller (2029) - a freshman two-way prospect who looks poised for a big spring on both sides of the ball.
- C Cooper Abernathy (2028) - an underclass backstop continuing to gain varsity experience and provide stability behind the plate.
- RHP/INF Fin Reding (2027) - another versatile two-way piece who adds depth to both the pitching staff and the infield.
- INF Bryson McMullin (2029) - an underclass infielder gaining valuable varsity reps and adding long-term upside.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Lindsay Lane blends senior leadership with an expanding underclass core as the Lions look to extend their postseason streak and make another deep run.
Madison County
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Madison County enters the 2026 season returning a wealth of production from last year’s 23-6 team that advanced to the Sweet 16 before being ended by a senior-laden Haleyville squad. The Tigers bring back all of their top returning starting pitching along with the majority of their lineup, giving them one of the more experienced and complete rosters in Class 4A on paper. With continuity throughout the roster and momentum built from a deep postseason run a season ago, Madison County has the makeup of a team capable of taking another step forward and emerging as one of the top contenders in Class 4A if everything comes together this spring.
Key Impact Players:
- LHP/OF Jace Duckett (Alabama, 2027) - the top-ranked pitcher in the 2027 class in Alabama with an upper-80s fastball paired with pull-side power at the plate.
- SS/RHP Connor Drake (Northwest-Shoals CC, 2026) - a reliable two-way presence who brings back a wealth of varsity experience.
- RHP/C Cole Mullins (2026) - another top arm in their rotation returning after posting a sub-1.0 ERA as a junior last spring.
- RHP/UTL Keigan McClure (2026) - another high-level arm in their pitching rotation who pitches in the upper-80s and handles the bat well offensively.
- RHP/INF Eli Cantrell (2027) - a two-way contributor from last year who look to be a factor on both sides of the ball once again.
- OF/RHP Lawson Price (2028) - one of their top underclassmen in the program who has a chance to be a factor this spring.
- INF Levi Cooper (2027) - another valuable piece for their offensive this spring.
- C Jackson Helton (2027) - expected to handle the pitching staff behind the plate and make an impact offensively.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How the Tigers handle elevated expectations after returning most of a Sweet 16 roster.
Northside
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Northside enters the 2026 season returning nearly all of its production from a breakout spring a year ago, highlighted by talent spread throughout every class on the roster. The Rams announced themselves last season with a strong regular year before being tested in the first round of the playoffs by No. 1 Springville in a competitive three-game series. With expectations elevated and Riley Colburn stepping in at the helm of a talented, experienced group, Northside appears well-positioned to build on last year’s momentum and factor prominently in the Class 5A race this spring.
Key Impact Players:
- OF/RHP Austin Kightlinger (Indiana, 2027) - one of the top hitters in Class 5A a season ago and has continued to get better. Should hit at the top of the order and assume a large chunk of innings on the mound as a top arm.
- INF Judd Sanford (2026) - another returning top-of-the-order hitter with good skills and a steady, reliable presence on the positional side for the Rams.
- 1B/OF Bennett Green (2027) - a talented, athletic left-handed bat who sprays hard contact to all fields and returns to the heart of the order to drive in runs.
- OF/LHP Brock Green (2028) - a high-level two-way prospect who possesses gap power at the plate and a low-80s southpaw who tossed significant innings as a freshman.
- C Brody Abernathy (2027) - returning backstop and middle-of-the-order hitter.
- OF/RHP Evan Taylor (2026) - returning everyday starter and a big piece to their pitching rotation.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Northside handles elevated expectations while returning nearly all of its production from a breakout 2025 season.
Orange Beach
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Orange Beach enters the 2026 season motivated after narrowly missing the playoffs a year ago, finishing just behind Bayside Academy and Satsuma in a highly competitive area. The Makos return several key pieces from that group while also adding new contributors expected to make an immediate impact, giving the roster added depth and balance. With talent spread throughout all classes and another challenging slate ahead, Orange Beach has the upside to turn last season’s near-miss into a postseason push and make noise in Class 4A if everything comes together this spring.
Key Impact Players:
- C Colton Boyd (Southern Miss, 2027) - a multi-year starter who returns to the heart of the order as one of the top catchers in the state.
- UTL Brayden Hood (2026) - a key returning piece who will play a key role for the Makos once again this spring.
- RHP/INF Matthew Hoover (Mobile, 2026) - a mid-80s right-handed pitcher who is expected to anchor the pitching rotation.
- 1B Ward Hickman (2026) - a 6-foot-4 left-handed bat who will look to be a key run-producer in their order offensively.
- RHP/OF Ethan O'Meara (2027) - a big-time arm talent who has seen a velocity jump and now creeps into the low-90s on the mound. Should be a top arm in the rotation and be an offensive contributor.
- OF/RHP Gentry Rogers (2027) - a key returning piece with experience.
- INF/RHP Ben Pugh (2027) - a key returning piece with experience.
- INF Jacob Thomas (2028) - a talented sophomore prospect who is expected to hit near the top of the order and play on the infield.
- OF/RHP Campbell Tillman (2029) - one of the top freshman prospects in the southern part of the state who should factor as a two-way contributor this spring.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Orange Beach’s experienced core and rising underclass talent blend together as the season progresses.
Saraland
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Saraland has established itself as one of the more consistent programs in the southern part of the state, routinely reaching the postseason at the Class 6A level. After advancing to the Sweet 16 a season ago, the Spartans enter 2026 with the opportunity to push even further behind a roster that returns much of its pitching depth while also adding impact pieces to the lineup. With multiple arms back to provide stability on the mound and an offense capable of generating runs in a variety of ways, Saraland appears well-positioned to build on its recent success and raise its ceiling this spring.
Key Impact Players:
- RHP/OF Cade Mason (2027) - a top-of-the-rotation type arm with a mid-80s fastball and strong pitchability who posted a 7-2 record and a 0.85 ERA as a sophomore in 2025.
- INF Bryce Rivers (Nicholls State, 2026) - one of the top overall hitters in the southern part of the state who profiles as a middle-of-the-order run producer.
- OF/RHP Jacob Rowell (Meridian CC, 2026) - a toolsy two-way prospect who returns as a key offensive contributor and has shown an upper-80s fastball on the mound.
- RHP/OF Brody Jacobi (Jones College CC, 2027) - another two-way prospect expected to play a significant role this spring who has topped the upper-80s with his fastball on the mound.
- C Hudson Robbins (Central Alabama CC, 2026) - a quality defensive backstop who handles the pitching staff well and returns as a key offensive contributor after multiple years as a starter.
- RHP D'tric Butler (West Alabama, 2026) - a high-upside right-handed arm who runs his fastball into the mid-80s and should be a quality piece in the pitching rotation.
- OF Christian Farni (2026) - a quality addition to the offense who brings varsity experience and the ability to drive in runs.
- INF PJ Brown (2026) - an uber-athletic infielder with game-changing speed and quality bat-to-ball who will be a strong addition to the lineup.
Early Storyline to Watch:
How Saraland’s lineup blends returning production with impact additions and newcomers to generate runs in different ways.
Spain Park
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Spain Park enters the 2026 season coming off a year in which a young roster was tested repeatedly against some of the top competition in the state at the Class 6A level. Despite falling short of the postseason, the Jaguars proved they could go toe-to-toe with elite programs while competing in what was arguably the toughest area in the state, featuring four teams capable of reaching the playoffs. With that same core returning more experienced both at the plate and on the mound, along with the addition of a key arm expected to bolster the rotation, Spain Park heads into the spring positioned to build on last year’s growth and take a step forward as it looks to push into the postseason and raise its ceiling in 2026.
Key Impact Players:
- SS Rhys Jones (Alabama-Birmingham, 2026) - a steady, reliable performer as a multi-year starter who shows quality barrel skills and a consistent right-handed bat.
- OF Joe Cross (2026) - one of the top returning hitters from last year’s team with a smooth left-handed swing and athletic traits.
- 3B Connor Greb (Auburn, 2027) - one of the top left-handed bats in Alabama’s 2027 class who looks poised for a big spring after gaining varsity experience in 2025.
- RHP/1B Nash Davis (2028) - a top two-way prospect in the country in the 2028 class who has topped 93 mph on the mound and returns as a key offensive contributor after his freshman season.
- RHP Hudson Franks (2026) - an experienced arm added to the rotation who brings proven varsity innings and an upper-80s fastball.
- OF Slade Bounds (2027) - one of the more toolsy players in Alabama’s 2027 class who brings athleticism and power to the middle of the order.
- C Evan Taylor (2027) - a returning contributor who made an impact as a sophomore and now looks to take on a larger role as an upperclassman.
- OF Brodie Bragg (2027) - earned varsity playing time as a sophomore a year ago and now looks to take on a larger offensive role entering his junior season.
Early Storyline to Watch:
Whether Spain Park’s now-experienced core can peak at the right time as Class 6A Area 7 once again proves to be one of the toughest races in the state.
Westbrook Christian
Why They’re Poised to Take a Jump:
Westbrook Christian enters the 2026 season motivated by unfinished business after a year that began with high expectations but ended short of the postseason. The Warriors opened the 2025 campaign with a 15-2 start and spent much of the spring atop the polls before ultimately finishing third in their area, a stark contrast from their Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2024. With many of the core pieces from that championship-caliber team returning, including several multi-year contributors, Westbrook brings back experience throughout the lineup and a roster that understands what it takes to compete deep into the postseason. While replacing key arms from last year’s rotation will be a storyline early, the Warriors enter the spring with the motivation, experience, and depth to position themselves for a return to the playoff picture and a push toward the top of Class 4A.
Key Impact Players:
- INF/RHP Brodie Johnson (Shelton State CC, 2026) - a top returning shortstop in the state who brings impact and the ability to influence the game in multiple facets.
- INF/RHP Brody Blevins (2027) - a varsity starter since his freshman year who now looks poised for his biggest season yet as an upperclassman.
- OF Jacob Maples (2026) - an athletic outfielder who returns with ample at-bats and varsity experience
- RHP Gavin Beaver (2026) - a live-armed right-handed pitcher who adds a quality option to their pitching staff.
- OF/RHP Brady Carden (2026) - a notable offensive returner.
- 1B/RHP Wil Chadwick (2026) - a notable offensive returner.
- UTL Rylan Barlock (2026)- a notable offensive returner.
- OF Bo Kilgo (2026)- a notable offensive returner.
- OF/LHP Emmett Daniel (2026)- a notable offensive returner.
- C Luke Thompson (Huntingdon College, 2026) - a reliable backstop who bring back valuable varsity experience
Early Storyline to Watch:
Whether Westbrook Christian’s pitching depth develops over the course of the spring as Coach Clayton guides the program back toward postseason contention.
Looking Ahead
While preseason rankings help set expectations, the season itself is defined by growth, adjustments, and momentum built week to week. For the programs highlighted here, the pieces are in place to take a meaningful step forward, whether that means a deeper postseason run, greater consistency across a long spring, or establishing themselves more firmly within their areas. As opening week approaches, keep an eye on these teams as potential movers as the season unfolds, with the understanding that upside often reveals itself long before the final results are known.
With preseason event coverage officially complete, the focus now shifts fully to the 2026 high school season. Below is our complete preseason content rollout leading up to first pitch:
- Updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings - Monday, February 9th
- Podcast: Preseason Class 7A-1A Top-10 Reveal - Monday, February 9th
- Class 7A-1A Top-10 Polls Article Release - Tuesday, February 10th
- Updated Class of 2027 Player Rankings - Tuesday, February 10th
- Updated Class of 2028 Player Rankings - Wednesday, February 11th
- Updated Class of 2029 Player Rankings - Thursday, February 12th
- Inside Class 1A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Thursday, February 12th
- Inside Class 2A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Friday, February 13th
- Inside Class 3A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Saturday, February 14th
- Inside Class 4A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Sunday, February 15th
- Inside Class 5A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Monday, February 16th
- Inside Class 6A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Tuesday, February 17th
- Inside Class 7A: A Season Preview (PB+) - Wednesday, February 18th
- 2026 Kickoff Classic: Event Preview - Thursday, February 19th
+ Click HERE to create a free profile.
+ Click HERE to purchase a subscription which gives you access to additional information on the site.