The Arkansas high school baseball season kicks off on Mar. 2, opening day for regular season action under AAA regulations. Leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2026 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down to the official Prep Baseball Arkansas Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a preseason questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

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2026 SEASON OUTLOOK

No. of Returning Position Players: 8
No. of Returning Pitchers: 6

Top Returners:

• Peyton Zimmerman (2026) - OF, 6'0, 185
  • Can really run and plays a good CF. He hits in our 3 hole.
• Parker Ellis (2026) - OF, 6'0 185
  • Lyon College commit
  • Hits in our 4-hole.
• Walker Allen (2026) - LHP, 5'9 170
  • University of the Ozarks commit
  • Has a lot of experience as a starter for us.
• Trevor Reed (2028) - SS/P, 5'9 160

Top Newcomers:

• Sawyer Pierce (2029) - C
• Lucas Wilson (2029) - INF

Coach’s Insight: “Throwing strikes and team defense will be strengths but the offense needs to improve.” – Scott Johnson, head coach

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Find more information on the 2026 Fort Smith Southside program below:

+ Visit Prep Baseball Arkansas’ 2026 AAA Team Previews page to learn more.

+ If you are a high school coach and didn’t receive our questionnaire, please click HERE to fill out the form

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