Prep Baseball Report

Arkansas Class of 2026 Rankings Update: Fall Edition


Mikel Howell
Prep Baseball Arkansas Asst. Scouting Director

As the fall comes to a close, we take another look at a talented 2026 class. 

The latest update to the Class of 2026 rankings highlights some newcomers as it is our modest update to date. The top 10 remains unchanged, reaffirming the dominance of this cycle’s elite prospects, though a few players saw minor positional shifts as competition tightens and evaluations deepen.

Overall, while the top remains untouched, the jockeying beneath it signals a competitive and rapidly evolving chase—setting the stage for even more movement in the weeks ahead.

Click HERE for the full 150 player rankings

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Newcomers

Emerson Early OF / 3B / Fayetteville, AR / 2026

Early is the first of the two biggest newcomers to the class of 2026 rankings. After recently committing, he made a name for himself at the Natural State Fall Games. At the plate, he showed off the top exit velocity at the event at 100.8 MPH. Defensively he had the second highest velocty from the outfield reaching 92 MPH. Early is a well-rounded athlete with a powerful swing from the left-side of the plate with a gifted arm on the defensive side. Look for him to be an impact performer in the upcoming spring season. 

Devan Hightower RHP / 2B / Southside (Batesville), AR / 2026

Hightower is the other top newcomer for our final rankings update of the year. He showed out with his performance at the Natural State Fall Games just like many of the other great athletes. The righty brings a sharp 4-pitch mix to the table that includes a FB up to 85, a CH, CB, and SL, all with a high average spin rate. He brings a ton of swing-and-miss stuff with the abiltiy to command all four pitches. Look for him to make a jump and be an impact arm throughout the upcoming season.


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