As the fall comes to a close, we take another look at a talented 2028 class. 

This week’s rankings arrive with plenty of movement throughout the middle of the board, even as the top 10 remains completely unchanged. The elite tier continues to hold steady, showcasing the same dominant group that has separated itself from the rest of the field.

Below them, however, is a very different story. Several newcomers make their debut after impressive recent performances, injecting fresh intrigue into the rankings. A handful of notable risers also climb multiple spots thanks to consistent momentum and standout showings, shaking up the landscape just outside the top tier.

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 50 player rankings

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Risers

Dax Drake OF / 2B / Bryant, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 15 / POS: 4 Drake kicks off our player spotlights by jumping 20 spots to the number 15 position in our rankings. Drake made his jump by showing out at our biggest event of the fall, the Natural State Fall Games. He is a multi-tool athlete that showcases a sweet swing from both sides of the plate reaching a top exit velocity of 95.1 MPH. With room to grow his game, look for Dax to be a breakout star in the upcoming season and possibly crack into the top 10.

Cason Willing C / OF / Berryville, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 5 Willing is our next riser on the list as he jumps a few spots from 26 to 22 in our rankings. This player profiles as a rugged, physical catcher whose raw strength stands out both at the plate and behind it. He generates easy power with a compact, forceful swing. Defensively, he shows solid receiving skills, sturdy blocking ability, and the toughness needed to anchor a lineup. With continued refinement, he has the tools to become a reliable two-way presence behind the dish.

Landen Pelkey OF / LHP / Benton, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 7 Pelkey is next on the list as he jumps 19 spots to number 25 in our rankings. This jump comes from his performance at the Natural State Fall Games. Pelkey features a lean, athletic frame that fuels smooth, efficient movements on both sides of the ball. On the mound, he shows a clean delivery with promising arm speed, giving him room to add velocity as he continues to build strength. At the plate, his wiry build translates to quick hands and a projectable offensive profile that should improve with physical maturity. As he fills out, his versatility and natural athleticism give him an intriguing ceiling as a true dual-impact talent.

Carter Koch RHP / 2B / Greenwood, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 40 / POS: 7 Koch is another player that had a huge jump in the rankings after his performance at the Natural State Fall Games as he jumps 20 spots up. He shows clean, repeatable mechanics on the mound, allowing him to fill the zone consistently while projecting for more velocity as he adds strength. His delivery is efficient and well-sequenced, giving him a strong foundation for future development. At the plate, he relies on a short, simple swing that produces regular contact and keeps him on time. With continued physical growth, he has the tools to take notable steps forward on both sides of the ball.

Hazen Hutton 1B / 3B / Jacksonville, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 41 / POS: 1 Hutton rounds out our list of risers as he made the biggest jump in the rankings climbing 27 spots putting him into the top 50. He has shown an impressive jump between events as he added strength and power into his repertoire. To go along with this, he also changed up his approach in the box which has given him the ability to create consistent contact through the zone. Look for Hutton to continue to improve his game and make more jumps in the coming season.

Newcomers

Chase Wilder SS / RHP / Bentonville West, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 27 / POS: 7 Wilder is the first of 3 newcomers to make an immideate impact in the top 50. He impressed at the Natural State Fall Games with his athletic, twitchy frame that immediately stands out, giving him quick actions and natural explosiveness in all facets of his game. Off the mound he comes with an easy delivery which allows for the effortless velocity. As he continues to add strength, look for him to be an impact player, as he has the upside to make significant leaps in performance.

Beck Doggett LHP / 1B / Benton, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 3 Doggett is next on our newcomers spotlight as he like many others shine at the Fall Games. The southpaw comes with a physical frame that gives him the ability to generate a ton of force down the mound.  At the plate, he brings a forceful swing from the left-side with a strong foundation. As he matures throughout his career, look for Doggett to fine-tune his gam and make a big impact for his team in the upcoming seasons.

Simon Abel SS / RHP / Conway West, AR / 2028 Rankings  StateRank: 39 / POS: 8 Abel rounds up our spotlights for newcomers as he made his jump into the top 50. He brings a solid all-around foundation, showing dependable skills that give him a steady baseline to build from. His actions are clean and consistent, allowing him to compete well now while still leaving plenty of room for growth. As he continues to mature physically and add strength, his tools should sharpen and his impact on the field should expand. With continued development, he projects to take meaningful steps forward in all areas of his game.

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