One of the talented left-handed arms in the 2026 class, Trystan Newberry (Russellville), comes in at a stout 6'4 220 that showcases a lively arm off the mound. Fills up the zone with a solid pitch mix and the ability to run the fastball up to 91 mph keeping hitters guessing at the plate. Newberry is a well-refined athlete with the ability to compete at the next level. Look for him to continue to produce for his school in the coming spring season.

We recently had the chance to talk to Newberry about his recruitment process along with some other fun topics, below.

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Our Q&A

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Trystan: My expectations for recruiting were limited. I didn’t know a lot about it and just tried to control what I could control, just getting better everyday. I knew I wanted to play with the best, against the best, and was fortunate enough to end up on great teams with great coaches. I was looking for a college team where I could develop, grow, compete at the highest level, and play for a coaching staff with stability. 

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

T: Obviously as an in state kid, I grew up watching the Razorbacks and it was something I wanted to do. As I got older and things got more real, it became more about the stability of the coaching staff that Arkansas has, the track record of development, and competing in the SEC.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

T: Without a doubt, get in the weight room. Baseball is a game of skill but even with all the skill work, you will always be limited if you don’t develop physically. Growing up I was always the smallest kid on my team. I was a good baseball player but it wasn’t until I started taking training in the weight room more serious that I feel I reached my full potential. 

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

T: Being able to be close to home definitely was a benefit but what the program has to offer was the biggest part of my decision. 

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

T: Sophomore year of high school was a strong season and when I really started to get attention. That led into summer before my junior year which ended with an invite to the Future Games where Coach Hobbs watched me pitch. 

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

T: The Future Games was the highest profile tournament I played before committing. 

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

T: I went into August 1 with an open mind and had plans to attend several different schools and camps. However, I got the call from Arkansas at 7:30 that morning. I had a really good call with Coach Hobbs and knew that was where I wanted to be so I committed early. 

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

T: I’ve faced a lot of good players in the state but the one that sticks out the most is Slade Caldwell. He has an advanced approach at the plate and speed on the base path. 

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

T: Shaun Cover’s bat. He hits nukes. 

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

T: We’ve got several talented underclassman who will be really good players but one that really sticks out is Lucas Stokes. He is an athletic kid, works hard, and a strong two way threat. 

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

T: During my sophomore season, things started to come together for me on the mound. As I went through the summer season and started to receive camp invites, I realized I had a real opportunity to play college baseball.  

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

T: Throwing an immaculate inning to clinch the conference championship my junior year. 

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

T: Coming off back to back 5A West conference championships and graduating a talented 2025 class, there are a lot of young talented guys that are ready to step up this year. We will have a good mix of speed and power. As guys gain experience, I believe we will be very competitive. 

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