Top player in the 2026 class Keaton Mathis (Valley View), physical and athletic C/OF with true athleticism on both sides of the ball. Comes in at 5'11 185 pounds, he brings a violent and level swing through the zone that produces cosistent pop at the plate. Defensively, he has great hands and a strong arm making him a top catcher in the class. Look for him to finish out his high school career in dynamic fashion in the coming season. 

We recently had the chance to talk to Mathis 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?

Keaton: I was looking for a program that values player development and has a good culture. I was also looking for a program that I thought would help me as a person as well

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

K: I loved the coaches and seeing how they love to compete. It was also great that ASU was less that 30 minutes away

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

K: I would tell them to keep stacking days on days. Hard work comes with lots of time and effort. 

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

K: Yes it played a difference. My family will only have to drive 15 minutes to watch home games compared to multiple hours. 

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

K: My recruiting process started in the ninth grade. I believe the first time that A-State saw me play the first time was our first high school game in 2025. 

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

K: I think the JR Future games helped me a lot because I got exposure in front of college coaches and built good relationships with coaches. 

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

K: Louisiana tech and Central Arkansas 

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

K: I think the best player I’ve faced was Ty Burnham. He was able to throw off speed when he wanted to. 

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?

K: I would steal Madden Tatum’s power. It is impressive seeing how far he hits the ball. I feel like that would impact me the most. 

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

K: Will Findley is a good person to keep an eye out for because he’s a hard working player with limitless potential. 

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?

K: I realized in the 7th grade when I was playing up that I was able to compete and possibly play in college. 

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

K: Winning the 2025 state championship 

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

K: I feel like our team will as good or better going into 2026. We have a lot of talented seniors that are hungry for one more state title. 

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