On August 5th and 6th, the Prep Baseball Illinois staff hosted the Illinois State Games, the premier invite-only event in our ecosystem. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown exponentially both in talent and in size, with this year wielding 20 teams with over 400 players in attendance.

There are already 67 commitments from this event, with many more still to come. Check out our State Games Commitment Tracker, HERE. 

Today, we are beginning our post-event rollout with a look at every single 2026 catcher that was in attendance, with a top-10 ranking of who our staff thought showed the best in both gameplay and the workout. 

TOP 2026 CATCHING PROSPECTS

1. Brandon Thomsen, St. Viator (IL), 2026; Purdue commit
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-2, 199.5-pounds. Durable, compact frame with strength present throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, simple setup, short stride. Easy bat speed, strong hands, easy uphill swing that generates natural jump off the barrel, hitterish look, utilizes the whole field. 77.1 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration. During gameplay, he finished with two extra-base hits, three RBI, and a stolen base.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (97.6 avg.); 388-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 84 mph. Quick, clean 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry, accurate.
Defense: 1.78-1.94 pop time range; Flexible one-knee receiver, steady hands, natural feel for the position, clean and quick release, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 6.77 runner in the 60-yard dash; 27.90-inch max vertical jump. 

2. Braden Fournie, Belleville West (IL), 2026; Lindenwood University (MO)
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10.9, 177-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Wider base, no stride, quiet hands pre-pitch, fluid load, utilizes lower half. Simple, short to the ball, creates backspin, easy jump off the barrel, pull-side approach. 72.9 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration. Doubled in game two of the event.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (95.4 avg.); 369-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Quick, compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry, accurate.
Defense: 1.95-2.02 pop time range; Natural defender, one-knee receiver, strong receiver with quick transfers, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.07 runner in the 60-yard dash; 25.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 62.85 Edge Score.

3. Ryan Duncheon Jr., East Peoria (IL), 2026; Illinois State
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0.6, 179.2-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, slight pre-pitch rhythm, works back in-line with a short stride. Flatter path with length through the zone, generates natural loft on the ball at times, utilizes all fields, balanced, line-drives. 71.7 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (91.1 avg.); 353-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Quick, compact 3/4 arm action, accurate throws.
Defense: 1.87-2.03 pop time range; Steady hands, quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, natural actions, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.06 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 86.12 Edge Score.

4. Adam Swanson, Ottawa Township (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11, 190.7-pounds. Compact and athletic frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, works back to even with a short toe-tap stride. Loose, strong hands, uphill path, looks to keep the ball on a line, stays on-plane, middle/pull-side approach. 71.6 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (91.2 avg.); 378-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Clean 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry, accurate to the bag.
Defense: 1.84-1.94 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick out of the crouch, athletic actions, natural feel for the position, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 6.62 runner in the 60-yard dash; 29.40-inch max vertical jump. 

5. Andrew Satunas, Lockport (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-9.9, 186.3-pounds. Compact, well-proportioned frame with some strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Wide base, loads into back hip with a medium and controlled stride.  Longer and flat swing, strong hands, works uphill at times, shows intent to lift, middle/pull-side approach. 70.5 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (89.7 avg.); 336-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Quick, compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with some carry.
Defense: 2.00-2.10 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, replaces feet towards second, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.18 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.97 Edge Score.

6. Caleb Hornbrook, Normal University (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-11.2, 206.4-pounds. Strong build with some physicality present.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, quiet hands pre-pitch, short leg kick stride, aggressive lower half. Intentful swing, longer path with bat speed, generates jump off the barrel to all fields. 73.5 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (93.6 avg.); 335-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 81 mph. Compact, 3/4 slot, strong arm action, accurate throws with carry.
Defense: 1.88-2.03 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft hands, clean transfers, quick out of the crouch.
Athletic Testing: 7.01 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 76.65 Edge Score.

7. Nolan Kendall, Andrew (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Athletic, broad shouldered frame with some present strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Simple load, spread out base with a minimal stride.  Direct swing, works on top of the baseball, used the middle of the field with line-drives.  67.2 mph bat speed with 29g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 97 mph max exit velocity (88.7 avg.); 296-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with some carry.
Defense: 2.06-2.13 pop time range; Clean transfers, quick release, replaces feet to second, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.28 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 76.11 Edge Score.

8. Zolan Wyatt, Lane Tech (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-2, 192.2-pounds. Durable, long-levered frame with present strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm in hands, short toe-tap stride. Intentful swings, on the barrel with loud contact to the middle/pull-side, loose hands. 72 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 108 mph max exit velocity (96.3 avg.); 420-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Short, high 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry.
Defense: 1.95-2.19 pop time range; Steady hands, clean transfers, works in-line to second, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.27 runner in the 60-yard dash; 26.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 75.51 Edge Score.

9. Asher Cantu, O'Fallon (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-4.1, 208.3-pounds. Physical, long-levered frame with noticeable strength throughout.
Hit: LHH. Wide and balanced base, simple and short stride. Long levers with strength, flatter swing, can stay inside the baseball and drive it to the whole field with line-drives.  73.6 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (91.3 avg.); 401-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Longer at the back, loose 3/4 slot, accurate.
Defense: 2.03-2.38 pop time range; Soft hands, quick out of the crouch, clean transfers, steady blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.25 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 50.47 Edge Score.

10. Sam Webb, Providence Catholic (IL), 2026 Wisconsin-Parkside
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-1.3, 206.1-pounds. Physical frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, medium stride. slight pre-pitch rhythm in hands. Strong, controlled aggression in the swing, on the barrel pull-side with some lift and line-drives.  68.7 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (84.8 avg.); 343-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Compact, whippy, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.09-2.22 pop time range; Works down-to-up, athletic out of the crouch, clean transfers.
Athletic Testing: 7.55 runner in the 60-yard dash; 19.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 63.19 Edge Score.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Ryan Cisneroz, Notre Dame College Prep (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11.1, 187.4-pounds. Athletic, compact frame with broad shoulders present.
Hit: RHH. Wider base, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride. Hands work on top of the ball, pull-side approach, intent to keep the ball on a line. 66.7 mph bat speed with 6g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (87.2 avg.); 156-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Compact, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.13 pop time range; Steady hands, clean transfers, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.32 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 83.33 Edge Score.

Jacob DeVinney, Lane Tech (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11.9, 164.5-pounds. Athletic and wiry build.
Hit: RHH. Stock setup with pre-pitch rhythm in the hands, loads onto backside, short leg kick stride, utilizes lower half. Flat path, longer through the zone, line drive approach, utilizes the middle/pull-side. 69.4 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (89.4 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. 3/4 arm slot, whippy.
Defense: 2.06-2.25 pop time range; Works down-to-up, soft hands, clean transfers, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.63 runner in the 60-yard dash; 23.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.91 Edge Score.

Lucas Farabaugh, Ottawa Township (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: 3B/C
Body: 5-9.6, 165.6-pounds. Athletic build with some present strength in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, crouched setup, hangs foot into medium stride. Longer path, flat through the zone, gap-to-gap approach, loose hands, creates loft on the ball. 72 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (88 avg.); 359-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 77 mph. Low 3/4 slot, quick.
Defense: 2.03-2.40 pop time range; INF: Two hand gather, works down then up with the glove, smooth actions, clean double play turn. C: Steady glove, clean transfers, works in-line to second, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.23 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.59 Edge Score.

Tim Flanagan, St. Patrick (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0.3, 213.6-pounds. Strong, sturdy frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open base, short stride. Longer path, works uphill, line drive oriented, utilizes the middle part of the field. 68 mph bat speed with 18g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (87.9 avg.); 287-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Compact 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.09-2.19 pop time range; Quick out of the crouch, quiet hands, reliable actions.
Athletic Testing: 8.14 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 87.3 Edge Score.

Ryszard Gewont, Montini Catholic (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-2.5, 191.1-pounds. Projectable, sturdy frame with strength and athleticism throughout.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, medium base, short lift/place stride, utilizes lower half. Intentful with lifted contact, on the barrel to the middle/pull-side, strong hands. 73.8 mph bat speed with 21g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 103 mph max exit velocity (97 avg.); 396-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Loose 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.00-2.10 pop time range; Soft hands, quick transfers, quiet blocker.
Athletic Testing: 6.78 runner in the 60-yard dash; 28.80-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 72.55 Edge Score.

Jackson Griffith, Arcola (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 6-0, 240.3-pounds. Strong, sturdy build.
Hit: RHH. Upright setup, slight toe-tap stride, pre-pitch rhythm in the hands, utilizes lower half. Uphill path, intent to lift the ball, generates jump off the barrel at times, pull-side approach. 65.9 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 96 mph max exit velocity (90.3 avg.); 357-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Longer, full arm swing, 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.06-2.33 pop time range; Works down-to-up, soft blocker, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.83 runner in the 60-yard dash; 17.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.99 Edge Score.

Mario Medina, Mt. Carmel (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-8.9, 193.8-pounds. Compact, strong-bodied frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced base, short two tap stride. Loose, slightly uphill path, hands work on top of the ball, pull-side approach. 69.6 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 100 mph max exit velocity (93.7 avg.); 348-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Short 3/4 arm action.
Defense: 2.06-2.13 pop time range; Plays on his toes, clean transfers, steady hands, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.55 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 77.7 Edge Score.

Jacob Newman, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-0.4, 173.7-pounds. Trim, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Wider, slightly open base, short stride. Loose hands, uphill path, line-drives to the pull-side, on the barrel. 74.3 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 93 mph max exit velocity (75.5 avg.); 314-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: 2.03-2.12 pop time range; One-knee receiver, athletic action, quick out of the crouch, works in-line, steady blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.12 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.14 Edge Score.

Zach Ohlund, Wilmington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10.7, 236.1-pounds. Strong, sturdy build with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Upright, open setup, hitterish look in the box, quiet hands load, stride works back to even, utilizes lower half. Uphill path, strong hands, has jump off the barrel, intent to lift, pull-side approach. 71.6 mph bat speed with 12g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (89.8 avg.); 383-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short, 3/4 arm action, throws play with some carry, accurate.
Defense: 2.06-2.19 pop time range; One-knee receiver, active blocker, natural feel for the position, works in-line to second.
Athletic Testing: 7.49 runner in the 60-yard dash; 20.30-inch max vertical jump. 

Alexi Phillips, DePaul College Prep (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, open setup, pre-pitch rhythm in the hands, medium leg kick stride with coiled load, utilizes lower half. Longer path, works slightly uphill, hands work on top of the ball, pull-side approach. 71.2 mph bat speed with 19g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 95 mph max exit velocity (85.8 avg.); 327-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Loose, compact 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry, accurate.
Defense: 1.90-2.03 pop time range; One-knee receivers, athletic mover, soft hands, quick transfers, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.76 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 73.6 Edge Score.

Luka Stojakovic, Maine South (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-9.8, 185.9-pounds. Athletic, durable frame with strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, toe-taps back to even. Strong hands, hands work on top of the ball, longer path through the zone, flashes jump off the barrel, pull-side approach. 70.8 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (93.7 avg.); 341-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Compact, over-the-top arm action.
Defense: 1.94-2.03 pop time range; Steady hands, quick first step, athletic actions, quick transfer and release.
Athletic Testing: 7.03 runner in the 60-yard dash; 27.20-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 65.65 Edge Score.

Jacob Szpiganowicz, Conant (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-11.4, 185.6-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with present strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, works back to even, hangs foot into longer stride. Uphill path through the zone, bat speed, creates jump off the barrel, pull-side/middle approach, generates natural carry on the ball. 72.7 mph bat speed with 8g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 98 mph max exit velocity (94.9 avg.); 383-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. OF - 79 mph. Full arm action, 3/4 slot, clean, plays with life out of the hand.
Defense: 2.00-2.10 pop time range; OF: Steady actions and routes, some range, fluid mover. C: One-knee receiver, quick first step, quick release, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 22.40-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 80.02 Edge Score.

Pancho Vazquez, Mount Carmel (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: /SS
Body: 5-7.8, 171.3-pounds. Athletic, broad shouldered frame with some strength present.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, controlled load with a medium two tap stride.  Works on top of the baseball, length through the zone, whole field approach.  65.1 mph bat speed with 16g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (86.5 avg.); 310-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short 3/4 arm action, accurate throws on the bag.
Defense: 2.12-2.19 pop time range; Steady hands, quick first step, works in-line.
Athletic Testing: 7.38 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.90-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 51.01 Edge Score.

Trey Webster, Brother Rice (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-7.8, 197.5-pounds. Strong, durable frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, upright setup, short knee-knock stride, has pre-pitch rhythm throughout setup, linear lower half. Uphill path with some length through the zone, utilizes the middle of the field, intent to lift. 70.2 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (85.5 avg.); 346-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Compact, low 3/4 slot, throws carry.
Defense: 1.94-2.19 pop time range; Soft hands, directional out of crouch, clean transfers, reliable blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.08 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump. 

Anson Zaiser, Washington (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-9.1, 178.6-pounds. Compact, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, short and fluid stride.  Athletic swing, works on top of the ball, intentful swings, flashed whole field feel.  66.5 mph bat speed with 9g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (86.4 avg.); 315-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Compact, high 3/4 arm action, plays with some carry.
Defense: 2.00-2.18 pop time range; One-knee receiver, soft hands, works in-line to second, natural actions, active blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.21 runner in the 60-yard dash; 21.00-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 74.61 Edge Score.

Parker Zasada, Reavis (IL), 2026
Positional Profile: C/1B
Body: 5-10.4, 211.4-pounds. Strong, sturdy frame.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced setup, quiet pre-pitch actions, short lift/place stride. Strong hands, longer path through the zone, has jump off the barrel. 66.2 mph bat speed with 14g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (92.2 avg.); 284-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Compact, high 3/4 arm action, throws play with carry.
Defense: 1.95-2.09 pop time range; One-knee receiver, quick first step, athletic actions, soft blocker.
Athletic Testing: 7.18 runner in the 60-yard dash; 22.30-inch max vertical jump. 

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