Q&A with Missouri Commit Ryker Mahnke
January 8, 2026
OF Ryker Mahnke (Lawrence Free State) is one of the region’s most polished bats, showing impressive poise, quick hands, and a consistent knack for the barrel against all levels of arms, projecting as a top of the order table setter at the next level. Following an impressive spring in which he helped lead Free State to a 6A state championship, and a strong showing as a member of Team Kansas at this year’s Prep Baseball Future Games, Mahnke committed to the University of Missouri.
We recently had the chance to talk to Mahnke about his recruitment process, along with some other fun topics, below.
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?
Ryker: My expectations were honestly very low and I was just blessed that many schools reached out and had conversations with [me]. What I was looking for mainly was the coaches and the culture that could bring my game to the next level.
PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
R: What I like most about Missouri was the coaches. They were very welcoming but also very honest which really stood out to me and ultimately made me choose them. Other factors were the culture and the facilities.
PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
R: I would just say get in the weight room as soon as possible and push yourself everyday. I would also say listen to your coaches and learn as much as you can from them.
PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
R: Yes. I really felt like a big thing also was being somewhat close to home so my parents could always visit and wouldn’t be too much of a hassle for them.
PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
R: When recruiting opened for 27s I had a lot of high caliber schools reach out which was very exciting and a blessing. It really started to heat up during the summer when I was having a good year and Future Games also helped a lot for me.
PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
R: I think the biggest event was Future Games. That event is the biggest of the whole year and really helps all players get seen by coaches. During my recruiting process a lot of schools said they first saw me at Future Games.
PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
R: I really kept my mind open to all schools and really just tried to take my time and look at all the schools deeply but I think in my mind it was always gonna be Missouri.
PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
R: I think the hardest pitcher I had to face was Tucker Thompson. His arm angle combined with his velocity is just always a difficult matchup especially being a lefty.
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?
R: If I could steal any tool from a player from the state I think I would take anyone who has a lot of arm strength because I think that’s what I could work on.
PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
R: The next talented player at Free State to keep an eye out for is Ferris Dinkel. He’s gonna be a big part of this team this upcoming year.
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?
R: I think it’s always been my dream since I’ve started playing this game. I kinda started to realize it really could be a possibility when I joined the Royals Scout Team. They do such a great job of getting athletes to the next level I just knew it was a matter of time.
PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
R: I think the most memorable moment for me is winning state last year. That team was special and it was a special way to go out with that team.
PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
R: I think this year will be a lot different than last year but the goal will be the same. Gonna have a lot of different players but we also kept a lot of important pieces and players. Gonna be a fun year regardless.