Q&A with SIU Edwardsville Commit Cole Ryherd
February 3, 2026
A member of Team Kansas at the Prep Baseball Future Games this past summer, INF Cole Ryherd (Blue Valley West) ranks as a top-20 infielder in the state’s junior class. Ryherd has continued to trend upward over the past year, breaking out with a standout spring season and carrying that momentum into the summer circuit. One of the top pure hitters in the class, he consistently puts together quality at-bats from the left side with high bat to ball skils and plays the game with an infectious energy and competitiveness. Earlier this fall, Ryherd committed to SIU Edwardsville to continue his playing career.
We recently had the chance to talk to Ryherd 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?
Cole: I was really excited for the process to finally see who was watching. I was looking for a place that felt like home and a place that had the best people I could find I want to be developed to play at the next level and continue to keep playing for as long as I can.
PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
C: I choose SIUE because of the coaches, they were awesome people. Coach Lyons, Coach Adamo, and Coach Paulsen were all amazing people that I could not turn down.
PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
C: Everyone's story is different dont worry about rankings and how many posts you get just keep working!
PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
C: It started when I was on my vacation and Coach Adamo gave me a call and came and watched me at Homefield.
PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?
C: The Future Games was huge. This showcase had me in front of every Division 1 school in the nation it was an awesome experience as well.
PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
C: Beau Peterson, he was the best hitter and pitcher I've faced. He will go and throw a no hitter then hit a bomb it was truly amazing.
PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
C: Nate Kindler, he is on the uprise.
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?
C: Probably when I was a 7th grader I realized I can really take this to the next level.
PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
C: This fall I won the biggest tournament of the fall and having the go ahead double.
PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
C: I think we are a contender we will fight for every win we will get. We have dudes all over the field and on the bump we have a great chance to do something special.