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2026 Brandon Bulldogs Team Preview

February 9, 2026
Prep Baseball Mississippi Staff

The 2026 Mississippi high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Mississippi.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Pearl’s Trustmark Park, in the State Tournament finals at the end of May, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Mississippi. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Brandon Bulldogs
Head Coach: Daniel Best
MHSAA Classification: 7A
District Number: Region 3
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 24-14 (State Runner-Up)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • RHP Grady Smith (2027)
  • LHP Maddox Culpepper (2027)
  • RHP Tre McQueen (2027)
  • LHP Tyler Stephens (2027)
  • RHP Cooper Hooks (2026, Pearl River CC)

More Names to Know

2026s:

  • OF/RHP Hayes Carr (2026)

2027s:

  • 1B/OF Braden Stringer (2027)
  • INF/RHP Mitt Herrington (2027)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

  • RHP/OF Zack Maddox (2028)

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Brandon heads into the 2026 season with unfinished business after a 24–14 run that ended as state runner-up, and head coach Daniel Best brings back a battle-tested core that knows what a deep postseason push looks like.

The Bulldogs’ lineup is anchored by a talented infield group loaded with college commitments. Tre Adcox (2027, New Orleans) gives Brandon a steady presence at third base, while Tre McQueen (2027, Louisiana Tech) controls the middle of the field and brings added value as a two-way threat. Graydon Walker (2027, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) provides consistency and feel at second base, and Grady Smith (2027, Pearl River CC) impacts the game offensively from the outfield. Behind the plate, Kam Johnson (2027) adds stability and toughness to a lineup that can grind out at-bats.

On the mound, Brandon’s depth stands out once again. Smith returns as a reliable right-handed option, joined by left-handers Maddox Culpepper (2027) and Tyler Stephens (2027), giving the Bulldogs multiple looks throughout a series. McQueen’s arm strength plays up in relief or spot starts, while Cooper Hooks (2026, Pearl River CC) brings experience and poise to the staff.

Additional pieces like Hayes Carr (2026) and Braden Stringer (2027) add lineup flexibility and depth, while Mitt Herrington (2027) offers upside as another two-way contributor. Underclassman Zack Maddox (2028) is a name to track early, as his ability to impact games on the mound or in the outfield could earn him meaningful innings sooner rather than later.

With a seasoned core, strong pitching options, and the confidence that comes from a state title appearance, Brandon looks well-positioned to remain a major factor in 7A Region 3 and push back toward the final weekend if things break right.

Find more information on Brandon High School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @BrandonBulldog2
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our MHSAA Season Preview page

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