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2026 Petal Panthers Team Preview

February 8, 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: Petal High School
Head Coach: Conner Douglas
MHSAA Classification: 7A
District Number: 3
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 20-11 (Second Round Playoffs) 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:


+ Top Returning Pitchers:

  • RHP Jackson Collins (2026, Jones College)
  • LHP Cooper Giger (2027, Ole Miss)
  • LHP Bryce Wren (2027, Pearl River CC)

More Names to Know

2026s:

  • LHP/OF Cooper Smith (2026, Holmes CC)
  • UTL Jordan Freeman (2026)
  • UTL Nathan Garner (2026)

TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

2026 OUTLOOK

+ Petal enters the 2026 season coming off a strong 20–11 campaign and a second-round playoff appearance, with head coach Conner Douglas returning a roster that’s heavy on experience and athleticism, especially across the infield and on the mound.

The Jaguars’ lineup is led by a talented and versatile group of upperclassmen. Fischer Howell (2027, Mississippi State) is a cornerstone piece who impacts the game in multiple ways, while Easton Giger (2026, Pearl River CC) gives Petal a steady presence at shortstop with added value as a two-way threat. John Lindsey III (2026, UAB) provides physicality and flexibility between the infield and behind the plate. In the outfield, Trey Barnes (2026, Southern Miss) a transfer from Taylorsville and immediately adds speed and polish, and Dawson Dykes (2026, Jones College Soccer) brings athleticism and left-handed balance to the lineup.

Pitching depth is once again a strength. Jackson Collins (2026, Jones College) returns as a reliable right-handed option, while the left-handed trio of Cooper Giger (2027, Ole Miss), Bryce Wren (2027, Pearl River CC), and Cooper Smith (2026, Holmes CC) gives Petal multiple looks and matchup advantages throughout a series. That mix of velocity, command, and feel should allow the Jaguars to manage innings effectively in district play.

Beyond the headliners, Jordan Freeman and Nathan Garner add utility value and lineup flexibility, while underclassmen Jaylen Lee (2028) and Austin Collins (2028) represent the next wave of talent pushing for early roles.

With proven arms, college-committed position players, and added depth from transfers and underclassmen, Petal has the pieces to be a consistent presence in 7A District 3. How quickly everything clicks could determine just how deep this group can go once the postseason arrives.

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

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

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