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2026 Prep Baseball Future Games: Team Mississippi Quick Hits

July 29, 2026
Matt Miller
State Director

EMERSON, GA - The 2026 Prep Baseball Future Games took place July 22-25 at the LakePoint Sports Complex, drawing 495 college coaches from across the country to evaluate the nation’s top uncommitted talent in the 2028 class.

Team Mississippi made the most of the spotlight, turning heads with a strong showing during both the workout session and three days of competitive gameplay.

Today, we are going to look at scout notes and video from the players who represented Mississippi at the event.

 

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TEAM MISSISSIPPI: QUICK HITS 📒

+ CATCHERS

C/RHP Jed Rodden, (2028) a 5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher from Jackson Academy, turned in an outstanding performance at the Future Games and continues to establish himself as one of the top all-around players in Mississippi. Offensively, Rodden showcased impressive strength and bat speed, producing exit velocities up to 101 mph while utilizing a level bat path and a line-drive approach that consistently worked the middle of the field. His athleticism was equally impressive, posting a 6.80-second 60-yard dash and showing excellent hustle and acceleration out of the batter's box. Behind the plate, Rodden displayed advanced defensive ability, recording pop times as low as 1.87 seconds, highlighting his quick feet, clean transfers, and ability to control the running game while providing outstanding leadership on the field. He also offers legitimate value on the mound, running his fastball up to 84 mph while showing solid command of a breaking ball with sharp action away from right-handed hitters. With his combination of offensive production, athleticism, elite defensive tools behind the plate, leadership, and two-way ability, Rodden is a prospect who continues to draw attention and should remain firmly on the radar of college recruiters.

C Ethan Killough, (2028) the 6-foot-2, 205-pound catcher from Kossuth High School, reinforced why he is regarded as the No. 1 ranked prospect in Mississippi's 2028 class with another outstanding performance at this year's Future Games. The left-handed hitter was a dominant offensive presence, producing exit velocities up to 104 mph while showcasing elite bat speed and strength. His pull-side approach and line-drive swing path consistently generated loud contact, and as he continues to mature physically, his profile projects for even more home run power. Killough also displayed impressive athleticism for his size, posting a 6.88-second 60-yard dash. Behind the plate, he continued to separate himself defensively with throws up to 78 mph and pop times as low as 1.87 seconds, demonstrating advanced receiving skills, quick transfers, and the arm strength to consistently shut down the running game. Combining premium offensive impact, athleticism, and high-level defensive ability, Killough has firmly cemented himself as a Division I prospect and remains one of the premier players in the country for the 2028 class.

+ INFIELDERS

INF Jaxon Herod, (2028) the 6-foot-1, 185-pound infielder from West Union High School, continues to establish himself as one of the top uncommitted infield prospects in the state. While he has the versatility to play multiple spots on the infield, his future appears brightest on the left side, where his outstanding arm strength was on full display with throws up to 93 mph across the diamond. Herod also showed above-average athleticism, posting a 6.76-second 60-yard dash, giving him the range and quickness to make plays all over the field. Offensively, the left-handed hitter has a quiet, composed demeanor in the batter's box, but he's clearly looking to do damage with every swing. He produced exit velocities up to 97 mph while utilizing a middle-to-pull side approach with the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it the opposite way when needed. His combination of athleticism, defensive tools, arm strength, advanced offensive ability, and confident presence at the plate gives him tremendous upside, making Herod a must-see prospect for all college recruiters.

INF Jackson Carlisle, (2028) the 5-foot-11, 165-pound infielder from Pisgah High School, is the perfect example of the gritty, scrappy style that defined so many of Team Mississippi's players at this year's Future Games. An instinctive competitor, Carlisle plays the game with relentless effort, posting a 6.73-second 60-yard dash and exploding out of the batter's box with the mindset of turning every ball in play into an extra-base hit. At the plate, he produced exit velocities up to 97 mph while showing the ability to spray line drives to all fields, making him a difficult hitter to defend. Defensively, Carlisle pairs a dependable glove with outstanding range, using his athleticism to make plays across the infield, and he backed it up with throws up to 85 mph across the diamond. His toughness, versatility, and high-energy style of play make him the type of player every coach wants in the lineup, and his all-around skill set should continue to draw the attention of all college recruiters.

INF Braylon Edwards, (2028) the 5-foot-10, 185-pound infielder from Madison Central High School, made a statement at this year's Future Games with an outstanding performance in both the showcase workout and game action. Edwards has a unique ability to make the game appear to slow down around him, consistently playing under control while impacting every facet of the game. He showcased premium athleticism with a blazing 6.63-second 60-yard dash and continued to prove why he is regarded as one of the more polished switch hitters in the country. His swings from both sides of the plate are remarkably similar, allowing him to consistently drive the baseball from gap to gap while producing exit velocities up to 98 mph. Defensively, Edwards displayed the arm strength and actions to remain on the left side of the infield, recording throws up to 89 mph across the diamond. With his advanced feel for the game, athleticism, switch-hitting ability, defensive versatility, and mature overall skill set, Edwards is a highly polished prospect with tremendous upside and a player college recruiters should make a priority.

INF Kipptyn Briggs, (2028) the 5-foot-11, 175-pound infielder from Kossuth High School, continues to prove why he is one of the premier infield prospects in Mississippi. Briggs possesses elite bat-to-ball skills, consistently finding the barrel and driving line drives to all fields with a level, repeatable swing path. He showcases impressive pop as well, producing exit velocities up to 100 mph while maintaining a mature approach at the plate. Briggs also displayed above-average athleticism, posting a 6.81-second 60-yard dash, which translates to outstanding range defensively. His instincts, reliable glove, and versatility allow him to play all three infield positions at a high level, making him a valuable asset anywhere on the dirt. A true gamer who consistently performs when the lights are on, Briggs has the complete skill set and competitive makeup that college coaches covet and is a player every program will want on its campus.

INF/RHP Grayson Rymer, (2028) the 5-foot-10, 155-pound infielder from Tri-County Academy, is an exciting two-way prospect whose energy and versatility stand out every time he takes the field. A true spark plug, Rymer posted an impressive 6.72-second 60-yard dash and plays with relentless hustle, exploding out of the batter's box while constantly looking to stretch hits into extra bases. At the plate, the right-handed hitter produced exit velocities up to 95 mph, consistently spraying the baseball to all fields with a mature, line-drive approach. Defensively, his athleticism and instincts translate into outstanding range on the infield, and his strong arm was on display with throws up to 88 mph across the diamond. Rymer is equally impressive on the mound, where he ran his fastball up to 89 mph while pairing it with a quality changeup at 78-79 mph that features excellent arm speed and killed spin. He rounds out his arsenal with both a curveball and slider, showing the ability to command all four pitches and attack hitters in multiple ways. With his athleticism, competitiveness, defensive versatility, and legitimate two-way ability, Rymer is an exciting prospect who has all the tools to find a home at the next level in the near future.

1B/RHP Pryce Pinkins, (2028) the 6-foot-4, 225-pound first baseman and right-handed pitcher from Oxford High School, is an imposing presence with the physicality and tools to develop into a high-impact two-way prospect. Defensively, Pinkins is a reliable first baseman who moves well for his size, posting a 6.97-second 60-yard dash while showing the athleticism to handle the position and recording throws up to 89 mph across the diamond. At the plate, he possesses legitimate right-handed power, producing exit velocities up to 103 mph with a middle-to-pull side approach and an aggressive mindset geared toward driving the baseball with authority. His strength and bat speed give him the ability to punish mistakes and project for significant power as he continues to mature. Pinkins is equally intriguing on the mound, where he worked 89-90 mph throughout the Future Games and demonstrated advanced feel for his breaking ball, consistently landing it just off the plate to right-handed hitters and generating multiple swing-and-miss results. His combination of size, athleticism, present velocity, and offensive impact gives him outstanding two-way potential, making him a prospect with a very high ceiling and one that college recruiters should begin communicating with immediately.

1B/C Drew Stanton, (2028) the 5-foot-11, 235-pound first baseman and catcher from Myrtle High School, was one of the most productive offensive performers form Team Mississippi at the Future Games, finishing 4-for-8 with five RBIs, highlighted by a clutch two-run double. The left-handed hitter possesses legitimate middle-of-the-order power, generating exit velocities up to 103 mph with an aggressive pull-side approach, while also showing the ability to stay through the baseball and spray hard contact to all fields when needed. Stanton moves well for his size, posting a 7.00-second 60-yard dash, and brings value defensively at multiple positions. Behind the plate, he recorded throws up to 77 mph with pop times around the 2.00-second mark, demonstrating solid receiving skills and dependable actions. At first base, Stanton is a steady defender with good hands and excellent feel around the bag, consistently handling errant throws and turning potential errors into outs with his ability to pick the baseball. With his combination of offensive production, left-handed power, defensive versatility, and physical strength, Stanton has the tools to make an impact at the next level and is a prospect college coaches should continue to monitor closely.

+ OUTFIELDERS

OF Case Simmons, (2028) the 6-foot-3, 185-pound outfielder from Brookhaven Academy, continues to elevate his game every time he steps on the field, showcasing a combination of present production and elite long-term tools. An outstanding athlete, Simmons posted a 6.87-second 60-yard dash while displaying excellent instincts in the outfield, pairing quick first-step reactions with the ability to cover significant ground in the gaps. Offensively, he continues to make major strides, consistently finding the barrel with a mature approach that allows him to drive the baseball from the middle of the field to the pull side while also showing the ability to stay on pitches and drive the ball with authority to the opposite field when needed. He produced exit velocities up to 103 mph, demonstrating the strength and bat speed to impact the baseball to every part of the field. As his approach and physical strength continue to develop, his offensive ceiling remains extremely high. With his projectable frame, athleticism, defensive ability, and impact bat, Simmons' best baseball is likely still ahead of him once he reaches the college level. He is a must-see prospect and a player every college coach should prioritize evaluating.

OF/LHP Bowen Vaughn, (2028) the 6-foot-1, 175-pound outfielder and left-handed pitcher from Oxford High School, showcased why he is one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in Mississippi with an impressive all-around performance. Offensively, the left-handed hitter displays a smooth, level bat path and consistently sprays the baseball to all fields, producing exit velocities up to 94 mph while showing a mature approach at the plate. His athleticism was evident with a 6.99-second 60-yard dash, and it translates well defensively, where he covers plenty of ground in the outfield with solid instincts and recorded throws up to 88 mph. On the mound, Vaughn features a polished three-pitch arsenal highlighted by a fastball that reaches 87 mph, a deceptive changeup at 74-76 mph, and a breaking ball at 68-71 mph with quality tumbling action that consistently generates swing-and-miss. His ability to repeat his delivery, throw strikes, and mix pitches effectively makes him a difficult matchup for hitters. With his athleticism, projectable frame, and legitimate impact on both sides of the ball, Vaughn possesses exciting two-way potential and is a prospect college recruiters should continue to follow closely.

OF Axton Westmoreland, (2028) the No. 2-ranked player in Mississippi's class, continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the country. The 6-foot, 175-pound outfielder from Hernando High School put together an outstanding performance at the Future Games, showcasing one of the most polished left-handed swings in the event. Westmoreland features a smooth, level bat path with exceptional rhythm and timing, consistently delivering mature, repeatable swings that allow him to drive the baseball with authority to all fields. His offensive ability was on full display as he produced exit velocities up to 101.3 mph while hunting pitches he could punish and consistently barreling baseballs. He also showed solid athleticism with a 7.00-second 60-yard dash and demonstrated a strong, accurate arm from the outfield, recording throws up to 88 mph while displaying quality instincts defensively. With an advanced offensive approach, projectable athleticism, and a well-rounded skill set, Westmoreland possesses tremendous upside at the next level and should see his recruitment accelerate following his impressive showing at the Future Games.

OF/LHP JB Boykin, (2028) the 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder and left-handed pitcher from Amory High School, is one of the more athletic and intriguing two-way prospects in Mississippi. The left-handed hitter generates tremendous leverage with his long, athletic frame, producing exit velocities up to 99 mph while showing an aggressive pull-side approach and the ability to impact the baseball with authority. His athleticism also shows up on the bases, where he runs well and uses his speed to pressure defenses and beat out routine ground balls. Defensively, Boykin covers plenty of ground in the outfield with smooth actions and recorded throws up to 87 mph, giving him the tools to be a dependable defender. On the mound, he continues to show legitimate upside as a left-handed arm, running his fastball up to 87 mph while demonstrating a quality feel for a complete secondary arsenal that includes a changeup, curveball, and slider. Each secondary pitch shows solid shape and helps keep hitters off balance, making it difficult to square up the baseball. With his rare combination of size, athleticism, projectability, and impact ability on both sides of the ball, Boykin has the tools to develop into a high-level two-way player and is a prospect college recruiters should continue to follow closely.

OF Parker Hawkins, (2028) the 6-foot-2, 180-pound outfielder from Sumrall High School, is the type of player every coach wants leading the charge. A switch hitter with a relentless motor and genuine passion for the game, Hawkins brings a gritty, blue-collar mentality every time he steps on the field. He is an outstanding athlete, posting a blazing 6.64-second 60-yard dash, and pairs that speed with an aggressive style of play that impacts the game in multiple ways. At the plate, Hawkins generates exit velocities up to 103 mph while showing advanced bat speed from both sides of the plate, consistently driving the baseball into the gaps with authority. His ability to produce quality swings as a switch hitter makes him a difficult matchup and gives him offensive value against any pitching matchup. Hawkins' competitive edge, athleticism, and high-energy approach define him as a true "dirtbag" player, someone who loves the game, plays it the right way, and elevates the players around him. With his physical tools, offensive upside, and winning mentality, Hawkins has all the ingredients to make an impact at the next level and is a player college coaches will want on their roster.

+ PITCHERS

RHP Lanston Kent, (2028) the 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher from Saltillo High School, continues to establish himself as one of the more intriguing arms in Mississippi thanks to his combination of arm speed, pitchability, and projectable upside. Kent can run his fastball up to 89 mph while working comfortably in the 86-88 mph range, showing the ability to locate the pitch and attack hitters with confidence. His changeup, thrown at 76-78 mph, features quality fading action and serves as an effective weapon against opposite-handed hitters. He complements the fastball and changeup with a curveball at 68-74 mph that shows solid shape and consistently induces weak contact while flashing swing-and-miss potential. Kent's loose, whippy arm action allows the baseball to come out easily, and his advanced feel for sequencing and commanding all three pitches makes him a polished competitor on the mound. With his clean delivery, athleticism, and strong pitchability, Kent possesses significant upside and is an arm college recruiters should continue to follow closely.

RHP Cooper McCoy, (2028) the 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher from Sumrall High School, showed why he is an arm with plenty of projection during his outing at the Future Games. Working a couple of efficient innings, McCoy ran his fastball up to 84 mph while showing a loose, repeatable delivery that suggests there is considerably more velocity ahead as he continues to mature physically. His best secondary offering is a deceptive 75 mph changeup that kills spin at approximately 1,400 RPM, creating outstanding separation from his fastball and consistently forcing hitters into weak contact. He also demonstrated a solid feel for his curveball at 71-73 mph, showing the ability to land it for strikes and use it effectively to change eye levels. McCoy understands how to pitch, attacks hitters with confidence, and consistently keeps opponents off balance by mixing his arsenal and generating soft contact. With his projectable frame, feel for three pitches, and advanced pitchability, McCoy is a young arm with significant upside and one that college recruiters should continue to monitor closely.

RHP Parker Israel, (2028) the 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher from Hernando High School, turned in one of the more impressive pitching performances at the Future Games, showcasing the continued development that has made him one of Mississippi's fastest-rising arms. Working two scoreless innings, Israel attacked hitters with a fastball that reached 91.4 mph while consistently sitting in the 89-91 mph range, showing the ability to command the pitch and work ahead in counts. His changeup proved to be an outstanding secondary offering, featuring excellent fading action, fastball arm speed, and a low 1,697 RPM spin rate that consistently disrupted hitters' timing and generated weak contact. He complemented the fastball and changeup with a sharp curveball at 79-82 mph, displaying solid shape and the ability to finish hitters when ahead in the count. Israel has made tremendous strides over the past two years, adding velocity, sharpening his secondary arsenal, and improving his overall command and presence on the mound. With his physical frame, power stuff, and continued upward trajectory, he has developed into a must-see prospect and should be a priority evaluation for college recruiters.

RHP Rob Upchurch, (2028) the 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-handed pitcher from Oxford High School, possesses the size, strength, and projection that immediately grab the attention of college recruiters. Using his imposing frame to create downhill angle, Upchurch works his fastball into the upper 80s with late life and arm-side run, making it difficult for hitters to square up consistently. He complements the fastball with a quality changeup at 79-80 mph that mirrors his fastball arm speed and serves as an effective off-speed weapon. His slider, thrown at 76-77 mph, shows solid shape and feel, particularly when located away from right-handed hitters, where it consistently induces weak contact and swing-and-miss. Upchurch has the physical tools and developing arsenal to continue making significant strides on the mound, and his athleticism also gives him legitimate two-way potential, although he was limited to pitching duties during the Future Games. With his projectable frame, quality three-pitch mix, and considerable upside, Upchurch is a prospect that college coaches should make a priority to evaluate in person.

RHP Noah Scott, (2028) the wiry 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed pitcher from Amory High School, continues to show the type of arm speed and projection that make him an exciting prospect for the future. Featuring a loose, effortless arm action, Scott runs his fastball up to 88 mph with late life, and his clean delivery suggests there is still plenty of velocity to come as he continues to add strength and mature physically. His changeup at 77-78 mph is already a quality secondary offering, closely mirroring his fastball arm speed while producing effective deception and keeping hitters off balance. Scott also features an impressive curveball at 71-75 mph with spin rates reaching 2,500 RPM, giving the pitch sharp shape and the ability to generate both swing-and-miss and weak contact. His combination of projectable size, loose arm, quality secondary pitches, and advanced feel for pitching points to significant growth over the next two years. With his upside and continued development, Scott is a high-ceiling arm that college recruiters should keep a close eye on.

RHP Mason Little, (2028) a 6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher from Gulfport High School, showcased one of the more electric arms in the 2028 class with an outstanding performance at the Future Games. Little attacked hitters with an explosive fastball that reached 92 mph, showing the ability to work effectively at both the top and bottom of the strike zone while consistently generating swing-and-miss. He paired the fastball with a quality changeup at 83-85 mph that maintained excellent arm speed and provided an ideal velocity separation, making it an effective weapon against hitters from both sides of the plate. His curveball, thrown at 78-82 mph, featured quality shape and depth, giving him another reliable swing-and-miss offering to complement his power fastball. With a strong, athletic frame, advanced three-pitch mix, and the ability to overpower hitters, Little has established himself as one of the premier arms in Mississippi's 2028 class and is a prospect who should draw significant attention from college recruiters throughout the upcoming recruiting period.

RHP Nelson Irving, (2028) is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed pitcher from Germantown High School, continued to showcase his versatility and competitiveness at the Future Games. Although he is capable of playing multiple positions and projects well as a middle infielder, Irving was utilized exclusively on the mound, where he displayed an advanced feel for pitching. He worked his fastball up to 86 mph while consistently sitting in the 84-86 mph range, attacking the strike zone with confidence and showing the ability to command the pitch. His changeup at 77-78 mph featured quality fading action and maintained excellent arm speed, making it an effective off-speed weapon against hitters. He rounded out his arsenal with a curveball at 73-75 mph that displayed solid shape and gave him another dependable option to keep hitters off balance. Irving's athleticism, pitchability, and competitive nature stand out every time he takes the field, and his ability to contribute both on the mound and in the middle infield makes him an intriguing two-way prospect with plenty of upside. College recruiters should continue to monitor his development closely as he progresses.

RHP Austin Collins, (2028) is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher from Petal High School, emerged as one of the biggest bright spots of the summer, earning a well-deserved invitation to the Future Games with his continued development on the mound. Collins showcased a projectable power arm, running his fastball up to 89 mph with quality arm-side life and late run that consistently made it difficult for hitters to square up. His changeup at 81-82 mph is an advanced secondary offering, featuring excellent arm speed and an exceptionally low spin rate of approximately 1,600 RPM, allowing the pitch to die late and create plenty of deception. He also features two distinct breaking balls—a curveball and a slider—each with its own shape and movement profile, giving him multiple swing-and-miss options and the ability to attack hitters in different ways. With his physical 6-foot-3 frame, developing four-pitch arsenal, and considerable upside still ahead, Collins has all the ingredients to continue making significant strides. College programs would be wise to establish relationships with him early, as he projects to be an arm whose recruitment will continue to gain momentum.

RHP Manny Huffman, (2028) the 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher from Ocean Springs High School, showed why he is one of the more projectable arms in Mississippi. With plenty of physical maturity still ahead of him, Huffman already possesses an a fastball that reaches 87.1 mph, and his arm action and current size suggests additional velocity is on the horizon. At the Future Games, he relied primarily on a fastball/curveball combination, showing advanced confidence in both offerings. His curveball, thrown at 75-78 mph, featured quality shape with excellent feel and command, allowing him to consistently land it for strikes and keep hitters off balance. Huffman attacks the zone with confidence, competes well, and continues to make steady progress each time he takes the mound. With his projectable 6-foot-4 frame, developing arsenal, and significant upside, he is expected to be a key piece of what projects to be an outstanding Ocean Springs pitching staff this spring. His continued development should generate plenty of attention from college recruiters throughout the fall and beyond.

UPCOMING 2026 SUMMER EVENTS ⤵️

SHOWCASE DATE LOCATION
Jackson Summer ID 08/08 Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS
Jackson Rising Stars ID 08/08 Jackson Prep - Flowood, MS
South Mississippi Fall ID 09/05 Pearl River CC - Poplarville, MS
South Mississippi Freshman Free 09/05 Pearl River CC - Poplarville, MS
North Mississippi Fall ID 09/12 The Farm - Oxford, MS
North Mississippi Freshman Free 09/12 The Farm - Oxford, MS
Top Prospect Underclass Showcase 11/08 Mississippi State University - Starkville, MS

 

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