A year ago, 25 names kicked off the summer as helium hopefuls in the ‘25 class. Etched into that group were a plethora of what would become Day 1 prospects as well as numerous future Prep Baseball All-Americans. Now, with the release of the updated 2026 Overall Rankings, the spotlight shifts once more.

With the long summer stretch set to unfold, Prep Baseball's Vice President of Scouting, Shooter Hunt, turns his gaze toward the next wave of risers. Each year, the circuit separates projection from production, potential from polish. It is here, in front of a loaded gallery of MLB decision-makers, that raw tools are tested under the spotlight, and intangibles begin to shine through. Last year’s climbers didn’t just flash—they performed when it mattered, turning whispers into buzz and buzz into helium.

Below, a look at 25 prospects in the 2026 class who have a chance to go from Almost Famous to centerstage with a strong summer:


+ 2023 Almost Famous Article
+ 2024 Almost Famous Article

+ #13 SS/CF Jack Dugan (Lipscomb Academy, TN)
Not likely to be a “secret” for long as he enjoyed one of the biggest rises in the class for this update, Dugan’s left-handed stick presents a true hit/power profile with exciting athleticism. A 6.65-runner at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, the ball screams off his barrel as he builds strength from the ground up in an almost Bazzana-esq form. Should the defensive performance at shortstop match the bat profile, Dugan has a path to the #1 spot in the class, but also would look the part of an elite athlete in center field.

‘26 SS Jack Dugan (@JackDugan2026;@LAMustangBB)

The @Vol_Baseball recruit has one of the smoothest left-handed swings you will see at this level. Goes no doubt off the bat deep over the RCF wall in the winners bracket of the DII-2A state tournament

13th HR of the season… pic.twitter.com/7kHKKUwH1p

— Prep Baseball Tennessee (@PrepBaseballTN) May 22, 2025