North Carolina Class of 2027: Rankings Update

Prep Baseball North Carolina releases its latest update to the Class of 2027 Rankings, expanding the board to the Top 300 players in the state. This update reflects a full cycle of evaluations gathered through fall Prep Baseball events, tournament coverage, scout days, and continued cross-checking of in-game performance and video.

Compared to the larger post-summer reshuffles seen in older classes, this update serves as an important foundation-setting checkpoint for the 2027 group. The class continues to mature physically and skill-wise, and the added depth on the board provides a clearer picture of both the high-end talent and the next wave of players pushing into national relevance.

This release introduces new names, highlights players who made significant jumps following standout fall performances, and further defines a Top 10 that already features a strong collection of committed, nationally experienced prospects.

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The Rankings Process

Prep Baseball rankings are built through a structured, evaluation-first process. Our scouting staff compiles in-person looks from events and games across the state, verifies player data, and cross-references those evaluations with video and historical performance.

Once players are graded, they are entered into a class-specific database. To reduce bias, identifying information is temporarily removed, allowing players to be sorted strictly by tool grades, performance indicators, and projection. Names are then reintroduced, and final adjustments are made to ensure accuracy, context, and balance across the board.

Positional rankings are layered in after the overall class is finalized. While they provide valuable context, they are not intended to lock players into a long-term defensive role—particularly as athletes continue to develop physically and athletically.

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Previewing the Top of the 2027 Class

The Top 10 of the Class of 2027 features a strong blend of pitching depth, middle-of-the-field defenders, and impact bats. Several players are already committed to Power Four programs and have gained experience against national-level competition.

North Carolina Class of 2027 — Top 10

1. Connor Salerno — LHP — Sun Valley — Mississippi State
2. Jacob Seamon — OF — Metrolina Christian — LSU
3. Kellen Rogers — SS — Wake Forest — NC State
4. Will Parrish — RHP — Charlotte Christian — NC State
5. Griffin McKain — LHP — Charlotte Catholic — Clemson
6. Luke Samples — RHP — CE Jordan — Wake Forest
7. John Hucko — OF — Charlotte Catholic — Auburn
8. Beckett Denton — RHP — Weddington — Appalachian State
9. Banks Woody — C — Pro5 Academy — UNC Wilmington
10. Cole Bowman — C — Wesleyan Christian Academy — Virginia Tech

Click Here to see the full top 300.

This group establishes the early identity of the class, with multiple arms showing advanced feel to pitch, catchers anchoring the board, and athletic defenders who project to remain at premium positions as the spring approaches.

At the top of the board, Connor Salerno remains firmly slotted at No. 1 in the NC 2027 rankings. The left-hander further solidified his standing with a standout performance at the 2025 Prep Baseball All-American Games, where he earned the event’s Most Valuable Pitcher award. Salerno drew the start for the 2027 squad and showed the ability to compete against the top hitters in the senior class, working with confidence and pace while registering three strikeouts and eight swings and misses during his inning of work—an outing that reinforced his status as one of the premier arms in the class.

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Plenty of Talent Still Available

While several high-profile prospects in the Class of 2027 are already committed, the updated rankings make one thing clear: there is still significant talent available across North Carolina.

At the time of this release, just 36 players in the NC 2027 class are committed. For context, each senior class in North Carolina typically sees 350+ players commit to play college baseball at all levels. That gap highlights how early this class remains in the recruiting cycle—and how much movement still lies ahead.

The current board is filled with uncommitted players who have already proven they belong on major recruiting radars, including athletes with national event experience, physical projection, and performance track records against elite competition.

Among them are three uncommitted prospects who represented Team North Carolina at the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games, gaining exposure in front of hundreds of college coaches and professional scouts.

Kameron Keenan — RHP — North Buncombe (2027)

Ranking: No. 13

Keenan brings a strong blend of physicality and present arm strength, showing the ability to work downhill with intent and maintain his stuff through outings. He showed well on the national stage at the Future Games, flashing swing-and-miss potential and continuing to trend upward with each look.

Caleb Lynn — OF — Cleveland HS (2027)

Ranking: No. 15

An athletic outfielder with quick-twitch actions and developing offensive impact, Lynn’s game plays best in live settings. He showed the ability to impact the baseball against quality arms while offering defensive versatility and athleticism that fits multiple roster needs at the next level.

Brandon Bush — OF — Hoggard HS (2027)

Ranking: No. 21

Bush offers a projectable frame with strength coming and an offensive profile that continues to trend upward. He showed poise and competitiveness against top-tier competition at the Future Games, pairing physical upside with tools that point to continued growth as he moves toward the spring.

As the preseason and spring seasons approach, the number of committed players in the Class of 2027 is expected to rise quickly. For college programs still building their boards, the updated NC rankings present a deep pool of uncommitted, evaluated, and nationally tested talent.

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Movers from the Fall

Fall performances at Prep Baseball events and tournament settings led to notable upward movement for several players in the Class of 2027. Each of the following prospects showed measurable gains in tools, physical development, or in-game impact, forcing re-evaluation and separation inside the updated rankings.

Brady Maxwell — C — Pro5 Academy (2027)

Moved to No. 28

Maxwell’s fall jump reflects his performance at the Top Prospect Games in October. An advanced defensive workout played at a high level in game play. There is arm strength, carry, and accuracy with an ability to settle arms with his receiving. Offensively, there is leverage in game play that has a chance to be special.

Jesse May — RHP — Riverside HS (2027)

Moved to No. 39

May took a clear step forward during the fall, showing improved arm strength and sharper pitch execution. The fastball played with more life, and his ability to sequence secondary offerings led to more uncomfortable at-bats against quality hitters. Outings at the Carolinas Fall Championships and the Top Prospect Games in October led to a rise in May’s overall player grade.

Tyler Wagner — RHP — Marvin Ridge HS (2027)

Moved to No. 65

Wagner’s rise was driven by better information. The Prep Baseball scouting staff had information on Wagner but his performance at the Top Prospect Games outpaced the reports on hand. A heavy fastball, paired with the strong arm, vaulted Wagner into the Top 100 in the class.

Each of these risers capitalized on fall opportunities, and with preseason events and the spring season ahead, there remains ample runway for continued movement within the Class of 2027 rankings.

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What’s Ahead for the 2027 Class

This rankings release is just the beginning of our deeper dive into the Class of 2027. In the coming weeks, Prep Baseball North Carolina will roll out:

• New Names in the Rankings
• Ranking Risers and Fall Standouts
• Top Uncommitted Players to Follow
• Positional Breakdowns by Role and Skill Set

As preseason events and the spring high school season approach, movement across the board is expected.

👉 View the full North Carolina Class of 2027 Rankings (Top 300):
https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/rankings/NC/North-Carolina-class-of-2027

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