Prep Baseball Report

NC 2028 Rankings: The Race for Future Games Spots Begins


Brandon Hall
NC / Mid-ATL Director of Scouting

North Carolina Class of 2028: Summer Rankings Update

The latest update to the North Carolina Class of 2028 Rankings arrives as one of the most important stretches in the recruiting process begins. With the summer travel season underway and communication with college coaches set to open on August 1, players across the state are entering a pivotal stage in their development and exposure.

North Carolina's 2028 class continues to show impressive depth, expanding to the Top 200 players in the state. While the class features significant star power at the top, the overall depth may be what ultimately separates this group. Throughout the spring season, Prep Baseball scouts logged hundreds of in-game evaluations while continuing to gather data from showcases, tournaments, and player workouts. Those evaluations, combined with updated player grades, form the foundation of this rankings update.

As the recruiting calendar accelerates, attention now shifts toward one of the most prestigious events in amateur baseball—the Prep Baseball Future Games. Scheduled for July 22-25 at LakePoint Sports in Emerson, Georgia, the Future Games annually brings together the top uncommitted players from across the country. The 2025 event drew more than 450 college coaches, creating one of the most heavily attended recruiting environments in the nation.

Team North Carolina's roster will be selected from players evaluated at Prep Baseball events throughout 2026. Competition for roster spots will be fierce, as the state's top players battle for the opportunity to represent North Carolina on a national stage. For players still looking to earn consideration for the Future Games or the Tobacco Road State Games, the upcoming Summer ID schedule provides a critical opportunity to be evaluated.

Looking Ahead

This rankings release is accompanied by several feature stories that provide a deeper look into the class:

New Names in the Rankings

Several prospects enter the rankings for the first time after strong spring and early-summer performances. Featured players include:

Risers Report

A number of players improved their overall player grade and climbed the rankings through strong performances and continued physical development. Featured risers include:

Top 10 Preview

The top of the rankings remains highly competitive and features a stable top three:

  1. Ethan Stewart, OF, DH Conley
  2. Trendyn Motley, OF, Cox Mill
  3. Levi Kerr, SS, Marvin Ridge
  4. Derek Vazquez, SS, Charlotte Christian
  5. Sean Rodesiler, LHP, Davidson Day
  6. Jesse Covington, SS, Wesleyan Christian Academy
  7. Chase White, C, South Central
  8. Gavin Whitley, RHP, DH Conley
  9. Hudson Simmons, OF, Charlotte Christian
  10. Graham Virag, SS, Cardinal Gibbons

Stewart, Motley, and Kerr continue to hold their spots atop the rankings, while several players behind them continue to close the gap. Vazquez headlines another talented Charlotte Christian roster and saw significant development throughout the year, helping lead the Knights to a state championship. Virag enjoyed one of the biggest jumps among the state's top prospects, adding strength and athleticism during the offseason before backing up his preseason workout numbers with a strong spring campaign in Cardinal Gibbons' lineup.

Resources

Full 2028 Rankings:
https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/rankings/NC/north-carolina-class-of-2028

Summer ID Events (Future Games & Tobacco Road State Games Consideration):
https://www.prepbaseballreport.com/north-carolina/showcases

The summer season will provide another critical evaluation window for North Carolina's 2028 class. With roster spots, recruiting attention, and national opportunities on the line, expect movement throughout the rankings as the state's top prospects continue to develop.


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