2026 Prep Baseball Nebraska Player of the Year Watchlist
March 8, 2026
Pascal Paul
State Director, Prep Baseball Nebraska
Prep Baseball Nebraska is committed to being the most comprehensive source of player information in the state. As the leading resource for high school baseball in every state we cover, we provide in-depth coverage through events, an on-the-ground scouting staff, daily content, and multimedia platforms. Our integrated approach makes us the most effective platform for high school baseball promotion at the state level.
Unlike organizations with a broad national focus, we prioritize in-depth, local coverage to be the authoritative voice for high school baseball in Nebraska.
As we gear up for the 2026 season, we will highlight five top candidates for Prep Baseball Nebraska’s Player of the Year.
2026 PLAYER OF THE YEAR WATCHLIST
(In alphabetical order)
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Markus Chandler 3B / RHP / Westside High School, NE / 2027
The dynamic INF/RHP from Omaha Westside continues to ascend as one of the state’s most talented underclassmen. At the recent Upper Midwest Procase, Chandler posted a 103.3 mph exit velocity and a 6.79 60-yard dash, underscoring his athleticism and impact potential. On the mound, his fastball sits in the upper 80s to low 90s, complemented by a four-pitch mix that includes a curveball, slider, and changeup. Ranked No. 3 in Nebraska’s 2027 class, the Kansas State commit has steadily developed into one of the top players in the state. With continued growth and production, Chandler has the tools to push anyone in the 2026 Player of the Year race.
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Cordell Clinkingbeard RHP / C / Papillion La Vista South, NE / 2026
The versatile defender and RHP from Papillion La Vista South continues to strengthen his case with steady production and premium tools. As a junior, he hit .247 with 22 hits, 18 RBIs, and 16 runs across 33 games, while flashing serious impact potential with a 106.1 mph exit velocity at an event. On the mound, he recently sat 91 to 93 mph at the Prep Baseball Upper Midwest Procase. Ranked No. 3 in Nebraska’s 2026 class, the Kansas State commit has the tools to make a major jump as a senior. If his offensive numbers climb to match his raw power and arm talent, he could surge into the POY conversation, especially with the Titans eyeing a state title run.
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Bubba Day RHP / OF / Omaha Skutt Catholic High School, NE / 2027
The electric RHP from Omaha Skutt Catholic is an intriguing underclassman in the 2026 POY race. Though a member of the 2027 class, Day dominated as a sophomore in 2025, going 7-0 with a 1.20 ERA while contributing offensively with a .250 average, 11 RBIs, and 12 runs scored. At the recent Upper Midwest Procase, he showcased a fastball ranging from 92.6 to 95.4 mph with a tight slider at 82 to 83 mph. Ranked No. 1 in Nebraska’s 2027 class and No. 48 nationally, the Florida State commit headlines with his arm talent, but his offensive upside adds another dimension. If he sustains his dominance on the mound and takes another step at the plate, he has the talent to become the second straight underclassman to win the award.
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Colin Driffill RHP / OF / Millard North, NE / 2026
The hard-throwing RHP from Millard North has positioned himself as a top contender for the 2026 Player of the Year after an explosive junior campaign. Driffill anchored the Mustangs’ staff and delivered big-game performances, including a dominant outing against Bellevue West. He is one of the hardest throwers to come through the state in recent years, touching 97 mph in game this fall while pairing it with a sharp breaking ball in the low 80s. The Kansas State commit continues to trend upward with improved velocity and refined secondary pitches. If he leads Millard North on a deep postseason run, Driffill has the profile to be the No. 1 challenger for the award.
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Brody Jindra SS / RHP / Elkhorn South, NE / 2026
The standout SS/RHP from Elkhorn South enters his senior season as the reigning 2025 Prep Baseball Nebraska Player of the Year and Gatorade honoree, with a legitimate chance to repeat in 2026. Jindra was dominant on both sides of the ball in 2025, slashing .419/.565/.731 with 17 extra-base hits, 19 RBIs, 36 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases while drawing more walks than strikeouts to showcase elite plate discipline. On the mound, he went 5-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 51 strikeouts over 47 innings. The Nebraska commit, ranked No. 1 in the state’s 2026 class and No. 175 nationally, backed it up on the showcase circuit with a 6.53 60-yard dash, 102.2 mph exit velocity, and 92 mph across the infield. With his blend of power, speed, and pitching ability, Jindra enters 2026 as the clear frontrunner.
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Other Names To Consider:
+ Cal Anthony, OF, Creighton Prep (Nebraska commit)
+ Braden Caito, 3B/RHP, Creighton Prep (Creighton commit)
+ Kalai Larsen, RHP/SS, Lincoln East (Nebraska-Omaha commit)
+ Charlie Ziola, OF, Creighton Prep (Nebraska commit)
2018: Dylan Phillips, OF/LHP, Creighton Prep
2019: Max Anderson, SS, Millard West
2021: Cade Barton, RHP, Skutt Catholic
2022: Jalen Worthley, LHP, Lincoln East
2023: Camden Kozeal, SS, Millard South
2024: Tyson Lewis, SS, Millard West
2025: Brody Jindra, SS/RHP, Elkhorn South
