Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2026 spring season. Team previews touch on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team Previews are generated through a mixture of coaches' responses gathered through our perennial coaches questionnaires, as well as insight from Prep Baseball Staff. Stay tuned the next several weeks for the unveiling of Team Previews and the complete Power 25.

Today, we spotlight the #19 ranked Willamette Wolverines. 

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High School: Willamette Wolverines   
Head Coach: Rob Cantwell
Division: 6A
League/Conference: Southwest
2025 Record (Finish): 14-13
2025 Playoff Finish: 6A state round of 32

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 7
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5
Key Players Lost: Andrew Evans, Tyson Rather

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Mason Christian, Jackson Doughty, Berkley Grandberry

Bullpen: Wyatt Wright, Brodie Butler, Zeke Thomas

Top Seniors: Jackson Doughty, Brodie Butler, Berkley Grandberry, Troy Hatton

Top Juniors: Mason Christian, Colin Robbins, Remington Ballenger, Wyatt Wright, Brady Berry

Underclassmen to watch: '28 Zeke Thomas, '28 Landon Cook

Areas to watch: Catching, replacing top of the lineup

Team Strengths: Pitching depth, strong junior/senior class

Overall Summary

Willamette enters 2026 with high hopes after an early departure in the 6A state tournament a season ago. The Wolverines are led by a pair of talented upperclassman at the top. Junior RHP/1B Mason Christian provides a high-end arm talent on the mound, running his fastball into the upper 80's with a plus breaking ball in a look last summer. The 6'3 righty is one of the most talented remaining uncommitted arms in Oregon's junior class. Senior RHP/INF Jackson Doughty also returns after supplying a bulk of the innings last spring. Doughty ran his fastball into the mid 80's for strikes at last fall's Prep Baseball West Coast Games, in addition to showcasing a sound approach at the plate and a corner INF profile. A notable storyline to watch will be the usage of sophomore RHP Zeke Thomas. The righty features an electric arsenal and is the second ranked prospect in Oregon's 2028 class, and his prowess as a quarterback has grown immensely in the last calendar year as well, potentially leading to more caution pitching this spring. Offensively, senior Brodie Butler returns after hitting in the middle of the order as a threat last spring. Colin Robbins returns to man the shortstop position, while players such as Remington Ballenger return to man the outfield. The Wolverines have intriguing matchups this spring, headlined by games against Grants Pass and North Medford. Look for Willamette to improve on last season and lean on their pitching to make a state playoff run.

Find more information on the 2026 Willamette program below:

+ Follow them on IG: @willamettehighbaseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 homepage

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