2026 Overall Rankings Update: Summer Statements
August 28, 2025
As the 2026 class enters its final year of high school, Prep Baseball’s boots-on-the-ground staff has now compiled three full years of scouting this group, providing a unique and comprehensive look at their development from early projection to present-day production. This latest update to the ‘26 overall rankings reflects that long-term evaluation, spotlighting a class that has steadily matured while continuing to raise the bar. With more data, more live looks, and another full summer circuit in the books, the picture is getting more clear: the 2026 class is loaded with dynamic athletes, high-end arms, and impact bats who are beginning to separate themselves as future game-changers.
After three years, the final stretch is here for this group. With that, below are some news and notes coming out of the summer that led to an update to the 2026 Overall Rankings.
***CLICK FOR TOP-500***
SOUTHPAW HAVEN
The fact that three left-handed arms are featured in the top-10 should have scouting departments salivating. The trio of No. 3-ranked Gio Rojas (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL; Miami commit), No. 4 Carson Bolemon (Southside Christian HS, SC; Wake Forest), and No. 7 Logan Schmidt (Ganesha HS, CA; uncommitted) is nearly interchangeable and each holds significant potential for a top-five selection in July – and Canadian Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam HS, BC; Vanderbilt) is yet another lefty nestled into the top-25 as well.
After a dominant spring in South Florida, Rojas routinely poured in strikes throughout the summer with his fastball climbing as high as 98 mph and sitting 94-95 from an athletic, low ¾ slot. He routinely looked to showcase a near-average changeup, but it was the sweeping slider spinning at nearly 2,800 rpm that is likely to drive the biggest impact in the spring. That pitch in particular could make a significant jump over the next 10-plus months. Like Seth Hernandez a year ago, Rojas would hold significant collegiate two-way impact, and his dynamic athleticism and twitch was on display at all times with a powerful right-handed stroke and plus run times from the right side of the plate. His spot at the head of this talented group of southpaws is held mainly due to the fact that the athleticism is just so alluring and there is a chance that he still has plenty more to get to when considering the high ceiling.
Bolemon is the most polished of the three and carries the deepest arsenal with innate understanding for disrupting timing and collecting swords. His pristine, workhorse frame is incredibly imposing at 6-foot-4, 215-pounds with barrel-chested athleticism and eye-opening lower-half strength. Below, a look at the loud statement made at East Coast Pro in early August:
"Every time Bolemon touches the mound he appears to be on a mission to prove that he is the best. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound southpaw looked the part of a frontline starter and Top 10 pick with his performance at East Coast Pro. Bullying the opposing lineup throughout three perfect innings, the workhorse left-hander struck out six. The fastball worked 92-95 with a power arm stroke delivering to a higher ¾ slot with some deception and late pickup from hitters. He commanded the pitch to both sides featuring ride and run from a somewhat steeper angle, and his ability to crowd right-handed hitters to the gloveside was impressive. The fastball, alone, would serve as enough to warrant starter consideration, but his advanced secondary is what will catapult him into being the potential best arm in next year’s draft. Utilizing both a slider (83-84) and curveball (81-82), the two pitches take distinct and purposeful, different shapes, both flashing plus, and he weaponized them with intent. The slider, more specifically, breaks late at the plate with tunneling off the fastball. Hardly necessary in this look, Bolemon tossed in a random, above average changeup (left-on-left) at 89 mph (1114 rpm). Overall, it was the dominant showing that has become expected from the South Carolina native and one that reaffirmed his growing likelihood as a Top 10 pick."
Finally, Schmidt’s reclassification from 2027 gave an even bigger boost to this group, and he hardly looked intimidated by the jump. More than a year younger than the aforementioned Rojas and Bolemon, Schmidt’s big 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and strong left arm were intriguingly high profile throughout the early part of the summer, but he solidified himself as a marquee arm with late performances. The ease of operation in pouring in 97 mph fastballs over a higher front shoulder with feel for average- to above-average secondaries (slider, changeup) provides an easy path to the first round. He holds an intrinsic starter upside, and a potential dominant one at that. The question heading into the spring will be just how high Schmidt can climb, but based on the way that he ended the summer, a top-10 selection feels likely.
ARMS RACE: CALI VS. FLORIDA
Whereas cold weather states have dominated pitching in recent drafts, the two most heavily populated prospect havens are back in full force, and that’s the storyline in 2026. Both California’s and Florida’s pitching prospects asserted themselves on the summer circuit with a plethora of top-end, first-round hopefuls with Day One potential who could fill with helium next spring if they haven’t already.
LHP Gio Rojas (Stoneman Douglas HS, FL)
RHP Coleman Borthwick (South Walton HS, FL)
RHP Kaden Waechter (Jesuit HS, FL)
RHP Denton Lord (South Walton HS, FL)
RHP Jake Carbaugh (Plant City HS, FL)
VS.
LHP Logan Schmidt (Ganesha HS, CA)
RHP Jensen Hirschkorn (Kingsburg HS, CA)
RHP Logan Georges (Clovis HS, CA)
RHP Gary Morse (Orange Lutheran HS, CA)
RHP Cooper Sides (Orange Lutheran HS, CA)
And those are only the top five from each of the states. The depth delivers even more impactful value with premium arms like RHP Wilson Andersen (Jesuit HS, FL) and RHP Coleton Brady (TNXL Academy HS, FL), among several others featured in the top-100 overall.
INFINITE OUTFIELD DEPTH
A year ago, the prep outfield class was a group filled with intriguing upside pieces and limited Day 1 candidates. Fast forward to the release of the initial Prep Baseball DraftHQ Draft Board and the 2026 crop of outfielders is trying to align with what the industry saw from prep shortstops a year ago. A host of Day One prospects that goes at least 20 deep heading into the fall, this group will drive significant value for MLB scouting departments to follow over the next ten months.
Even playing down about 25 pounds throughout the summer, CF Brady Harris (Trinity Christian, FL; Florida) still looked the part of a potential first-rounder. Each of his five-tool talents was on display at different stops on the national circuit, and his insatiable willingness to compete was refreshing. A 6.4-runner, the 6-foot-2 right-handed hitter showed off impressive closing speed in the outfield from a quick first step that provided burst in both directions before natural glove work and a plus-arm gave the look of a plus-defender. At the plate, Harris utilized the whole field for firm contact in game play while giving a glimpse at some pull side power throughout batting practice. Playing down the weight should have impacted the talented Florida native much more, but his ability to impress in spite of it just means that the scouting world is likely to see an even better version of Harris in the spring.
CF EJ Booth Jr. (Oak Grove HS, MS; Vanderbilt) produced one of the more impactful summers of any prospect in the class. The 6-foot, 205-pounder holds impressive strength on a compact frame that cruises to a 6.30 60-yard dash time with a low center of gravity. The left-handed hitter showed off a loose-wristed stroke that exhibited the ever-coveted advanced bat-to-ball ability, and while the swing gives off a low-effort look, the triple-digit exit are eye-opening. It was a throwback look all summer long from a prospect who put himself into first round consideration.
Here’s more on Booth Jr. from this past July: “Vanderbilt recruit. Booth’s remarkable bat-to-ball ability, even in spite of an awkward inhibiting setup, stood out throughout the week. The 6-foot, 207-pound outfielder has a throwback approach at the dish with a loose-wristed, strong-handed left-handed stroke that saw him move the barrel all over the zone, manipulating planes successfully. His elite athleticism is surprising in person given the durably-built frame, but his low center of gravity provides ample lower-half strength and ground force on both sides of the ball. He battled deep into counts while registering several hits and just one strikeout. Most astounding, Booth’s simple, almost low-motor swing still produced some of the biggest exit velocities in workouts including multiple balls that banged the wall without getting 10 feet off the ground. He took solid routes in the outfield with apt closing speed and confident glove work with a near average arm. In short, it was a quality showing from the Mississippi native and one that will only allow scouting departments further evidence for a potential higher selection next July.”
SHORTSTOPS!
A post summer check-in assessing the talent level of a group that, while it will likely not match the astounding ‘25 crew, still carries significant value.
First-Round Statements:
+ No. 1, Jacob Lombard (Gulliver Prep HS, FL; uncommitted):
A semi-rusty look at the NPI quickly gave way to water finding its level as Lombard paired production with potential throughout the better part of the summer in cementing his spot as the top prospect in the class. A plus-runner whose instincts on the basepaths were notable at each stop on the circuit, his plus-defend tool continued to show itself at all times, and should provide a comforting foundation for all scouting departments to fall back on. However, the bat is what will be evaluated most strenuously moving forward, and the summer was a major step in the direction towards 1:1 status for the Miami native. In closing, Lombard’s safe status as a prospect was given a greater boost with his production at the plate throughout the summer, and his overall presence on the diamond is both refreshing and exciting.
+ No. 2, Tyler Spangler (De La Salle HS, CA; Stanford):
Why the rise? Impact potential of his left-handed stick, and the fact that he provided strong evidence for sticking at shortstop, has Spangler knocking on the door of a Top 10 selection heading into the spring. Impressive on the diamond at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds with a relaxed presence on the dirt and in the box, his ability to get off dangerous swings with a smooth, controllable look is what is sure to excite scouting departments. The Seager-esq look is undeniable, and while he still has plenty to work at, the exciting value and upside stood out on the circuit, especially his innate ability to slow the game down while playing fast.
+ No. 3, SS Grady Emerson (Fort Worth Christian HS, TX; Texas):
Emerson has been a fixture on the national stage for so long that there easily could have been some prospect fatigue from the scouting community. However, he continued to show well and clearly provided a glimpse at advancements in all facets of the game, especially defensively. Showcasing enough arm strength to stick at shortstop long term, the DFW native was willing to move around the diamond as a versatile defender, but when given the opportunity, looked the part of an upper echelon defender at shortstop (in the class). Still more, his left-handed stroke looked even sweeter than a year ago, and the power outputs continue to trend up. For as many new and exciting shortstops that pop up in this class, Emerson has a steadying (and exciting!) presence, and when the dust settles, his first round selection is inherently likely.
+ No. 4, Cole Koeninger (Keller HS, TX; Tennessee):
Koeninger continued to pass the eye test at all stops throughout the summer. None can match the physicality and athleticism of the 6-foot-2, 205-pound shortstop, and while his towering presence next to others in the class may hint at a shift to third base, it is unwarranted and comes without attention given to just how good he can be at the premium position. The right-handed stroke produced plenty of inspiring moments in some of the more majestic batting practice rounds of the summer. Top end bat speed and strength with the ability to lift the ball to all fields is sure to gain the attention of all data teams when paired next to his elite athletic metrics. There was some swing-and-miss at some spots throughout the summer, but it hardly seemed terminal, and the tools far outweigh any issues that the small sample size provided. Only amplifying his prospect status is the fact that Koeninger is also a top pitching prospect in the class. The pure arm strength would provide a high profile, but the fact that he carries a vicious weapon in the form of a downer curveball that can climb into the mid 80s, provides the look of a Texan Billy Carlson.
+ No. 5, Rocco Maniscalco (Oxford HS, AL; uncommitted):
The newest member of the class, Maniscalco becomes the youngest player in recent memory of the MLB Draft at just a hair over 17 on draft day. More than two years younger than Ruiz, it will be intriguing to see how clubs gauge his value and upside with regards to relative age theory. The switch-hitter certainly does not swing it like a youngster, and there were loud exit velocities with mature batting practice rounds at all stops on the summer circuit. The barrel lays flat through the zone with incessant lag, especially from the left side, and the glimpses of power that he flashed will be studied closely in trying to predict future potential. Sure-handed on the dirt with a strong arm that allows him to look the part at the premium position, he exhibited crisp footwork with less twitch and bounce, but rather polish and reassurance. Spring production will be tracked tirelessly by the scouting community, but the track record of Alabama prep shortstops is a strong one and bodes well for Maniscalco.
+ No. 6, Aiden Ruiz (Stony Brook School, NY; Vanderbilt):
A report from the USA 18U Trials in July: “Listed at 5-foot-10, Ruiz is probably closer to 5-foot-9, 165-pounds, but commands significantly greater attention than his smaller frame would lead on. Simply put, there was no more alluring prospect at the event, and he was captivatingly good in all facets. Nestled in amongst 80 other top prospects, nobody thought the game as well as Ruiz, and there is no better player to build a gold medal roster around. Sure-handed at shortstop with a quick first step, it is a dynamic glove-to-hand ability, and he exhibited the quickest release of any of the shortstops while still maintaining near plus arm strength across the diamond. At the plate, the switch hitter sinks deeper into the legs with the hands held right at the ear before rocking back with minor hand separation. Quickly working directly to the ball with some drift, the bat-to-ball capability stands out as elite in the class, and he sprayed firmer line drives to all fields with perhaps a slightly better look from the left side (where he likely receives most of his at-bats). The impact of the bat will be monitored closely over the next 12 months as it was less powerful in this short stint. The comparisons to Eli Willits are surely to rise though Ruiz will be 18 months older than Willits at draft. Having said that, the New York native is a clear first round candidate and makes himself easy to like with the way that he plays.”
The summer tour might have worn down on Ruiz (slightly), but even if there was some fatigue, the glove never wavered. A plus defender whose slick, confident hands make all plays look easy, the transfers and arm strength continued to shine in each and every look. Impressive at-bats provided deep count looks. The bat-to-ball is clearly there, and the impact potential is what will be studied closely over the next 10 months. He has positioned himself well for a reaffirming spring.
ATHLETES READY TO RISE
+ INF/OF Ethan Bass (Glenbrook North HS, IL; Wake Forest):
The raw potential that was so alluring around Bass as an underclassman graduated, this summer, into a more polished looking prospect who still holds on to exciting upside. The choppy electricity of his right-handed stroke a year ago gave way to a smoother path that still produced the same loud outputs throughout this summer, and the upward trend appears to only be heading up. There are some athletic similarities to the 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop that Coy James possessed a year ago, but Bass’ defensive capability outpaces James while producing similar exit velocities with slightly less raw power. A dynamic defender who is above average both at shortstop and in center field, Bass’ value builds with each subsequent look, and the makeup only pushes it to even greater heights.
+ SS/3B Keon Johnson (First Presbyterian Day, GA; Vanderbilt):
Johnson is one of the more gifted defenders in the class with clean, confident hands and a strong arm that play anywhere on the dirt, but have a chance to dazzle at shortstop. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitter started the summer off a bit slow with the hands seemingly in an unnatural setup that hindered his timing and ability to get to a fluid launch position. However, the quality adjustments made through the circuit provided a glimpse at an athlete with advanced adjustability, and his ability to maintain his aggressiveness against premium arms, spraying firm contact to all fields, lends well to the belief that his best days are ahead and those departments that stay on him throughout the spring might ultimately be rewarded in the form of a spring breakout performance.
+ MIF Rookie Shepard (Faith Lutheran HS, NV; Miami):
Similar to the way that Grady Emerson has long been in the spotlight of the amateur baseball world, Shepard, too, has had a firm national presence since first stepping foot into high school. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed hitter had some inconsistency to the path throughout parts of the summer which led to some swing-and-miss, but the balanced aggression that his stroke delivered still stood out. There is heaviness to the barrel and an encompassing “it factor” to his presence on the diamond. A former catcher, his transition to the infield has been seamless, and while he likely profiles as an offensive second baseman, he will defend there at an above average level. Perhaps some prospect fatigue pervaded Shepard’s final summer on the circuit, but those who return to the tools and encompassing performance over the past four years will find plenty to like.
+ SS James Clark (St. John Bosco HS, CA; Princeton):
A report from the USA 18U Trials in July: “A helium hopeful leading into the summer, Clark might just be the best prospect in southern California, and though he has an Ivy League commitment, his talent still warrants the closest of Day 1 attention. It was an impressive look at the 6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitter whose short stroke and quick hands stood out from the left side. There is some impact to the barrel with some controlled, late aggression being seen from a sturdy base at the plate. Even more telling about his Day 1 potential was the look on the dirt. Situated next to some of the finest shortstop defenders in the class, Clark looked their equal, and showed off some dynamic capability with the glove. Likely to get plenty of looks over the next year, there is plenty to get excited about from the SoCal native.”
MORE KEY RISERS (TOP-100):
+ No. 19 RHP Jensen Hirschkorn (Kingsburn HS, CA)
+ No. 27 SS James Clark (St. John Bosco HS, CA)
+ No. 31 OF Ryan Harwood (Casteel HS, AZ)
+ No. 44 RHP Logan Georges (Clovis HS, CA)
+ No. 45 RHP Cooper Webb (Lake Travis HS, TX)
+ No. 61 1B Collin Bland (Houston HS, TN)
+ No. 87 OF Gunnar Alm (Polk County HS, NC)
+ No. 94 LHP/OF Lucas Nawrocki (Aledo HS, TX)
+ No. 98 OF Judah Ota (Iolani HS, HI)
+ No. 100 IF/C Kahanu Martinez (Saint Louis HS, HI)
NOTABLE NEWCOMERS:
+ No. 231 RHP Reid Gainous (Thomas County Central HS, GA)
+ No. 232 RHP Jenker Romero (Georgia Premier Academy, GA)
+ No. 242 RHP Brock Rein (Trinity Christian HS, GA)
+ No. 245 RHP Gavin Swartz (Normal Community HS, IL)
+ No. 268 TWP Kaeden Schatsiek (Brimfield HS, IL)
+ No. 284 LHP Samuel Finn (Plainfield North HS, IL)
+ No. 296 OF Ezra Liggon (Madison Memorial HS, WI)
+ No. 312 LHP Isaiah James (South Central HS, NC)
+ No. 317 RHP Colten Rainer (Royal HS, CA)
+ No. 324 OF Dimitri Williams (Bishop O’Dowd HS, CA)
+ No. 334 TWP Bankston Walters (Presbyterian Christian HS, MS)
+ No. 373 C Brandon Thomsen (St. Viator HS, IL)
+ No. 375 C Jack Brenner (Fond du Lac HS, WI)
+ No. 386 RHP Donovan Thiery (Coral Shores HS, FL)
+ No. 388 SS/P Sebastian Rolon (Central Pointe HS, FL)
+ No. 402 OF Wilkin Lurie (Asheville HS, NC)
+ No. 405 RHP Griffin Long (Sonoraville HS, GA)
+ No. 411 RHP/OF Cameron Carter (Arrowhead HS, WI)
+ No. 412 OF Treydric Barnes (Taylorsville HS, MS)
+ No. 414 RHP Gunnar Garrison (Eaton HS, CO)
+ No. 424 RHP Michael Revell (Richland HS, WA)
+ No. 429 LHP Joe Raimonda (Monsignor Farrell HS, NY)
+ No. 432 C/P Jacob Madrid (Notre Dame HS, CA)
+ No. 439 RHP Frankie Russo (Elev8 Academy, FL)
+ No. 442 RHP JJ Drennan (Seton Hall Prep HS, NJ)
+ No. 454 OF Dylan Hornback (North Built HS, KY)
+ No. 455 LHP Connor Finn (Mahtomedi HS, MN)
+ No. 458 LHP Evan O’Connor (Brock HS, TX)
+ No. 461 SS Harmon Skeen (Desert Hills HS, UT)
+ No. 491 C/P Justin Munoz (Millbrook HS, NY)
+ No. 494 C Cole Teltschik (Discovery Canyon HS, CO)
+ No. 496 SS Palmer Hornick (Dorman HS, SC)
+ No. 498 RHP Colin Mack (Saratoga Springs HS, NY)
+ No. 499 LHP August Ware (Glencoe HS, OR)
+ No. 500 RHP Ethan Dejesus (Sumner HS, FL)
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