The ‘Hotlist’ is a series that provides weekly insight into the high school baseball scene spanning the country, curated by Prep Baseball’s state directors who are situated nationwide, with vital intel on the prospects who are in their own backyards. Each week, we’ll publish our ‘Hotlist’ on varying topics that are timeliest to the national baseball calendar at that point in time.

This week’s topic: With National Signing Day this week, we’re looking for insight into 2026 prospects who are most likely to make an immediate impact at the college level. Please submit a prospect (or multiple) from your state who you believe will contribute right away at the next level. Include where they’re headed, what makes their game college-ready, and any standout performances or traits that support your pick.

+ Learn of our directors stationed nationwide by visiting the staff directory.
+ View which Prep Baseball events are headed your way next at this page.
+ Read about previously published ‘Hotlist’ topics here.

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♨️ The ‘Hotlist’ (11/14):

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Alabama

+ Will Adams, 1B/OF/LHP (Hoover HS, 2026) | LSU:

“Adams (Hoover, 2026) is a dynamic two-way standout with the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, though his offensive skill set truly separates him. A future LSU Tiger, Adams showcases a smooth and effortless left-handed swing, consistently producing high-quality contact and power to all fields. His disciplined approach at the plate stands out, rarely expanding the zone and showing advanced pitch recognition. On the mound, the left-hander features premium stuff with a fastball that reaches the low 90s and a full complement of sharp secondary offerings. With a blend of polish, power, and poise, Adams possesses a collection of “plus” tools that make him a legitimate candidate to contribute early in Baton Rouge. ”

+ Rocco Maniscalco, SS (Oxford HS, 2026) | Mississippi State:

“Maniscalco (Oxford, 2026) is coming off an impressive summer campaign that included representing Team Alabama at the Prep Baseball Futures Games while also reclassifying from the 2027 to the 2026 class. Shortly after, the talented shortstop was selected to play in the Prep Baseball All-American Game in Miami. A slick-fielding defender, Maniscalco displays some of the best glovework and defensive actions in his class, paired with plenty of arm strength across the diamond. A switch-hitter and future Mississippi State Bulldog, he consistently makes high-level impact with the bat from both sides of the plate with an advanced, middle-of-the-field approach. Maniscalco’s elite all-around skill set, mature approach, and professional makeup make him a strong candidate to contribute early in Starkville.”

+ John Stowers, C (St. Paul's Episcopal HS, 2026) | Auburn:

“Stowers (St. Paul’s Episcopal, 2026) is a two-time participant in the Prep Baseball All-American Game whose stock has continued to soar over the past two years. A top-30 national prospect, Stowers has established himself as one of the premier left-handed bats in the class, showing tremendous power to the middle of the field with exit velocities consistently in the triple digits, peaking at 107 mph. The future Auburn Tiger also stands out defensively behind the plate, displaying advanced receiving skills, a strong arm, and impressive pop times ranging from 1.78 to 1.92 seconds to second base. Left-handed hitting catchers with impact potential on both sides of the ball are rare, and Stowers’s combination of power, athleticism, and defensive ability gives him a strong chance to contribute early on The Plains. ”

– David Sharp, Deep South Supervisor

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California

+ Ayden Deome, SS/3B (West Park High School HS, 2026) | Arizona:

“Ayden is one of those players when you combine a crazy work ethic, being coachable, and just pure talent. Whether he chooses to go into the draft or to Arizona, I think he has a real shot to see the field his freshman year. His bat is always going to play. Once he gets a full fall under his belt at the D1 level, things will start to click. Plus, his IQ is off the charts.”

+ Logan Georges, RHP (Clovis High School HS, 2026) | TCU:

“Georges had a really dominant summer, got in front of the right people. Logan is one of the top arms in CA, if not the country. TCU is getting a very quality arm on the mound that has the ability to throw even harder than he already is now.”

– Hank LoForte, Northern California Scouting Director

+ James Tronstein, OF/INF (Harvard Westlake HS, 2026) | Vanderbilt:

“"Tronny Barrels" as we labeled him during his sophomore season, has elevated himself to be a nationally known player due to his athleticism, arm strength, and continuous ability to square balls up consistently. At the 2025 West Coast ProCase when Tronny stepped into the box, it was a sight to see as many of the top players from the West Coast stopped in their tracks and watched the Vanderbilt commit put on a show during his three rounds of BP. The former Future Gamer and 2024 Prep Baseball All-American, is one of the best, most consistent hitters in California and the country. There's power in the swing (107 max EV) as demonstrated by his home run off the camera well in center field at Loan Depot Park in Miami, but there's also gap power making Tronny an extra base hit machine for Harvard Westlake. With positional versatility (INF/OF), it's Tronny's baseball IQ and athleticism that will make him one of the top incoming freshman on the D1 level next year who will undoubtedly compete for playing time from the minute he steps on campus if that's what happens. ”

– Les Lukach, State Director

+ Braden Oliver, SS (Agoura High School HS, 2026) | UC Irvine:

“Oliver has been high on my personal board for nearly the past two years when I first saw him play over MLK Weekend in January of 2024. With bloodlines of a father who played professional baseball his advanced feel to play baseball was quickly evident. He moved with athleticism on defense showing the type of footwork, hands, range and body control that projects a high-level defender. From that point forward Oliver has only continued to get better including solid arm strength with impressive accuracy as noted during his appearance at the 2025 ProCase West where he drilled every throw from every angle into the first baseman's upper body making each play look clean and routine. His impressive defensive ability and feel for what to do at a premium spot will give him a chance to earn immediate playing time on campus for the highly competitive UC Irvine Anteater program in the Big West where high-level defense is an important aspect of their program success. Combine his intriguing defensive ability with an offensive profile that has only continued to improve over the past two years ahead of his SR. season this spring with the Agoura Chargers program in the Marmonte League he is trending towards a big spring season. If his bat continues on the upward trend it has shown in the last two years, then combine it with his strong defensive ability and athletic ability plus a 6'4 190 lbs. frame with 6.7 60-yard dash foot speed and we are looking at the type of profile that gives Oliver the potential to step on campus at Irvine and compete for immediate playing time." 

– Steven Hardesty Associate Director SoCal

+ DJ Delaney, OF (St Ignatius College Preparatory HS, 2026) | Nevada :

“Delaney possesses the athleticism and polish to make an immediate impact at the University of Nevada. The left-handed hitting outfielder impressed this summer at Area Codes, where he showcased a present hit tool and mature approach, consistently competing in long at-bats against some of the top arms in the country. Delaney’s ability to control the zone, stay on time, and use the opposite field separates him offensively, while his quick-twitch athleticism and speed give him top-of-the-order potential. His instincts and range in center field, combined with his ability to pressure defenses on the base paths, make him a dynamic, game-impacting player. As he continues to add strength and physicality, Delaney projects as a college-ready bat who can step in and contribute right away for Nevada. He has an opportunity to continue elevating his profile in front of many evaluators eyes at the Super 60 Pro Showcase on February 1st in Illinois.”

– Vinnie Alfino, Manager, Content and Operations

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Canada

+ Joey Khananisho, SS (Tigers High Performance HS, 2026) | Midland College:

“Joey Khananisho has been as steady as they come for the Tigers throughout his high school career, gaining a ton of AB's against high-level college arms throughout the programs collegiate tours.

It's a well-rounded game with high makeup and his scrappy style of play will play at the junior college level. Whether it's with the bat, on the bases or on the dirt, Khananisho will be prepared to contribute to a strong Midland College program. Beyond his physical abilities, the Ontario native will have a mature presence for a freshman with an extra year of high school ball under his belt.”

– Cam Black-Araujo, Prep Baseball Canada Assistant Director

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Florida

+ Brayden Harris, RHP (St. Johns Country Day HS, 2026) | Florida State:

“Harris has been a varsity contributor since he was in 8th grade and is a candidate to make an immediate impact at Florida State. Harris is a strike thrower and competitor and will battle for innings early as a freshman.”

– Rocco Iervasi, Managing Director

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Illinois

+ RJ Duncheon, RHP/C (East Peoria HS, 2026) | Illinois State:

“Duncheon is a name that continues to impress our staff on the mound, where he's shown a lively fastball up to 93 mph with equally impressive off-speed offerings to pair. The Illinois State commit was a Future Gamer in 2024 and has upside at the plate as well. He's a strong right-handed hitter with easy power in his swing and one of the better arms in the class behind the dish, recording a 79 mph catcher velocity and 1.87–1.95 pop time range at our events. Given Duncheon's ability on the mound and at the plate, he's a candidate our staff believes could make an immediate impact during his freshman year with the Redbirds.”

– Gavin Smith, Manager, Content & Operations, Area Scout

+ Braden Fournie , C (Belleville West HS, 2026) | Lindenwood University :

“Braden has all the qualities of a high-level catcher, highlighted by his elite defensive abilities, making him an easy choice as someone we think could make a splash early at the next level. The catch/throw really stands out with sure-handed receiving actions, quality blocking, a quick release and plenty of arm-strength to pair. He also has some thump in his right-handed bat with a simple and repeatable operation that should translate to gameplay. ”

– Peter Hamot, Assistant Scouting Director Illinois/Wisconsin

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Indiana

+ Aiden Reynolds, eB (Noblesville HS, 2026) | Indiana:

“Reynolds verbally committed to Indiana before ever playing a high school game, and he's done nothing but elevate his game since. One of the top in-game hitters in the class, Reynolds has shown his premier hit tool again & again over the past three years. The tool continues to grow into more and more impact, as well, and he now stands as one of the biggest power threats in the state. The track record of hitting, and the unwavering confidence that you always see in Reynolds, will surely allow him to make an immediate impact to the Hoosiers' lineup when he steps foot on campus in August. ”

– Cooper Trinkle, Scouting Director

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Iowa

+ Ryan Stedman, RHP/!B (West Des Moines Valley HS, 2026) | Iowa:

“Ryan's velocity and command of the off speed shows that his stuff will play right away at the University of Iowa. The loose fluid arm action shows that there is durability and will be able to sustain the longer fall season to prepare for the spring. He has continued to add velocity onto all of his pitches while also adding a few more off speed pitches. This past summer, during the high school season he posted a 1.68 ERA with a WHIP of 1.11. Ryan tallied 56 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched to 18 free passes.”

+ Cal Jepsen, SS/2B (Sioux City East HS, 2026) | Western Kentucky:

“Cal Jepsen recently committed to Western Kentucky where he will be a great fit for the program. He is the definition of a 'Gamer', he plays hard from the first pitch to the last. He checks all the boxes when it comes to being able to play right away at the next level. Running a 6.71 60 yard, throws 90 across the diamond, and a batting practice exit velocity of 98.3 mph while showing over 100 mph in game. Last summer Cal hit .428 with an OPS of 1.300. He struck out only 18 times while taking 43 free passes in 138 at bats. Pair his strike zone awareness with the hard hit percentage and the consistency in the field, he immediately has a chance to get on the field as a freshman for the Hilltoppers.”

– Tyler Cropley, State Scouting Director

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Louisiana

+ Myles Ledoux, UTL (Barbe HS, 2026) | Louisiana-Lafayette:

“Myles Ledoux is one of the most well-rounded and consistent performers in Louisiana’s 2026 class, and he’s poised to make an immediate impact as a freshman for the Ragin’ Cajuns. A proven hitter, Ledoux’s compact, flat bat path and advanced bat-to-ball skills allow him to consistently produce quality contact. The Barbe product also brings valuable defensive versatility, having played infield, outfield, and even spent time behind the plate during his tenure with the Bucs. When you pair his polished offensive approach with the ability to handle multiple positions, it’s easy to see why Ledoux projects to contribute early at Louisiana-Lafayette.”

– Alex Armand, State Director

+ Dominic Pellegrin, SS (Holy Cross HS, 2026) | Tulane:

“Dominic Pellegrin has been a staple in the Holy Cross lineup since the eighth grade, consistently producing for the Tigers year after year. As a junior, he earned Co-District MVP honors after an impressive campaign in which he hit .462 with 6 home runs, 16 doubles, 2 triples, and 38 RBIs, while striking out just 9 times in 106 at-bats. Equally impressive with the glove, Pellegrin posted a .966 fielding percentage at shortstop last spring, showcasing his reliability on both sides of the ball. A local product from the New Orleans area, Pellegrin’s combination of offensive production and defensive consistency should make him an instant fan favorite at Tulane — and give him a strong chance to carve out a meaningful role for the Green Wave as soon as he arrives on campus next fall.”

– Alex Armand, State Director

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Massachusetts

+ Nolan Rappoli, SS (Xaverian Brothers HS, 2026) | Harvard:

“A plus defender should get him on the field immediately. He can stick at SS or you could play him elsewhere if you had to. The makeup is special. Offensively, he profiles as a 2-hole guy early in his career. I think his mentality will be the difference of him being successful early in his career. ”

– Dennis Healy, New England Director

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Minnesota

+ Hudson Ohm, RHP (Zumbrota-Mazeppa HS, 2026) | Minnesota:

“A top arm and prospect in Minnesota, Ohm has continued to progress and make strides each year dating back to his freshman campaign. A competitive mentally gives him an edge on the mound that goes along with his arsenal of pitches makes the righty a potential arm that could push for innings next spring at Minnesota. ”

– Andy Judkins, State Director

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Nebraska

+ Brody Jindra, SS/RHP (Elkhorn South HS, 2026) | Nebraska:

“2025 Nebraska player of the year and #1 ranked in the state. Brody has legit two way upside at the next level with a fastball sitting 91-94 striking out 51 batters in 47 innings in 2025. Threw in a .419 BA with a OPS of 1.296 while taking 30 walks to 19 strikeouts. Attending the Super 60 in February Jindra with have a chance to impact the Huskers as soon as he arrives on campus whether that be on the mound, in the box or both. ”

+ Colin Driffill, RHP (Millard North HS, 2026) | Kansas State:

“The readings on the radar gun will have the crowds buzzing. The hardest thrower in the state had his fastball trending up this fall reaching the mid upper 90s but its the increased pitchability and feel for a tightly spun swing and miss breaking ball that will make him a high impact contributor in the Big 12 for the Kansas State Wildcats pitching staff”

– Pascal Paul, Nebraska Scouting Director

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New Jersey

+ Guy Lynam, SS (Gloucester Catholic HS, 2026) | Auburn:

“The number 1 in New Jersey's 2026 class is arguably the most polished player in the Northeast region. Lynam has a left-handed swing that has advanced movement patterns that will translate to the next level seamlessly. On top of his efficient swing, he also has an advanced approach at the plate. His patience and maturity when hitting allows Lynam to be in hitter's count very often. The Auburn commit is well beyond his years when it comes to hitting. ”

– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout

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New York

+ Aiden Ruiz, SS (The Stony Brook HS, 2026) | Vanderbilt:

“Ruiz impressed throughout the summer, capped by a gold medal run with Team USA, where his in-game IQ and big-game playmaking ability were on full display. An uber-athletic infielder with silky-smooth actions and seemingly unlimited range, he makes every play look routine. At the plate, Ruiz shows elite bat-to-ball skills with a short, efficient stroke and sneaky pop that continues to develop. The combination of athleticism, defensive prowess, and advanced feel for the game gives him the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level— if he makes it to campus.”

– Joe Walentin, Asst. Director

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North Dakota

+ Kyler Kudrna, RHP (Dickinson HS, 2026) | North Dakota State:

“Kudrna is a projectable arm that could see big jumps once on campus. A long and lanky frame at 6-foot-3, 180-pounds, there is still plenty of growth that can take place. A mid to upper 80s fastball now, but possible jumps and potentially an immediate impact arm once next spring rolls around for the Bison”

– Andy Judkins, State Director

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Oklahoma

+ Easton Webb, RHP (Sand Springs HS, 2026) | Texas State:

“The 2-sport standout is committed to Texas State as both a QB and RHP with an imposing 6'4" frame. He has one of the better fastballs in the country as part of an advanced power mix. At Texas State, Webb has a legitimate chance to step in and contribute right away for a program that will join the Pac-12 in 2026-27 school year with an elite makeup, advanced mix, and unwavering competitiveness and confidence on the bump.”

– Bret Schwartz, Oklahoma Scouting Director

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Oregon

+ Sawyer Nelson, INF (South Salem HS, 2026) | Loyola Marymount:

“The Future Games alum's exceptional 2025 has propelled his status even further in the region, working his way up to the number 3 spot in Oregon's latest 2026 rankings update. The lefthanded bat was as productive as any in the area against spring HS competition and on his summer circuit. Nelson slashed .543/.639/.1.109 with 13 HR, 63 RBI, 20 BB and just 8 K, narrowly missing out on Prep Baseball Oregon's POTY. Nelson also earned offensive MVP awards at the summer's PNW Scout Games, an event attended by Prep Baseball scouts. The summer look in particular solidified Nelson's ability to hit high level pitching, making him a clear candidate to make an early impact at LMU next year.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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Pennsylvania

+ Logan Kriner, RHP (Palmyra Area HS, 2026) | Delaware:

“The Blue Hens commit is a right-handed pitcher in Pennsylvania's 2026 class that will immediately be an impactful arm in that rotation. As Delaware enters their first season in Conference USA, they will face a steep rise in competition—making the emergence of this freshman all the more critical to their depth and long-term success. Kriner possesses the velocity and secondary pitches to make an immediate impact on Delaware's staff.”

– Nathan Goranson, Northeast Asst Scout

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Texas

+ Grady Emerson, INF (Fort Worth Christian HS, 2026) | Texas:

“Top 2026 prospect. Athletic shortstop with actions, body control, and agility to stay in the middle of the field. Makes plays consistently. Advanced all-fields approach with line-drive contact; has hit all summer at major events. Power projects to develop with added strength. Plus runner. Will be heavily scouted throughout the spring.”

+ Cole Koeninger , RHP/INF (Keller HS, 2026) | Tennessee:

“Cole is a top two-way prospect who must be scouted both as a shortstop and a right-handed pitcher. He has a strong build with plenty of room to add strength in the future, coupled with a 6.61 60-yard dash time. His agility and body control on the field stand out, and he has the potential to stay at shortstop. His raw arm strength is impressive, and he shows the ability to impact the baseball.

On the mound, his fastball reached 94 mph during this outing, and he has shown improved velocity this season. His fastball is a plus pitch with projection for even more. His curveball has solid action, clocking in at 80 mph with a spin rate over 2200 rpm. He also mixes in a slider at 82 mph with a spin rate above 2400 rpm. Koeninger is a solid strike thrower and has a great makeup. He competes well and has shown the ability to handle big moments. Right now, he profiles as a hitter/infielder over pitcher. The 2 time Prep Baseball All American continues to show why he is one of the top players in the country.”

– Ben Green, Texas Scouting Director

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Washington

+ Eli Herst, RHP (Seattle Academy HS, 2026) | Vanderbilt:

“The top-ranked 2026 in Washington, Herst's well-developed arsenal on the mound combined with plenty of projection still left in the tank makes him a likely candidate to contribute early at the collegiate level. Herst, the 7th ranked RHP in Prep Baseball's national ranks, is no stranger to facing high-level competition, throwing well in both of his Prep Baseball All-American Game appearances. The 6'5 righty has run his fastball up to 93.4 MPH with a 2600 RPM breaking ball and a mid-80's CH that rounds out his starter's profile. Despite the commitment to one of the best programs in the nation in Vanderbilt, expect the RHP to make an immediate impact, should he make it to campus following next summer's MLB draft.”

– Dylan Grenz, Associate Scout

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Wisconsin

+ Chance Ruby, SS/CF (Wilmot HS, 2026) | Illinois-Chicago:

“It’s all about the bat, the results have been there for years now and the contact has only gotten louder and louder. Ruby has the athletic profile to fit anywhere on the diamond defensively at an above-average level to pair.”

– Josh Fields, Wisconsin Staff

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