The 2026 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today.

Please note that all Team Previews were submitted by High School Coaches.

High School: Jackson Christian School
Head Coach: Chase McLean
TSSAA Classification: Division II-A
District: West
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 20-7 (Region Tournament Appearance)

 

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ROSTER PREVIEW

+ Top Returning Position Players:

• C Eli Smith (2026)
• UTL/RHP Brett Sorrell (2027)
• INF Brody Bennett (2027)

+ Top Returning Pitchers:

• Brett Sorrell (2027)
• Cade Warrington (2028)
• Brian Cornelison (2027)
• CJ Converse (2027)
• Max Collins (2027)

More Names to Know

2026s:

• Reid Basham (2026)

2027s:

• CJ Converse (2027)
• Max Collins (2027)
• Miles Wilson (2027)

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TOP NEWCOMERS

+ Impact Underclassmen:

• Cade Warrington (2028)

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2026 OUTLOOK

+ Jackson Christian enters the 2026 season positioned to reload rather than rebuild after a 20–7 campaign that ended with a Region Tournament appearance in Division II-A. Under head coach Chase McLean, the Eagles graduated a significant amount of talent, including five college signees, but return a competitive core that logged meaningful varsity innings and at-bats a year ago. With experience at premium positions, emerging arms on the mound, and a strong junior class pushing for roles, Jackson Christian looks capable of remaining a factor in the West District.

The lineup will be anchored by 2026 catcher Eli Smith, one of the more proven bats in the region after leading the team in average (.387) and RBIs (22) last spring. Smith caught 175 innings a year ago and earned All-District and All-Region honors, establishing himself as a reliable game manager and middle-of-the-order presence. His leadership behind the plate will be vital for a pitching staff that saw heavy graduation, and his bat projects to remain a consistent run producer, whether behind the dish, at first base, or in a DH role. Up the middle, Brody Bennett returns as a key piece after earning All-District and All-Region honors of his own. A steady defender with soft hands and range, Bennett is expected to lock down the shortstop position and bring table-setting ability at the top of the lineup, where his postseason production (.430 AVG in district/region play) speaks to his ability to rise in big moments.

On the mound, Jackson Christian will lean heavily on 2027 right-hander Brett Sorrell, who steps into a frontline role after the Eagles lost 157 innings pitched from last year’s staff. Sorrell handled high-leverage bullpen duties a year ago and proved capable of stretching out, highlighted by a five-inning win in a district start against Fayette Academy. Operating in the low-to-mid 80s with command and a deceptive delivery, Sorrell profiles as the tone-setter for the rotation. He’s supported by a group of developing arms in Brian Cornelison, CJ Converse, Drake Williams, and Cade Warrington, giving the Eagles multiple options to piece together innings as roles continue to solidify.

There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding the supporting cast as well. Reid Basham brings defensive value and versatility on the corners, with a bat that should force its way into the lineup. CJ Converse offers physicality and left-handed power potential at first base, projecting as a true run-producing presence. Max Collins stands out as one of the stronger pound-for-pound athletes on the roster, pairing range in the middle infield with an improving offensive profile, while Miles Wilson provides premium defense in center field and a skill set that makes him a tough out at the plate.

The underclass group could ultimately raise the ceiling of this roster, led by 2028 right-hander Cade Warrington. A mid-to-upper 80s arm with a physical frame, Warrington has flashed shutdown potential and continues to develop his secondary offerings as he transitions into a larger role. His ability to consistently work through lineups will be a key storyline, and his upside on both sides of the ball makes him one of the more intriguing pieces in the program.

With a proven backstop, an emerging frontline arm, and a roster full of physical, high-makeup players, Jackson Christian enters 2026 with a clear identity. If the pitching staff continues to develop and the offense replaces lost production, the Eagles have the makeup to stay competitive in Division II-A and push back into postseason play once again.

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Find more information on Jackson Christian School’s 2026 season below:

+ Follow them on X: @JCS_Baseball
+ Find more 2026 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

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+ Prep Baseball Tennessee on X
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