2026 Power 25 Countdown: No. 8 Houston Mustangs

The Houston High baseball program finished the 2025 season going 29-15 and was put out in the region play by Clarksville High. The Mustangs enter the 2026 season having to replace a couple of important pieces but have a strong group of upperclassmen. 

The Houston Mustangs are led by 2026 Vandy commit 1B/OF Collin Bland who is also a 2-time Future Game alum. Collin comes into the season as a MLB draft prospect and has really skyrocketed with an appearance at the Super 60 where he posted a 111 MPH exit velocity and an incredible 105 MPH exit velocity average. Collin is a left-handed hitter whose primary position is first base and will be counted on to hit in the 3 hole and set the tone for a talented offense. 2026 1B/RHP Ryan Ogburn will fill the cleanup spot with a big time power profile. Ryan has a massive stature standing at 6’5 205 lbs and has some clear upside as a hitter and pitcher. On the mound, Ryan has been up to 91 MPH and will be looked to be an important arm for the Mustangs. 2026 Pellissippi State commit MIF Jacob Sallie will fill the leadoff position for the Mustangs. Jacob has the perfect skillset to succeed in this role as a contact hitter and blazing speed with a 6.5 60 time. 2026 Southwest CC commit C Maddoc McCarter will be plugged into the catcher position and be looked to hit at the top of the order. 2026 OF/LHP Isaiah Ludlow will serve as the starting left fielder and hit in the middle of the lineup. One the mound, Isaiah is a left-handed arm that has been up to 89 MPH. 2026 Army commit RHP Will Beasely will be counted on to be one of the top pitchers in the rotation. Will has a good mix of 3 pitches and has been up to 87 MPH with his fastball. 

One of the most talented players in the 2028 class returns for the Mustangs in 2028 INF/RHP Canon Day who is the #2 player in the state of Tennessee. Canon is already a good sized kid standing at 6’0 195 lbs. At the plate, Canon has power to both gaps and will also plug back into the third base position. On the mound, Canon has been up to 91 MPH and will look to be the ace of the staff. 

Houston lost some important pieces but they also return a ton of talent with a good mix of offense and depth on the mound. As always, Houston should be in position to make some noise in May.