The 2026 Texas 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 Texas.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Austin at the UIL State Tournament in June, 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 Texas. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 30 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.

High School: Little Elm Lobos
Head Coach: Matt Harbin (200+ wins, multiple playoff appearances)
UIL Classification: 6A-5
Team Strengths: Versatility, speed, and defense.
2025 Record (Playoff Finish): 8-20
Key Players Lost:

• Tristian Fielder (Eastern Arizona CC)
• Thomas McHugh (Hill JC)
• Chris Whitaker (Northeast TX CC)
• Anthony Herrera (Calvary University)

   

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ROSTER PREVIEW

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TOP RETURNING PLAYERS

• CIF/RHP Evan King (2026; Eastern Arizona CC)
• LHP/OF Matthew Derner (2026; SAU Tech)
• RHP/CIF Braden Wehrwein (2026; Howard Payne)
• OF Mark Kruciak (2026) - 2nd Team All-District OF
• Number of Returning Position Players: 5
• Number of Returning Starting Pitchers: 2
• Number of Returning Relief Pitchers: 3

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TEAM OUTLOOK

The Little Elm Lobos enter the 2026 season under Head Coach Matt Harbin, who brings a wealth of experience with over 200 wins and numerous playoff appearances to his resume. Competing in the state’s 6A class, the team looks to improve upon their 8-20 record from the 2025 season. The Lobos' core strengths this year are built on versatility, team speed, and a strong defensive foundation.

The roster features a solid core of returning talent, including five position players, two starting pitchers, and three relief pitchers. Key returners to watch include CIF/RHP Evan King (Eastern Arizona CC commit), LHP/OF Matthew Derner (SAU Tech commit), and RHP/CIF Braden Wehrwein (Howard Payne commit). Additionally, OF Mark Kruciak returns after earning 2nd Team All-District honors, providing veteran presence and proven performance to the lineup.

Despite losing several players to the collegiate ranks, the Lobos have a deep roster of young talent ready to step up. Juniors like INF Maddox Green, OF Joshua Olewe, and C Gabriel Guerra are expected to contribute alongside unsigned seniors like Braden Rainey and Jayme Brooms. This blend of experienced upperclassmen and emerging talent positions Little Elm to be a competitive force in their district as they aim for a successful 2026 campaign that could lead to a playoff berth.

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COACH’S QUOTE

“This team has a lot of tools that make us competitive on the field. Our versatility allows players to step in at multiple positions, and our speed puts constant pressure on teams. Offensively, we have the ability to create havoc—whether it’s putting the ball in play, moving runners, or taking advantage of other team’s mistakes. What really stands out, though, is the way this group plays together. They support each other, communicate well, and compete every inning. If we stay focused and play the way we’re capable, this team has a chance to accomplish something special this season.”

- Matt Harbin, Little Elm Head Coach

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Find more information on the 2026 Little Elm program below:
+ Follow on X/Twitter: @LEBaseball
+ Prep Baseball Texas Team Preview Page

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