Inside the UT 2026 Class Rankings: Risers
August 28, 2025
This week, Utah's updated Class of 2026 rankings went live, highlighting the top talent heading into Senior year. While the top 10 always grabs attention, several players outside that range made big moves!
Today we’re focusing on the biggest RISERS. These players have shown real growth through added strength, improved tools, or steady in-game performance. Their progress is clear and measurable.
Here’s a look at some of the names gaining momentum going into the Fall:
 |
Keaton Nordick RHP / Pleasant Grove, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 11 / POS: 3
The Viking ace on the mound is coming off of one of the best seasons any Utah pitcher had last year. The right-hander went 9-2 in the 6A Classification, hurling 61 innings and punching out 90 hitters to the tune of a 2.16 ERA. One of the top arms in the Class, Keaton has displayed legitimate weekend rotation projectability at the Division I level. The Cougars have found a future dude for Big 12 matchups down the road!
|
 |
Grady Slesk RHP / SS / Lone Peak, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 16 / POS: 5
Grady is the most consistent strike thrower in the State, hands down. He features a true 3 pitch mix (FB/CV/CH) that are all ++ pitches, and he has the feel and confidence to throw to any hitter, in any count, in any situation. Regularly sitting 86-89 T90 and throwing a pitch about every 9 seconds. An athlete on the mound, Grady has shown over the years his dominance in the zone still plays and gets outs in 2025. A recent SLCC Commit, don’t be shocked if Grady gets major innings for the reigning National Champions in 2027.
|
 |
Rocky Downs LHP / OF / Riverton, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 25 / POS: 1
A two-sport athlete, Rocky was fairly unknown on the big stage for most of the year. Thanks to one of the best outings of the year for any pitcher, in one of the biggest moments, the 6A State Playoffs, Rocky delivered a gem for the ages (6.2 IP/14 K/0 BB/1 R/Win) and stamped his spot as someone we had to get on our radar and continue to follow. Up to 92 at his best, but consistently in the 85-88 range with a wipeout SL and plus CH, expect Rocky to find a home at the next level by the end of the Fall regardless of his football commitments. This kid can pitch!
|
 |
Bowen Barnes 3B / OF / Lone Peak, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 2
One of those RH bats that you go into a game saying, “don’t let him beat us”. Game-changing type pop with one swing at any time. Legit bat speed with a compact path to the ball, combined with an intent to do damage with every swing and a willingness to use the whole field, Bo is truly a dangerous hitter. A collegiate 1B build with 3B glove skills and footwork, look for Bo to have another monster Spring Season for a Lone Peak team with high expectations that he will be right in the middle of.
|
 |
Marshal Moon SS / 2B / West Field, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 11
Marshal really impressed over the course of the Summer with this travel team and at our events. At 5’7 164 lbs, his compact strong build is athletic and has shown above average metrics for his class. A natural MIF with smooth actions and footwork and a strong arm (86 mph) that may allow him to stay a SS at the next level, regardless of the shorter stature compared to your typical college SS. Smooth LH swing w/ consistent contact and LD ability, count on a big Senior year from Marshal.
|
 |
Nash Clement 2B / OF / Pleasant Grove, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 56 / POS: 1
Nash has had a breakout 2025 dating back to early March. Getting an opportunity, producing and then never looking back he was an integral part of the high-powered PG offense this year. Impressive bat to ball skills from the left side with an elite bouncy, long stride speed on the bases, Nash is a threat each time to the plate. With added physicality this offseason to the current athletic tools, you can see this kid continuing to improve year after year; high ceiling.
|
 |
Zac Beck RHP / RHP / Snow Canyon, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 58 / POS: 12
The Warriors reload seemingly every year with collegiate level talent, and you can add Zac to that next group. He was a go-to guy in the rotation last year with over 35 IP, only surrendering 12 ER and over 1 K/inning. You can see the maturity in his game over the Summer and I fully anticipate his trajectory going up along with the velocity. Keep an eye on Zach in 2026 to help lead another strong Snow Canyon season.
|
 |
Colby Claassen RHP / Mountain Ridge, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 69 / POS: 15
Colby has been a pleasant surprise this year, coming to my attention only this Summer. A friend of mine who coaches was playing against Colby, and he raved about this opposing arm who was dominating his squad. I got the chance to meet him at our Top Prospects Games and he was as advertised. Excellent kid with a confidence on the mound you can see. The CV shows real potential with bite and S/M ability, paired with a FB up to 86 that I expect to climb this offseason. Colby should play a crucial role in the Sentinels hopes for a deep playoff run next season.
|
 |
Jack Owen RHP / 3B / Viewmont High, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 81 / POS: 18
Tall, long levers and an attacking mindset when he takes the mound, Jack has blossomed into a legit arm in the past 12 months. The right hander features a mid 80s FB that jumps on hitters with slight ASR, and the offspeed keeps them honest. The build and “stuff” have room to improve and mature, making Jack an intriguing arm to follow. Coming off an impressive Junior campaign that saw him throw 60+ innings, punch out 69 hitters and only walk 21, you can count on Viewmont being in any game that he takes the mound for.
|
 |
Cooper Hawkes SS / 3B / Timpanogos, UT / 2026Rankings StateRank: 83 / POS: 21
Certainly one of the most overlooked and underrated players in the Class, has to be Cooper Hawkes. Undersized for most his life, he has really matured physically in the last year and his game plays much bigger. Coming off a .391 BA Season with over 40 hits (11 XBH) and a .985 FP (1 Error), he will be one of the kids who consistently produces time and time again. A fluid quick twitch athlete with surprising power at the plate, and smooth hands and footwork up the middle. Don’t be shocked if Timpanogos makes a deep playoff run in 2026, and he is a direct result of that success.
|