Wisconsin 2025 Winners: 2026 Position Players
November 3, 2025
As the 2025 season comes to a close, new standouts have emerged inside the state’s senior class, players who didn’t just perform, but positioned themselves for even bigger roles ahead.
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Jace Mataczynski SS / Hudson, WI / 2026Perhaps the biggest winner from the Badger State over the past year. A 6-foot-3 true shortstop with actions and tools that can project at some of the highest levels of the game with more ceiling to tap into as he matures. At the plate, all Mataczynski has done has hit, consistently on the barrel and driving the baseball with authority across every look this year. From: 7/30/25 “Currently ranked No. 14 in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. Coming in at a high-waisted 6-foot-3, 186-pound frame, Mataczynski was the biggest winner at the event, eventually going on to win MVP of the Senior Future Games. The right-hander started the week off by showing off his athleticism, running a 6.69 60-yard dash with a 20.8 mph max run speed. He then went on to have one of the louder rounds of the day in BP. He finished with a 101.5 mph max exit velocity, four balls hit over 100 mph, a 96 mph average exit velocity, and a 375-foot max distance. He also had the highest infield velocity across the diamond at 98 mph, carrying that loose arm and clean glove into gameplay. At the plate, Mataczynski finished 3-for-5, with a pull-side home run that was 103 mph off the bat, four RBIs, three runs, two walks and two stolen bases. He also went on to hop up on the mound, giving an upside look with some lively stuff. His fastball was 90-93 mph with a 17.4” IVB max, and he flashed a slider at 80 mph. He went on to toss one scoreless inning without allowing a single hit. |
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Jack Brenner C / Fond du Lac, WI / 2026Special athlete with the ability to be an asset at multiple high-end positions in the field. Behind the plate, the athleticism really stands out in the state and nationally as well as the poise and polish being able to handle quality stuff, can even go out in center field and look the part of a high end defender as well. At the plate, the right-handed hitter has really seen his production tick up, the bat-to-ball and impact have the potential to play in the middle of the lineup at the next level with increased strength gains. From 3/19/25: "was one of the top performers from the weekend. The former Prep Baseball Future Game participant impressed throughout the day. Standing at an athletic and strong 5-foot-11, 170 pound frame with room for more fill, Brenner started his day by running the fastest recorded 60-yard dash at 6.76. At the plate, the right-handed hitter took a standout round of BP consistently finding the barrel and impacting the ball with leverage out in front. Defensively, Brenner shows off his athleticism at multiple spots, a capable defender behind the plate with advanced catch-and-throw ability with a strong and accurate arm up to 82 mph from the crouch and a pop time range of 1.85-2.03. Also a sure handed infielder with range and arm strength up to 88 mph." |
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Trey Kerkhoff 3B / Burlington, WI / 2026Rankings StateRank: 12 / POS: 2
One of the top “hitters” in the state regardless of class. Innate feel for the barrel with growing strength from the right-side, working consistently to each gap while tapping into more home runs throughout the year. The motor and twitch stand out at the plate, instant bat speed at launch with feel to drive the ball in the air with carry. The 6-foot-1 strong athlete can also provide quality defense at a number of spots in the infield, profiling as a third baseman at the next level. 6.65 runner and plays with a ton of energy and poise. From 2/26/25: “made a statement with his performance on Sunday. He grew an inch and put on a solid twelve pounds of muscle mass as he came in and measured 6-foot-1, 194 pounds. He started off his day by running the 4th best 60 yard dash of the day at 6.65 seconds. With the bat, Kerkoff was hitting rockets with a short and handsy path and registered an impressive 99 mph max exit velocity which was the 5th best mark on the day. His 94 mph average exit velocity was second best mark of the day and proved how frequently Kerkhoff was on the barrel throughout the round. It was such a clean and consistently looking swing using leverage from back to front in such a controlled way, it’s no wonder why he is one of the top bats in the state. With the glove, the middle infielder showed soft hands with a rhythmic funnel and will be able to stick at short. |
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Ian Kawczynski SS / Catholic Memorial, WI / 2026Rankings StateRank: 26 / POS: 5
Another big winner on the year, a physical 6-foot-1 athlete with actions and the arm to stick at shortstop and even provide above-average defense in the future. At the plate, the right-handed hitter takes pesky at-bats with feel for the barrel and to drive the ball in the air consistently. From 7/17/25: “Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit. A long-limed, lean, 6-foot, 171-pound frame, Kawczynski had a strong showing out of the lead-off spot, going 2-for-4 with two singles and three RBIs Sunday afternoon. A mature presence in the box, the right-hander attacks pitches he can handle, using the whole field. A contact-oriented approach with hands that work smoothly through the zone, creating a flat, direct path. At short, Kawczynski shows clean actions, with feet working around with smooth hands on a two-hand gather.” |
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Joseph Meeter OF / Holmen, WI / 2026Rankings StateRank: 33 / POS: 8
A physical 6-foot-1, 191-pound corner outfielder with strength/speed traits that play at any level. 6.65 runner with growing power production at the plate and arm strength to pair. From 7/30/25: “Currently ranked No. 42 in Wisconsin’s 2026 class. Presenting an athletic 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame with some upside, Meeter had one of the more impressive workouts during testing day. The right-hander began the day with a 6.65 sec 60-yard dash, reaching a 20.7 mph max run speed with a 30” vertical jump. He then showed easy power at the plate during the hitting portion. He finished with a 100.3 mph max exit velocity in BP, with four balls hit over 100 mph, a 94.7 mph average exit velocity, and a 353-foot max distance. He also would look the part in the outfield with a strong arm at a 91 mph outfield velocity.” |
OF Gavin Wiessenburger (Living Word Lutheran; Wisconsin-Parkside) From 7/31/25: “Set to rise big in the next rankings update as one of the top athletes in Wisconsin – he’s a two-way with a very high ceiling. Athletic 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame with twitch and strength. On the mound, he’s an athletic mover with a fluid, repeatable delivery. He works from a medium leg lift into a controlled drop-and-drive motion with slight crossfire, creating a tough angle for hitters. Low ¾ slot with a long, loose arm action. Relied heavily on his fastball that averaged 86.3 and topped out at 88.4 with heavy arm-side run and sink. Mixed in a short, tight slider with gyro shape at 76-78 mph that earned some ugly whiffs. Weissenburger may not have had the results to show for it, but he consistently induced weak contact and generated multiple ground balls. At the plate, Weissenburger was a performer with the bat throughout gameplay, collecting three hits throughout gameplay including a triple and a home run.”
INF/RHP Zach Rizzo (Kenosha St. Joseph; Wisconsin-Parkside) From 3/12/25: “is a two-sport standout, and one of the state’s top QB prospects. The imposing 6-foot-5, 239-pound two-way prospect stood out on both sides of the ball this past weekend. At the plate, Rizzo took a loud round from the right side, from a simple and easily repeatable path, showing feel to drive the baseball. The ball jumps, making consistent hard contact averaging 93.6 mph exit velo, reaching a peak of 102.6 mph with above average bat speed at 74.9 mph. On the mound, Rizzo delivers the baseball with power, the ball jumps out of the hand with life, playing in the upper-80s while showing feel for three secondaries. A two plane breaking ball that plays with plays with two plane break in the mid-70s to pair with a firm changeup in the low-80s and a true feel for a low-80s cutter with late action. A definite name-to-know in Wisconsin’s junior class.”
OF Sam Manchester (Hudson; Bryant & Stratton JC) From 7/31/25: “would showcase loud tools across the workout. At the plate, the Hudson product presented an upright setup in the box, gaining ground while utilizing a longer stride to get into a position of launch with quick hands that produced a max bat speed of 78.5 mph and an average of 73.1 mph. Additionally, showcased some raw power, achieving a max exit velocity of 100.4 mph with a 92.1 mph average and a max distance of 376 feet. Also showed present foot speed with a 6.68 60-yard dash that offered promise both on the basepaths and on the grass. Twitchy 5-foot-11, 164-pound frame with 9% body fat and top-end strength. Few players were featured on as many stat leaderboards as Manchester, and he deserves some serious attention from the college coaches community as a result.”
MIF Matthew Schoenfeldt (Whitefish Bay) From 5/5/25: “currently the No. 72 ranked player in the state’s junior class. Immense ceiling physically, standing at a lean and athletic 6-foot-2, 175 pound frame with longer levers. Left-handed hitting middle infielder that hit two-hole for the Blue Dukes, on the barrel throughout all four of his at-bats going 3-for-4 on the day with two doubles with the only out coming on a hard fly out to left field. Uses the entire field and drives the ball in the air with leverage consistently with easy and natural bat-to-ball traits. Defensively the actions in the infield continue to improve showing easy range to both sides with budding arm strength on the left-side of the diamond.”
C/RHP Andrew Belott (Wisconsin Lutheran; Wisconsin-La Crosse) From 7/31/25: “A consistent performer in front of our staff, Belott would continue to show a quality toolset. At the plate, presented a balanced base while utilizing a two-tap stride to get into a position of launch with a strong, direct bat path. Took a quality round of batting practice, sporting a 98.8 mph max exit velocity in addition to an 88.2 mph average. Also showed quality defensive instincts with pop times as low as 1.94 seconds during the workout. Strong 5-foot-11, 182-pound frame. This was an impressive showing for a backstop due to rise on the ‘26 rankings.”
C Isaiah Ahlberg (Solon Springs; Minnesota-Duluth) From 7/31/25: took a nice step forward in this look. Ahlberg is powerfully built with a 5-foot-10, 179 pound frame with more room to add strength. Ahlberg showed off his ability to hit with a natural trigger and natural feel to hit and was driving the ball throughout his round and registered a solid 93 mph max exit velocity from his well-sequenced right-handed swing. Behind the plate, Ahlberg showed a cannon at 80 mph velocity and serious ability to turn the ball around and put it on the bag. His 1.80-1.96 pop times were an event best. He also showcased soft hands and a confident presence behind the plate when receiving during bullpens. During outfield defense, Ahlberg tied for an event best with showcasing a 91 mph pulldown with accuracy and carry."
INF Logan Prall (Waupun) From 7/1/25: “Standing at a lengthy and projectable 6-foot-2, 160-pound frame, Logan Prall is someone to keep an eye on in the future. At the plate, he collected two RBIs on a double in the third inning. He has a quick bat speed with some whip to the barrel. He features soft hands and a quick arm at third base.”
MIF Van Vogler (Sun Prairie East; Minnesota-Mankato) From 7/31/25: “Showcased an athletic profile with gamer traits that consistently played up. Presenting a spread-out based and medium stride, Vogler showcased a loose and handsy, line-drive oriented right-handed swing. Took a quality of batting practice with a max exit velocity of 96 mph along with an 87.4 mph average. Finished gameplay 3-for-5 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored. With evident defensive instincts and range, the Sun Prairie East product has enough baseball acumen to stick up the middle, with the keystone acting as a safe floor as he continues to add explosiveness and strength to his present toolset.”
INF Jayson Randolph (Wauwatosa West; Madison JC) From 7/31/25: “Upright stance in the box, gains ground with a small stride timing mechanism. Achieved a top EV of 94.4 mph. Athleticism stands out with a 6.59 60-yd dash and a 24.7-in vertical jump. Fluid movements on the infield, smooth gather to the body to pair with a long, loose over the top release. He exited the two-day event as one of the buzziest names in attendance.”
C Peyton Poker (Baraboo; Southeastern CC) From 3/19/25: “is an athletic left-handed hitting catcher and outfielder that came away a winner from the weekend. Standing at 5-foot-11, 178-pounds with room for added strength throughout his frame. At the plate, Poker found the barrel consistently driving the ball on a line through the middle of the field. Defensively, Poker is a confident defender with advanced catch and throw traits with soft and fluid hands, and arm strength up to 79 mph with a pop range of 1.90-2.01. In the outfield takes aggressive routes to the baseball and shows arm strength up to 90 mph. Another arrow up junior that is a follow prospect heading into the spring.”
INF Isaac Teisl (Mukwonago; Wisconsin-Parkside) From 7/31/25: “Set to rise in the next rankings update, the big bodied left-handed hitter presents a wider, slightly open stance, looking to get on top of the ball while staying balanced through impact. Soft hands on the infield, works around the ball, long, over the top release with carry.”
INF/OF Ian Bauer (Eau Claire Memorial) From 7/17/25: “A standout at the Western Wisconsin Summer ID, Bauer continued to showcase a quality, uncommitted profile, highlighted by a solid left-handed bat and a versatile defensive profile. At the plate, he showcased a simple left-handed stroke with line-drive intent and some present fell for the barrel. Finished the tournament 4-for-11 with a double, four RBIs, and two runs scored. Defensively took reps both at the keystone and in center field, showing fringy aptitude for both positions. 6-foot-2, 176-pound frame with room for added strength.”
OF Jackson Villarreal (Oak Creek) From 7/31/25: “Fresh off one of the most productive springs in the Southeast Conference for the Knights. Wide stance from the LHH, minimal toe tap load mechanism, stays in the back side through the swing, back spin tendencies with intent to do damage. Stays behind the ball in the outfield, quick, loose arm action in the outfield with a max OF velocity of 88 mph.”
OF Nicholas Firle (Franklin; Morton JC) From 7/31/25: “Wide, balanced base in the box, stays in legs with a short stride. Middle of the field/pull side approach, athletic hands in the swing. Tracks the ball well in the outfield, stays behind the ball. The left-handed swing is smooth and helped him put together a strong summer, which has now earned him some well-deserved attention as he looks like a next-level producer.”
C Silas Cronkite (Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln) From 10/5/25: “continues to showcase loud tools in the showcase setting for our staff. He started his day by running a respectable 7.20 60 yard dash showing off an athletic gait and quick turnover. Next, the right-handed hitter produced the highest max exit velocity of the day at 95.6 mph as the ball was jumping off his bat throughout the round from his repeatable right handed swing. Behind the plate, the defense continues to be the carrying tool for the senior. Cronkite had the second best pop time of the day at 2.08 and we’ve seen him sub 2.00 seconds in the past. Cronkite has a high aptitude for the catching position and is an asset behind the plate with how athletic he is in general, but especially for a backstop. Cronkite remains a name to follow and will be a player that will be able to help a program at that next level as he continues to develop.”
OF Josh Kuntz (Mount Horeb; Wisconsin-La Crosse) From 7/31/25: “Was a standout throughout gameplay, consistent quality at-bats throughout gameplay, showing multiple ways to get on base. Smooth, compact LH swing. Balanced set up, fluid movements with the hands. Simple, flat swing, line drive tendencies to all fields. Showcased quality routes in the outfield, gets behind the ball, quick arm out of a 3/4 slot. Kuntz was among the biggest overall winners at the State Games this year.”
C/OF John Arnold (Sussex Hamilton; Wisconsin-Parkside) From 7/31/25: “Stands tall in the box with a heavy leg kick, bat coil during the stride. Shows feel for the barrel in the swing, pull side approach. Short, over the top arm action from behind the plate. Arnold is an athletic receiver, where he’s most comfortable defensively, but he was also impressive out in right field this spring for his high school. Additionally, he was one of the Chargers’ top hitters on a squad that made it all the way to the state tourney.”
OF Keyton Killian (Fond du Lac; MSOE) From 8/18/25: “was perhaps the biggest winner coming from Monday’s event in Sheboygan. Standing at a lean and athletic 5-foot-11, 161-pound frame with plenty of room to add strength to the frame. At the plate the left-handed hitter swung a quick and handsy bat showing feel for the barrel throughout his round of BP driving the ball on a line through the middle of the field. Kilian reached a max exit velocity of 90.3 mph throughout the round averaging 84.1 mph throughout. Defensively Kilian moved with ease showing confident and athletic actions in the outfield, looking like a capable defender at each spot in the outfield with arm strength up to 83 mph. Kilian is an uncommitted name to know heading into his final year as a prep."
INF/OF Gavin Thompson (Chippewa Falls; Carroll) From 7/17/25: “would showcase a quality left-handed bat throughout the weekend with a line-drive oriented approach, some present feel for the barrel, and bat speed. In setup, he presents an athletic base with his weight distributed on his back leg before launching into a position to hit via a short stride. Defensively showed well at multiple positions with present baseball acumen that consistently played up. Compact 5-foot-7, 179-pound frame with present strength and athleticism.”
INF Brendan Kellar (Badger) From 6/10/25: “Uncommitted, Keller would act as the prominent offensive catalyst for his Badger squad during their Supersectional Semifinal matchup. The left-handed bat would go 2-for-3, with a home run, two RBIs, and one run scored. An aggressive, intentful swinger, Keller sought to do damage across all of his at-bats with a loft-based approach and evident strength. Standing in at 5-foot-11, 191-pounds, Keller is a name to follow within Wisconsin’s 2026 class as he continues to refine his present offensive skillset.”
INF Peyton Lenell (Brookfield Central) From 7/31/25: “Stands at 6-foot, 192-pounds with strength throughout the frame. At the plate the right-hander impacts the baseball out front with strength, spraying line drives throughout the middle of the field reaching a peak exit velo of 96.5 mph throughout batting practice. Defensively the infielder is versatile with enough arm strength and foot speed to be a capable defender at any spot in the infield, especially either spot on the left-side.”
OF Joel Markusse (Brookfield East) From 5/6/25: “Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 159 in the state. Compact, 5-foot-8, 160-pound build, present strength throughout, round shoulders with a developed lower-half. Started in center and hit out of the five-hole for the Spartans, finishing the day 2-for-3 with two hits. Twitchy right-handed hitter with a comfortable look in the box, battled in counts and showed notable bat-speed. Moves around well in the outfield with quality reads off the bat, quick first step, covers ground well. Arm played with some strength and accuracy during IO. Athletic prospect to know.”
INF Tyler Olszewski (Germantown) an athletic left-handed hitting middle infielder that was a standout throughout the year, especially the spring season. Consistent bat-to-ball ability from the left-side while hitting .387 this high school season with more walks than strikeouts, 6.81 runner with speed that translates on the field to pair with immense room to continue to fill into his 6-foot-3 frame.
C Mason Jones (New Berlin Eisenhower; Bryant & Stratton JC) Strong and powerful catcher that provides a steady presence behind the dish with feel to handle high end arms. The starting catcher for D2 champions New Berlin Eisenhower this spring and provided quality defense behind the dish all season. At the plate, the right-handed hitter consistently finds the barrel, doing most of his damage to the pullside.
OF/ INF Mark Williams (Sheboygan North) From 3/4/25: “popped up as a follow bat to monitor from the weekend. The athletic 5-foot-10, 186-pound outfielder also showed present strength while being one of the top athletes at the event. Williams started the day running a 6.91 60 yard dash before taking a quality round of BP, showing an overall fluid and more natural right-handed swing from his previous looks. Reaching a 96.3 mph max exit velo on the day while showing overall feel for the barrel throughout the round. Defensively, the outfielder showed natural actions with arm strength up to 83 mph during the event. Williams is a name-to-know in the Badger State moving forward.”
INF Lucas Roux (Rice Lake) From 2/19/25: “was another interesting prospect as he showed feel for the barrel and a smooth swing through the baseball. Roux drove the ball through the big part of the field throughout his round and his natural hitability make him an interesting follow moving forward.”
OF Dominick Walters (Franklin) From 7/17/25: “Uncommitted. Standing at 6-foot, 203-pound solid frame, Walters had a great outing in Friday morning’s 9-0 win. The right-hander displayed a balanced but powerful swing, while getting out the box with a quick first step. He finished 2-for-3 at the plate, with a single and a grand slam in the bottom of the second inning giving Prospect a great lead at the beginning of the game.”
INF Carson Greuel (Mukwonago; College of Lake County CC) From 7/31/25: “A summer standout for our staff, the uncommitted rising presents a tall stance in the box with a rhythmic right-handed swing and some present feel for the barrel. Defensively showed soft hands up the middle with quick transfers and confident footwork.”
OF/INF Quinn Payne (Wisconsin Heights) From 7/8/25: “is an uncommitted utility prospect that had one of the louder rounds of BP in the event. He showcased a well-proportioned 5-foot-9, 163-pound frame. At the plate, he showed loose hands with the ability to create backspin, finishing with a 95.1 mph max exit velocity and an 84.4 mph average exit velocity.”
INF Andrew Browne (Menomonee Falls) From 2/26/25: “showed our Wisconsin staff that he is a prospect that should be on our radar. His powerful right handed swing is repeatable with barrel feel and produced a solid 93 mph max exit velocity. Browne’s athleticism was also on display as he ran a bursty 6.99 seconds 60 yard dash and on defense was 85 mph across the infield with smooth actions. Overall, it was a nice day from the junior infielder.”
OF Jack Murray (Brookfield East) From 5/6/25: “Northern Illinois football commit, three-star linebacker. Physical 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame, present strength, broad/full shoulders with proportionate muscle throughout. Started in right field and hit out of the three-hole, finishing the day 1-for-2 with a run scored. Physical right-handed hitter with easy bat-speed, simple swing with raw strength. Moves around the outfield well for his size, comfortable reading the ball off the bat with proper routes.”
INF Zach Shipman (Eau Claire North) From 7/17/25: “A consensus weekend favorite among our staff, Shipman would show a hitterish left-handed bat throughout the weekend with a present feel for the barrel that consistently played up. Presenting an athletic, slightly open base while utilizing a medium stride to get into a position of launch to do damage with quick hands and a strong barrel, Shipman would finish the tournament 5-for-15 with a double, four RBIs, six runs scored, and two walks. Defensively took reps both on the dirt and on the grass and showed developing instincts throughout the weekend. 6-foot, 184-pound frame with present strength.”
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