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College  | Story | 1/23/2025

Conference Preview: Sun Belt

Joey Cohen
2025 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans 

For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2025 college baseball preview content, the 2024 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription.

2024 Records

Teams are listed in alphabetical order*



Team W L W L
App State 33 21 16 13
Arkansas State 21 32 7 22
Coastal Carolina 36 25 16 14
Georgia Southern 33 26 17 13
Georgia State 25 32 13 17
James Madison 36 25 17 13
Louisiana 42 20 23 7
Marshall 18 37 9 21
ODU 31 26 15 15
South Alabama 31 25 14 16
Southern Miss 43 20 20 10
Texas State 27 29 13 17
Troy 37 22 18 12
ULM 25 30 11 19

Preseason All-Conference Team

Pos.
Name
School
Stats/Notes
C
Coastal Carolina
.328/.411/.521 with 9 HRs. Switch hitting catcher with an advanced hit tool, mature approach, and flashes of above avg. power. Advanced defender.
1B
Troy
.313/.443/.527, 43BB/31K. Veteran hitter who’s performed everywhere. Adv. bat-to-ball with legit impact. 
2B
Blake Barthol
Coastal Carolina
.310/.444/.597 with 15 HRs. LHH/MIF. Two consecutive .300+ AVG. seasons. Strong defender with middle of the order juice. 
3B
ODU
.287/.364/.531 with 12 HRs. Pretty/loose RH stroke with strong ability to backspin to the pull side. Some swing/miss in the profile.
SS
Texas State
.340/.466/.468.  Switch hitter. Some of the best B2B in the country and can take his walks. Sneaky juice. Strong athlete and baserunner. 
OF
Georgia State
.302/.390/.538 with 13 HRs. Ultra physical. Flashes plus power. Sneaky speed, led the panthers with 19 SBs last season.
OF
Carson Paetow
Southern Miss
.285/.429/.543 with 11 HRs. Physical LH bat. Real juice. Takes his walks. Plays a strong CF. 
OF
Louisiana 
.318/.398/.579. 6-foot-5 RH bat. Strong combination of power and speed with a plus arm from the OF. 
OF
Georgia Southern
.369/.475/.489, Advanced hit tool, specifically bat-to-ball ability. Leadoff type bat. ++ athlete. Versatile defender. 
DH
Troy 
.279/.381/.589 with 18 HRs. Legit juice (70), gets the ball in the air and leaves the yard to all fields. Standout summer. Catching has become a big strength this fall.
UT
Marshall
.291/.363/.521, Transfer from St. Louis U. Uber-athletic SS. Smooth defender. Real impact at the plate.
SP
Marshall
3.45 ERA in 86 innings. 5-foot-11 LHP. Upper 80s fastball. Stands out with his command and pitchability.
SP
Southern Miss
3.58 ERA, 82K/18BB in 65.1 innings. Strike thrower. Low-mid 90s sinker with swing/miss power SL. 
SP
Louisiana 
3.79 ERA, 69 Ks in 73.2 innings. 6-foot-3 LHP. Low-mid 90s fastball. Strong command. Plus CB. 
SP
ODU
2.92 ERA, 39 Ks in 37 innings. 6-foot-4 LHP with a mid-upper 90s fastball. 
RP
ODU
2.84 ERA in 30 appearances. Velo up into the low 90s now which he pairs with a slider that flashes plus. 

Player of the Year: Caden Bodine, Coastal Carolina
Pitcher of the Year: Chase Morgan, Louisiana
Freshman of the Year: Jimmy Janicki, Troy

2025 MLB Draft Prospects

1. Caden Bodine, Coastal Carolina
2. Noah Edders, Troy
3. Ben Moore, ODU
4. Josh Tate, Georgia Southern
5. Brooks Bryan, 
6. Garrett Gainous, Troy
7. Blake Barthol, Coastal Carolina
8. Drew Markle, Louisianna
9. Michael Maginnis, Georgia State
10. Maika Niu, Marshall
11. Jb Middleton, Southern Miss
12. Conor Higgs, Louisianna
13. Peyton Watts, Troy
14. Colby Allen, Southern Miss
15. Carson Paetow, Southern Miss
16. Chase Mora, Texas State
17. Carson Laws, Texas State
18. Peyton Watts, Troy
19. Luke Yuhasz, Troy
20. Dylan Brown, ODY
21. Rett Johnson, South Alabama
22. Jevarra Martin, Georgia Southern 
23. John Smith, South Alabama 
24. Angelo Aleman, ULM
25. Patrick Engskov, Arkansas State
26. Wilson French, Arkansas State
27. Cullen McKay, Coastal Carolina
28. Hector Mangual, South Alabama
29. Jaden Kinsler, JMU
30. Wyatt Peifer, JMU
31. Ryan Dooley, JMU
32. Brady Owens, Georgia Southern
33. Maverick Stallings, ODU
34. Kade Grundy, Georgia Southern
35. Dylan Brown, ODU
36. Juan Correa, App State
37. Bryce Blevins, Marshall
38. Jake Books, Coastal Carolina
39. Davis Gillespie, Southern Miss
40. Blake Cavill, Troy

2026 MLB Draft Prospects

1. Cameron Flukey, Coastal Carolina
2. Chase Morgan, Louisiana
3. Ryne Farber, Texas State
4. Drake Meeks, Southern Miss
5. Connor Cuff, Louisiana 
6. Jaxon Shineflew, South Alabama 
7. William Maginnis, Georgia State
8. Ross Norman, Georgia State
9. Ethan Farris, Texas State
10. Jackson Logar, JMU
11. Kameron Miller, App State
12. Daniel Gonzalez, ULM
13. Collin Maloney, Arkansas State
14. Griffin Miller, Marshall
15. Zachary Stevens, South Alabama

2027 MLB Draft Prospects

1. Jimmy Janicki, Troy
2. Dawson Park, Texas State
3. Grayden Harris, Southern Miss
4. Scott Duran, Coastal Carolina
5. Brooks Wright, Louisiana
6. Marc Collins, Louisiana
7. Chase Davis, South Alabama
8. Thomas Burke, Georgia Southern
9. Riley Luft, App State
10. Jacob Wallace, ULM
11. Tyler Weimer, Arkansas State
12. Cayden Ochsenfeld, JMU
13. Kenyon Collins, Marshall

Appalachian State: The Mountaineers are coming off back-to-back quality seasons and will look to take the next step toward breaking into the top tier of the Sun Belt. To do so, they’ll need strong production from several returning bats. Leadoff man and second baseman Joseph Zamora (.844 OPS) sets the tone, while catcher Braxton Church (.812 OPS) returns behind the plate and stands out for his advanced plate discipline. The coaching staff is also very high on Kameron Miller after he posted a .838 OPS in limited action last season, flashing legitimate power and projecting as a middle-of-the-order bat. Among the newcomers, transfer Juan Correa is expected to make an immediate impact after slugging 12 home runs with an .820 OPS at UNC Charlotte. Freshman Riley Luft also impressed during the fall and could be a name to watch, as he may work his way into significant playing time. On the mound, the Mountaineers return some experience at the front of the rotation with Caleb Cross (47 IP, 7.80 ERA) and Collin Welch (40 IP, 6.02 ERA). They’ve also added depth through transfers, including command-oriented right-hander Caleb Marks from Trevecca Nazarene and Jack Zang from Schoolcraft College, where he was named conference Pitcher of the Year. Zach Lewis returns as the closer after making 23 appearances last season, and Bradley Wilson could emerge as a high-impact bullpen arm thanks to his power fastball that reaches the upper 90s.


Arkansas State: The Red Wolves enter the season looking to turn the page on recent struggles, buoyed by a roster with legitimate upside. INF Wil French (.876 OPS) is their top returning performer—a switch hitting, table-setting bat who provides steady defense at second base. Additional offensive production will come from three returning starters: OF Cason Campbell (.864 OPS), who offers a strong blend of contact and power; 3B Daedrick Cail (.742 OPS), coming off an impressive fall and projected to hit in the middle of the order; and 1B Cason Tollett (.784 OPS), a mature, veteran presence in the lineup. Several transfers are expected to step into everyday roles, including C Kaden Amundson (Nicholls), a reliable defender; CF Ashton Quiler (Nicholls), a dynamic athlete with intriguing tools; and SS Patrick Engskov (Oklahoma), a double-plus runner and capable defender who profiles as an impact, middle-of-the-order bat. On the mound, the Red Wolves return multiple arms with starting experience in Collin Maloney, Kole Turner, and Jelle Van Der Lelie. Maloney is a strike-thrower with a riding low-90s fastball, Turner is a seasoned senior with a legitimate slider, and Van Der Lelie features an effective sinker/slider combination. Transfer left-hander Jack Nelson is also expected to factor into the weekend rotation, bringing a quality three-pitch mix he can consistently land for strikes. Out of the bullpen, another Nicholls transfer, Chase Richter, is slated to handle closing duties, using a heavy sinking fastball from the left side paired with a sharp slider.


Coastal Carolina: The Chanticleers have been a model of consistency in the Sun Belt for years, and entering the 2025 season they’re aiming for their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. On the position-player side, Coastal did lose a few key contributors from last year’s group in Bender, Antoncacci, and Brown, but this still projects as an offense capable of putting up numbers. Caden Bodine (.328/.411/.523) and Blark Barthol (.310/.444/.597) headline the returning core. Bodine may be the best catcher in the country, bringing an advanced switch-hitting bat and strong defensive skills behind the plate. Barthol provides impact power from the left side and pairs it with an above-average glove at second base. Jake Books, Ty Barrango, and Dean Mihos are also back and project as everyday contributors. Books posted a .965 OPS last season, showing power to all fields, and should split time between DH and a corner outfield spot. Barrango is expected to open the year as the starting shortstop, where he stands out as an elite defender. Mihos (.275/.403/.379) anchors center field, offering above-average defense thanks to his athleticism while flashing pull-side power at the plate. Several transfers should play important roles as well, including toolsy outfielder Blagen Pado, JUCO first baseman Colby Thorndyke, and veteran bat Wells Sykes from The Citadel. On the mound, Coastal has solid depth and a number of intriguing arms. Cullen McKay and Riley Eikhoff project as strong Friday-night options. McKay transfers in from Virginia after a shaky 2024 season but brings legitimate stuff, including a low-to-mid-90s fastball, a swing-and-miss slider, and an effective changeup. Eikhoff logged 75.2 innings as a freshman, posting a 5.00 ERA while walking just 15 hitters, highlighting his pitchability and ability to fill up the strike zone. Cameron Flukey is another returning arm who could factor into the weekend rotation after throwing 55 innings last year. Jacob Morrison could also see significant starts after making 13 as a freshman before an injury sidelined him in 2024. Matthew Potok and Ryan Lynch are additional arms who could log meaningful innings. Out of the bullpen, Chance Mako profiles as the probable closer, relying on a power fastball to finish games.


Georgia Southern: Coach Rodney Hennon enters his 26th season at the helm, continuing a long track record of fielding competitive teams. The 2025 Eagles look poised to win plenty of games once again. Offensively, the lineup is led by outfielder Josh Tate (.369/.475/.489) and infielder Sean Smith (.321/.417/.587). Tate is the top prospect on the roster, featuring 80-grade speed and elite bat-to-ball skills, while Smith is a legitimate power threat expected to produce significant slug this season. The Eagles also return Jonathan Jaime, who will occupy the final outfield spot after a solid 2024 campaign. Jaime posted a .761 OPS and led the team in batting average during the fall. In the infield, Cade Parker returns at shortstop after slugging 10 home runs last season and showcasing above-average speed. Several transfers are expected to step into key roles immediately. Nico Senese (Georgia Tech) will start at third base, bringing strong defense and a gritty, competitive approach at the top of the lineup. Cam Foster (Liberty) projects as the everyday first baseman, offering 25 career collegiate home runs along with a reliable glove. On the mound, the pitching staff will be anchored by transfers Kade Grundy (Louisville), Jevarra Martin (South Carolina), and Brady Owens (Ball State). Grundy brings extensive college experience and a deep arsenal, featuring a low-to-mid-90s fastball, two breaking balls, and a quality changeup. Martin impressed during the fall, standing out with his 6-foot-7 frame, low-to-mid-90s fastball, and a legitimate cutter. Owens delivers from a lower three-quarters slot, running his fastball into the mid-90s while mixing a quality slurve, cutter, and changeup. Freshman Thomas Burke earned a starting role after a standout fall in which he led the team in strikeouts and opponent batting average against. Gaston transfer Evan Vandenbosch will also get opportunities, thanks to swing-and-miss secondary stuff. Joey White is expected to handle closing duties after making 29 appearances last season and posting a 4.43 ERA.


Georgia State: The Panthers are coming off a down 2024 season, finishing 25–32 (13–17), but the coaching staff remains bullish on the talent within the roster. Michael Maginnis returns as the club’s top offensive piece after a breakout ’24 campaign in which he slashed .302/.390/.538 with 13 home runs, showcasing plus power and the ability to steal bases. Shortstop Jesse Donohoe and catcher Colin Hynek are also back and will be counted on to take steps forward offensively this season. Jae Williams returns after appearing in 24 games last year, hitting .300 with two home runs. He profiles as an excellent defensive outfielder with a plus arm. A pair of freshmen are expected to make an immediate impact up the middle, with Cooper Milford starting in center field and Carter Bailey at shortstop. Several transfers should also see significant playing time, including switch-hitting second baseman Kaleb Freeman from Auburn, a versatile defender, and Andon Lewis from St. John’s River State, who will get at-bats at DH and brings legitimate power. Another freshman the staff is particularly high on is Wills Maginnis, whose mature approach and positional versatility should allow him to log significant innings. On the mound, the Panthers return several weekend options from last year’s staff in Ross Norman, Dylan Matela, and Quin McManmon. Norman logged 34 innings in 2024 and is a 6-foot-7 power arm with a mid-90s downhill fastball and a wipeout slider. Matela brings 63 innings of collegiate experience across three seasons and features a plus 12–6 breaking ball. McManmon, another 6-foot-7 right-hander, made six starts last season and showed a quality fastball/slider combination. Transfer Jake Hembree (UGA) is expected to earn starts early in the season after a strong fall, while Cole Roberts (UNLV) will be relied upon to close games out of the bullpen, where he stands out as an elite strike thrower.


James Madison: JMU has put together two strong seasons under Coach Ikenberry and will look to carry that momentum into 2025. Offensively, the Dukes return several key contributors from last year’s lineup, including outfielder Ryan Dooley, first baseman Coleman Calabrese, and shortstop Wyatt Peifer. Dooley slashed .303/.404/.459 a season ago, walking more than he struck out, and is expected to anchor the lineup in the three-hole. Calabrese brings a reliable glove at first base and slugged 10 home runs, while Peifer—an outstanding defender at third base last season—shifts to shortstop this spring after posting a .904 OPS. Kyle Langley also returns as a starter, with the coaching staff hoping he can build on his .248/.377/.341 slash line. Jack Cannizzaro and Nic Poole are expected to step into starting roles after serving as backups last season, joined by impact transfers Maddux Fleck (Johnson JC) and Eli Steadman (Birmingham Southern). On the mound, Jackson Logar is back after logging 43 strong innings out of the bullpen, working in the low 90s with a swing-and-miss slider in the low 80s. Six-foot-five left-hander Jaden Kinsler is likely to earn a weekend role, bringing 69 innings of college experience, a 5.01 ERA, strong strike-throwing ability, a low-90s fastball, and a plus changeup. Freshman Cayden Oschnfield is another arm to watch, featuring a power fastball that reaches the mid-to-upper 90s.


Louisiana: The Cajuns are coming off a pair of strong seasons that included a Sun Belt regular-season title and multiple regional appearances. They’ll look to build on that success in 2025 with a roster capable of doing just that. Losing Debarge and Taylor will sting, but there’s plenty of talent ready to step into bigger roles. Among the key returning bats are catcher Jose Torres (.317 average), first baseman Lee Amedee (.795 OPS), and an experienced outfield trio of Caleb Stelly (.805 OPS), Connor Higgs (.927 OPS), and Luke Yuhasz (.977 OPS). In the infield, keep an eye on potential breakout seasons from Drew Markle (Ole Miss) and Connor Cuff—both high-level athletes that Coach Deggs is particularly high on. The Cajuns also bring in freshmen who could make immediate impacts in Brooks Wright, Owen Galt, and Mark Collins. On the mound, Louisiana returns Chase Morgan, the best arm back in the conference after posting a 3.18 ERA over 72 innings in 2024. He’ll be joined in the weekend rotation by Andrew Herrmann, a 6-foot-3 left-hander with a legitimate breaking ball, and Black McGehee, who brings 59 innings of college experience and a 4.25 career ERA. James Trimble is another arm to watch, as he could earn starts with a fastball that reaches the mid-90s, paired with a quality slider and changeup. Out of the bullpen, Parker Dilhoff is expected to open the season as the closer. The Northwest Florida JC transfer features a sinky low-to-mid-90s fastball and a swing-and-miss slider, giving the Cajuns a strong option at the back end.


Marshall: The Thundering Herd finished at the bottom of the conference in 2024, but they bring an intriguing roster into 2025 with a chance to be far more competitive. Returning pieces from last year’s lineup include OF Elijah Vogelsong (.822 OPS), a plus defender who provides steady offensive production, and Cam Harthan (.792 OPS), the prototypical leadoff hitter who sets the tone at the top of the order. AJ Havrilla is expected to take over at first base, and the coaching staff is optimistic he’ll take a step forward after his freshman season. The transfer class is highlighted by two immediate impact players in Nolan Wilson (Nevada) and Maika Niu (Saint Louis). Wilson steps in behind the plate after posting a .907 OPS last season, showcasing an advanced bat to pair with strong receiving skills. Niu (.291/.363/.521) projects as the everyday shortstop and brings an exciting, toolsy profile with smooth actions, a strong arm, and legitimate power at the plate. On the mound, LHP Bryce Blevins is the likely Friday night starter following a strong 2024 campaign in which he logged 86 innings with a 3.45 ERA, relying on plus pitchability. RHP Griffin Miller returns after throwing 43 innings as a freshman, featuring a sinking fastball that climbs into the 90s and a quality breaking ball. The rotation should be rounded out by transfer Fenix DiGiacomo, who brings a power fastball, and freshman Kenyon Collins. Out of the bullpen, Ohio State transfer Tim Baird is expected to close games, boasting the best fastball on the staff at up to 97 mph, paired with a short, tight slider.


Old Dominion: Old Dominion finished last season with a solid 31–26 overall record, though they landed squarely in the middle of the Sun Belt at 15–15 in conference play. The Monarchs enter this season with reason for optimism, returning a strong core from last year’s roster and pairing it with a pitching staff that has significant upside. Offensively, the left side of the infield is intact with shortstop Kyle Edwards (.795 OPS) and third baseman Maverick Stallings (.894 OPS), while catcher Evan Holdman (.717 OPS) also returns. In the outfield, the Monarchs bring back their top returning bat and top prospect in center fielder Luke Waters (.912 OPS), along with TJ Aiken (.710 OPS), who appeared in 46 games last season and will patrol left field. Power-hitting transfer Kainen Jorge (Central Florida) and freshman Efrain Morales are two newcomers to watch, both expected to make an immediate impact near the middle of the lineup. On the mound, Old Dominion features two left-handers at the front of the rotation in Ben Moore (2.68 ERA) and Dylan Brown (5.40 ERA). Veteran Blake Morgan returns for his fourth season and brings an elite changeup, owning a 4.00 career ERA across 166 collegiate innings. JUCO transfer Ethan Hubbell has impressed with his command and pitchability and is expected to earn starts. At the back end, Kellen Davis returns as the closer following a standout 2024 season in which he posted a 2.84 ERA over 30 appearances, flashing a plus slider.


South Alabama: The Jaguars have been a middle-of-the-pack Sun Belt team in recent years, but the coaching staff believes this roster can push them to the top of the conference. Returning starters include first baseman Lucas Ismaili, who posted an .808 OPS with 11 home runs last season, and second baseman Brennan Holt, a consistent everyday player in 2024 with a .777 OPS. Several transfers are expected to make an immediate impact. Kyle Morrison, arriving from Shelton State after hitting .450 with 12 home runs, is likely to anchor the top of the lineup. Outfielder John Smith from Pensacola State and shortstop Hector Mangual from Easton Florida State were standout JUCO performers and should see significant at-bats in the heart of the order. On the mound, the Jaguars return left-hander Jaxon Shineflew, who logged over 40 innings last season with a 4.43 ERA. He features a low-90s fastball complemented by a sharp slider and changeup. Sophomore Zach Stevens, who made five starts last year, is poised for a larger weekend role with a mid-90s fastball and high-spin breaking pitches. Lefty Eli Zielinski, coming off Tommy John surgery, looks ready for a comeback season, sitting in the upper 80s with strong command and a plus changeup. Grad transfer Dalton Brooks provides a different look as a low-slot sinker arm who pounds the strike zone and complements it with a swing-and-miss changeup. The pitching staff also boasts intriguing young talent. Freshman Chase Davis can touch the mid-to-upper 90s, while senior Zach Willingham is expected to serve as a key closer or late-inning stopper, though he has the stuff to be a Friday starter. With a blend of experienced returners, dynamic transfers, and high-upside arms, the Jaguars appear well-positioned to make a serious push in the Sun Belt this season.


Southern Miss: The Golden Eagles enter the 2025 season as reigning Sun Belt Tournament champions, building on a remarkable streak of 40+ wins in each of the last eight full seasons. With another talented roster, they are expected to compete at the top of the Sun Belt and have a strong chance of earning another regional appearance. On the position player side, the team returns a healthy core of starters from last year. Key contributors include outfielders Carson Paetow and Davis Gillespie, who are projected to hit 3–4 in the lineup. Paetow posted a .285/.429/.543 slash line last season, while Gillespie hit .318/.391/.516. The infield also returns intact with shortstop Ozzie Pratt, second baseman Nick Monistere, and first baseman Matthew Russo, who recorded a .946 OPS last year. Transfers could also make an immediate impact, particularly outfielders Ben Higdon (Kentucky) and Joey Urban (Butler), who figure to be in the starting mix. Pitching is expected to be a strength for the Golden Eagles. Colby Allen and JB Middleton return as anchors of the staff. Allen had a standout 10-2 season with a 3.58 ERA over 65 innings, showcasing a strong fastball-slider combination and legit command. Middleton posted a 4.34 ERA and brings a mid-to-upper 90s fastball along with a swing-and-miss changeup and slider. Freshmen left-handers Grayden Harris and McCarty English are expected to round out the rotation, while Josh Och is slated to handle closing duties. With a balance of experienced hitters and a deep, versatile pitching staff, the Golden Eagles are well-positioned to defend their Sun Belt title and make another deep postseason run.


Texas State: After a couple of strong seasons, the Bobcats took a step back last year, finishing 27-29 (13-17 in conference play). That setback has opened the door for a wave of fresh faces on the roster, but the team still has several key returners who will need to deliver big seasons. At the top of that list are SS Ryne Farber, 2B Chase Mora, and C Rashawn Galloway. Farber is one of the country’s best bat-to-ball hitters, proven by his .340 average and impressive 28 BB/7 K ratio. Mora showed flashes as a freshman but struggled through a sophomore slump. A powerful hitter to all fields, he had a strong fall, giving the staff optimism for a bounce-back season. Galloway comes off a promising year, slashing .279/.364/.423 in 37 games, and this fall he’s improved his mobility both in the box and behind the plate. Other returners to watch include 6-foot-5 Ethan Farris, who combines massive tools with raw power, and Cam Thompson, who posted a .772 OPS in limited at-bats last season. The Bobcats also added impact transfers who should step right into starting roles: Rocco Garza-Gongora (OU), Alan Shibley (Washington State), and Justin Vossos (Texas A&M). Freshman Dawson Park is another intriguing prospect, expected to contribute as a two-way player. On the mound, the Bobcats boast quality depth. Weekend rotation options likely include Austin Eaton and Sam Hall. Eaton, an elite competitor, logged 56 innings last season and sits in the mid-90s with his fastball; his slider can be a devastating weapon when on. Hall, despite battling injuries, showed promise with a low-90s fastball, two solid breaking pitches, and a swing-and-miss splitter across 46 innings in 2024. A sneaky addition is Jackson Teer, a D3 transfer from Trinity who brings a 90-92 mph sinker and arguably the staff’s best slider. Jesus Tovar and Matthew Tippie will also be counted on for key innings, while Carson Laws closes games with an upper-90s fastball and a power slider.


Troy: Troy is coming off a strong 2024 season and looked poised to make noise in 2025, easily fitting the profile of a dark horse contender. Their roster has plenty to like, from power left-handed bats to high-end athletes across the field—especially up the middle—and a pitching staff loaded with high-velocity arms. When talking Trojan baseball, it starts with Brooks Bryan, one of the top catching prospects in the country, who combines serious all-fields power with legitimate defensive skill. Other returners to watch include Peyton Watts, expected to break out at shortstop, and Shane Lewis, who looks ready to bounce back from an inconsistent 2024. Troy’s transfer class also brings impact potential. First baseman Blake Cavill comes from Western Kentucky, where he slashed .313/.443/.527 while drawing more walks than strikeouts. Gavin Schrader will slot into the outfield after a .312/.413/.518 season at Niagara, and Steven Meier (Old Dominion) could serve as a leadoff option thanks to his speed and on-base ability. Freshman Jimmy Janicki is another exciting addition, expected to make an immediate impact in the middle of the lineup, with the coaching staff believing his bat could be special. On the mound, Troy will rely on returning arms Garrett Gainous and Noah Edders, who combined for roughly 120 innings in 2024. Gainous features an advanced arsenal and sits in the low-to-mid 90s, while Edders also touches the mid-90s and stands out for his feel and command. Adam Falinski and Drew Nelson are expected to see a good share of starts, while Luke Lyon, coming off an outstanding 2024, will likely anchor the bullpen.


ULM: The War Hawks have struggled over the past few seasons but look poised to take a step forward thanks to a core group of experienced returners and a few promising transfers expected to make an impact. Offensively, they return three strong performers from last season: 1B Micelle Artzberger (.985 OPS), SS Colby Lunsford (.814 OPS), and OF Bryce Blaser (.834 OPS). Leading the top of the lineup this year will likely be three transfers, including JUCO power hitters 2B Angleo Aleman and OF Henry Garcia, along with OF Isaiah Walker from UTSA, a plus athlete who compiled a career .778 OPS there. On the mound, the rotation will feature three returning arms from 2024: Aidan Hayes, who touches the mid-90s with his fastball; Joey Cirelli, who logged 36.2 innings with a 5.40 ERA; and Brandt Corley, who made four starts last season. The staff is also excited about two JUCO transfers: Landon Grigg, an ultra-competitive pitcher with power stuff and strong command, likely to start, and Josh Gregoire, a standout at LSU Eunice, expected to handle closing duties. Daniel Gonzalez is another arm to watch; though he was shut down this past fall, his slider and overall stuff show significant upside.
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Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME SOFTBALL ANNOUNCES KEY LEADERSHIP HIRES    Charlotte, North Carolina (Monday, February 2, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the hiring of two industry-leading softball directors to lead and expand its footprint in the Charlotte, North Carolina market. The additions underscore Perfect Game Softball’s long-term commitment to North Carolina and its mission to elevate tournament standards, scouting opportunities, and player development across the region. Both were...
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High School | Rankings | 2/3/2026

Top High School Team by State

Tyler Russo
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As we continue to roll out our Preseason High School content, we look at what teams come into 2026 as the “team to beat” in each state, whether through prior success or talented rosters. Many of these teams will win titles in their respective states, but most are closely followed by other talented teams in their state that will look to take over the label as the “top team in the state” when we update this after the 2026 high school season. State School Alabama Hoover Alaska Service Arizona Casteel Arkansas Valley View California St. John Bsco Colorado Regis Jesuit Connecticut Fairfield Prep Delaware Sussex Central District of Columbia St. Johns Florida Stoneman Douglas Georgia Etowah Hawaii Kamehameha Kapalama Idaho Eagle Illinois Brother Rice Indiana Center Grove Iowa Waukee Kansas St. Thomas Aquinas Kentucky Trinity Louisiana Barbe Maine Fryeburg Maryland...
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High School | General | 2/2/2026

High School Top 50 All-Prospect Teams

Cam McElwaney
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High School Preview Index | High School Top 50 As we have finished unveiling the National High School Top 50, we now look at the abundance of high-level prospects that make up those rosters, building 3 teams at the Class of 2026 level and an underclass team, all made ONLY from players on the teams across the Top 50. Upperclass 1st Team Pos Name High School State Team Rank C Jorvorskie Lane Jr. Grapevine TX 7 1B Will Adams Hoover AL 43 INF Tyler Spangler De La Salle CA 12 INF Cole Prosek Magnolia Heights MS 16 INF James Clark St. John Bosco CA 1 OF Brady Harris Trinity Christian Academy FL 6 OF Malachi Washington Parkview GA 34 OF Trevor Condon Etowah GA 5 UT Matt Ponatoski Archbishop Moeller OH 35 2W Coleman Borthwick South Walton FL 8 P Gio Rojas Stoneman Douglas FL 2 P Kaden Waechter Tampa Jesuit FL 4 P Bo Holloway Nolensville TN 36 P Joseph Contreras Blessed Trinity GA 9 P Savion Sims...
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College | Story | 2/2/2026

Conference Preview: Mountain West

Joey Cohen
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2026 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2026 college baseball preview content, the 2025 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription. 2025 Records Teams are listed in alphabetical order*  Teams W L W L Air Force 12 18 20 34 Fresno State 18 12 31 29 GCU 13 11 31 27 Nevada 19 11 34 23 New Mexico 17 13 30 23 SDSU 14 16 20 39 San Jose State 13 17 29 30 UNLV 16  14 31 23 Washington State 11 19 18 36 Preseason All Conference Team Pos. Name School Stats/Notes C Walker Zapp Air Force  .330/.420/.579 with 7 HRs, athletic catcher with strong catch/throw ability.  1B  Jayce Dobie Nevada .339/.413/.526 with 7 HRs. Physical presence. On base skills...
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College | Recruiting | 2/2/2026

Northeast Recruiting Notebook

Ryan Miller
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Jack Nicholls (‘27, NJ) working the 85-88 T89 mph range on the FB w/ some angle & life. Shorter & compact AA thru it. Mid-70s CB w/ good bite & depth to it. Mostly FB attack early on. @PGMidAtlantic @PG_Uncommitted @Oilers_BPC #WWBAWorlds pic.twitter.com/7WYz7ExUPE — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 3, 2025 Jack Nicholls, RHP, Class of 2027 Commitment: Tennessee Josh Elander and the Vols’ staff venture into the Northeast to snag an up-arrow right-hander out of New Jersey. Nicholls works from a medium frame with athleticism and present lower half strength. He starts at the belt exclusively from the stretch, transitioning into a high and compact leg lift. Nicholls fires down the mound via a whippy and quick arm action and high three-quarters slot. The South Jersey product works a lively fastball into the low-to-mid 90s, mixing in a sharp two-plane...
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College | Story | 2/2/2026

Conference Preview: Coastal

Ryan Miller
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2026 College Preview Index | Preseason Top 25 | Preseason Collegiate All-Americans For all of Perfect Game's conference previews as part of the 2026 college baseball preview content, the 2025 records and all-conference teams are available for free. The conference top prospects and individual team breakdowns can be viewed with a subscription. 2025 Records Teams are listed in alphabetical order*  School W L W L Campbell 25 31 15 12 College of Charleston 37 22 15 12 Elon 25 32 13 14 Hofstra 18 36 8 19 Monmouth 24 30 10 17 NC A&T 15 37 9 18 Northeastern 49 11 25 2 Stony Brook 25 27 11 16 Towson 21 35 11 16 UNC-Wilmington 34 24 19 8 William & Mary 21 35 14 13 Preseason All-Conference Team Pos. Name School Stats/Notes C Tyler Smith North Carolina A&T Switch-hitting backstop who slashed .323/.414/.542 in ’25 and earned a Team USA training camp invite....
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High School | General | 1/31/2026

Preseason HS Top 50

Tyler Russo
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The start of another high school season is right around the corner in a handful of states and with that, as always, comes our Preseason High School Top-50. A whopping twenty states are represented in the initial Top-50, a number that is staggering when you look at the amount of depth some of these rosters have across the nation. Leading the group is St. John Bosco (CA), a team that brought home a CIF Southern D1 title in 2025 and bring back a strong group of seniors to look to repeat. Stoneman Douglas (FL) is a name most people should know by now in the high school ranks and comes in as our preseason #2 team, looking to win their sixth straight state championship in Florida. Orange Lutheran (CA) had a good case for preseason #1 but come it an No. 3, bringing a roster with seven seniors ranked inside the top-200 in the country to the table. Four other Florida schools are represented...
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