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College  | Story | 2/2/2026

Conference Preview: Mountain West

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 and strong defender. 
2B Junhyuk Kwon Nevada .346/.441/.571 with 8 HRs, one of the best pure hitters in the MW.
SS Sean Yamaguchi Nevada .324/.376/.568 with 13 HRs as a FR, aggressive hitter with real feel for the barrel + minimal whiff.  
3B Akili Carris New Mexico .341/.382/.447, Hit > Power profile, instinctual defender at 3B.
DH Billy Ham Nevada .340/.453/.557 with 7 HRs, Pure LH swing that flashes big power.
OF Alex Fernandes San Jose State .361/.447/.509, 70 runner, high contact bat with sneaky impact for the frame.
OF Max Hartman Washington State  .368/.439/.534 with 6 HRs, strong overall offensive profile, athleticism that shows on both sides of the ball.
OF Jake McCoy SJSU  .299/.356/.519 with 9 HRs, real juice that plays to all fields.
OF Khalil Walker New Mexico  Career .396 hitter in two full college seasons. Elite contact bat and a strong defender in CF.
SP Carson Lane UNLV 4.23 ERA in 78.2 innings with 85 Ks. Mid 90s heater with feel for multiple secondaries.
SP Kyle Calzadiaz San Jose State 4.13 ERA in 56.2 innings, Mid 90s carry heater with a swing and miss 12/6 breaker.  
SP Alessandro Castro Nevada 5.33 ERA in 72.2 innings, deceptive, strike throwing, crossfire lefty
SP Tyler Albanese San Jose State 2.98 ERA in 39.1 innings. Big + Physical RHP. Low-mid 90s heater with two quality breakers. 
RP Elijah Higginbottom GCU 4.32 ERA in 50 innings, sinker/slider strike thrower, ground ball machine


Player of the Year:
 Sean Yamaguchi, Nevada
Pitcher of the Year: 
Carson Lane, UNLV
Freshman of the Year: 
Max Farrell, SDSU

2026 MLB Draft Prospects

1. Carson Lane, UNLV 2. Tyler Albanese, SJSU 3. Sean Yamaguchi, Nevada 4. Junhyuk Kwon, Nevada 5. Max Hartman, Washington State 6. Tyce Peterson, SDSU 7. Jake McCoy, SJSU 8. Khalil Walker, New Mexico 9. Jackson Waller, Nevada 10. Jake Jackson, SDSU 11. Kyle Calzadiaz, SJSU 12. Parker Dillhoff, Nevada 13. Adam Magpoc, SDSU 14. Jake Harvey, Nevada 15. Jack OMalley, SJSU 16. Alec Belardes, SDSU 17. Jayce Dobie, Nevada 18. Walker Zapp, Air Force 19. Alex Fernandes, SJSU 20. Aidan Lee, GCU

2027 MLB Draft Prospects
1. Tyler Patrick, Fresno State 2.
Cranz Smelcer, Air Force  3. Felix Ong, UNLV 4. Jared Galang, Fresno State 5. Jake Sanko, GCU 6. Billy Gregory, GCU 7. Easton Miller, Air Force 8. Ollie Obenour, Washington State 9. Owen Faust, Fresno State

2028 MLB Draft Prospects
1. Tanner Johns, GCU 2.
Max Farrell, SDSU 3. Cody Kiemele, GCU 4. Peyton Rowles, SJSU 5. Alexandre Giguere, Washington State

Air Force

This Falcons enter the spring with an experienced position player core and a pitching staff built on depth and versatility. With proven production returning at the plate and a bullpen that logged meaningful innings across the Mountain West, they look poised to take a step forward. Offensively, Air Force is anchored by senior Tripp Garrish, the lone Falcon to start all 54 games last season. A model of consistency, Garrish hit .299 with a team-best .438 on-base percentage while primarily serving as the designated hitter. Fellow senior Walker Zapp provides impact on both sides of the ball. Zapp hit .330 with a team-high slugging percentage (.579), 43 RBIs, and elite defensive production behind the plate, throwing out 11 runners while starting every Mountain West contest. The junior class supplies depth and some proven offensive performance. Christian Taylor (.295, 40 RBIs, 14 SB) and Luke Elmore (.304, six homers, 35 RBIs) were steady run producers, with Elmore earning Mountain West Player of the Week honors and finishing with a team-best .986 fielding percentage. Both were outstanding in conference play and bring momentum from strong summers of development. On the mound, the Falcons boast one of their most experienced staffs in recent years. Junior Patrick Davidson headlines the group after leading the team in wins (5), saves (3), and WHIP (1.35), while striking out 34 batters across 37.2 innings. He’s complemented by senior Joey Collier and juniors Ethan Dillinger and Sam Hentges, all of whom logged multiple scoreless outings and proved capable in both starting and relief roles. Sophomores Josh Shropshire, Gunner Gilmore, Cranz Smelcer, and Easton Miller gained valuable experience as freshmen, while juniors Gaines Estridge, Bowen Bratingham, and Davis Rhyne add further flexibility to a staff that consistently handled high-leverage situations. With a veteran lineup and a pitching staff that can mix and match effectively, the 2026 Falcons enter the season with expectations of contending in the Mountain West.

Fresno State

The Bulldogs are led by experienced returnees and an influx of promising newcomers. The most important arms back are fifth-year seniors Victor Arreola and Jake Riding, both returning from injury. Arreola, who logged just seven innings last season, brings extensive experience from 2023–24, when he went 9-3 with a 4.25 ERA across 43 appearances. A right-hander who touches 92 mph, he pairs a quality heater with a strong changeup and an improving breaking ball. Riding started 10 games in 2024, going 5-6 with a 5.06 ERA, and is known for his command, carry on his low-90s fastball, and a deep mix that includes a slider, cutter, and change. Both were handled carefully in the offseason but have proven postseason experience. Senior Drew Townson is a potential swing piece, flashing the best raw stuff on the staff. He went 4-0 with three saves last season and could either move into a starting role or anchor the bullpen. Lefty B.J. Rodriguez also returns after posting a 3.93 ERA, now focused solely on pitching after previously doubling as an outfielder. Tyler Patrick adds versatility after 21 appearances as a freshman and earned praise for his competitiveness in big moments, while sophomore Jared Galang looks to rebound from some tough freshman numbers. Then there's the newcomers that could help shape the season. UCLA transfer lefty Justin Cuellar is a prime candidate for weekend innings, joined by junior college arms Will Page-Allen and Doug Crystal. A strong freshman pitching class highlighted by John Kasten, Gavin Ekizian, Parker Heintz, and Erik Rico may be asked to contribute immediately. Position-player wise, several key contributors are back. Center fielder Sky Collins returns from a broken ankle; even at less than full strength, his speed and all-around offensive impact will be crucial. Cam Schneider joins him in the outfield, with Barclay Ovalle providing depth. The infield is anchored by shortstop Lee Trevino (.393 avg.), and Owen Faust (.303 avg.) freshman poised for a bigger role. Cayden Munster and Griffin Sotomayor will likely split time at first base and DH, bringing power potential, while Jett Ruby offers valuable infield versatility. 

GCU

The Lopes roster is one that brings quality position-player depth and a versatile pitching staff to the table. Diving into some of that depth where it really shows behind the plate is Marcus Galvan who brings extensive catching experience last season, with Kade Huff offers left-handed pop and flexibility as a catcher, DH, or corner infielder. Then there’s transfer catcher Jaime Perez, a high-impact defender and on-base threat who brings rare athleticism to the position. First base is expected to belong to Cannon Peery, coming off a productive year highlighted by his impact and run producing ability. Freshman Tanner Johns has emerged quickly as a potential contributor with his advanced barrel feel and positional versatility. The middle infield is crowded with options, led defensively by transfer Camden Bates, whose glove stands out despite limited college at-bats. Troy Sanders brings experience and explosiveness, while true freshman Austin Owens impressed with instincts and polished skills. Veteran switch-hitter Vinny Bianchina adds reliability and the ability to move around the infield. A major variable for the offense is Dominic Chacon, whose return from shoulder surgery brings significant upside. A strong athlete with power and speed, Chacon could impact the lineup as a DH or outfielder. Aspen Alexander and Jake Sanko both flashed tools and athleticism, pushing for infield time, while Billy Scaldeferri remains in the mix after a strong offensive showing a year ago. The outfield group leans heavily on upside. Jarret Nielsen, a former quarterback, offers athletic traits despite limited baseball reps. Griffin Cameron profiles as a table-setting center fielder, while Dillon Anderson and Max Charles bring size and raw power potential. Carson Ohland provides a high-floor option with plate discipline, and Cael Boever’s calm approach and bat-to-ball skill make him a strong candidate for key at-bats off the bench. Trevor Schmidt could emerge as a middle-of-the-order threat if lineup alignment creates a clear DH opportunity. On the mound, GCU’s depth allows for flexibility. Garrett Ahern headlines the rotation with strike-throwing ability and improving velocity, while Elijah Higginbottom’s sinker-heavy approach makes him dependable in big moments. Transfers Nicholas Robb, JT Guerrero, Jacob Limas, and Aidan Lee expand the staff’s options, with Lee offering premium velocity and swing-and-miss stuff. Sophomore Billy Gregory’s mid-90s fastball gives him late-inning potential, while young arms like Cody Kiemele and Andrew Lyon represent the future of the rotation.

Nevada

Nevada enters the 2026 season as the defending Mountain West regular season champions, driven by a veteran roster built for another run. Seven everyday contributors return, giving the Wolf Pack one of the conference’s most experienced and defensively reliable position groups.The infield is led by second baseman Junhyuk Kwon, who returns after a breakout 2025 campaign that was tracking toward all-conference recognition before injury cut it short. His blend of contact ability, emerging power, and on-base skill places him among the league’s most complete hitters. At the center of the diamond is Sean Yamaguchi, the reigning Mountain West Freshman of the Year. Now a draft-eligible sophomore, Yamaguchi supplies impact power within an aggressive offensive approach that fuels the lineup. Defensive depth from Mason Hirata and Jack Metcho complements the group, while senior Jackson Waller adds versatility and stability. A career .297 hitter, Waller’s consistency allows Nevada flexibility across multiple positions. Behind the plate, senior Jake Harvey sets the tone. An elite defender, he also provides rare offensive value from the leadoff spot, reaching base at a .440 clip. Nevada is well stocked at catcher, with junior college transfer Ashton Zacher bringing left-handed power and Nate Snakenborg offering proven production in limited chances. At first base, Jayce Dobie anchors the middle of the order while also contributing innings on the mound. The outfield features a blend of power and athleticism. Transfer Sam Kane brings immediate impact after posting strong power numbers at Seattle, while Jacob Doyle supplies imposing raw power and upside. Lee Matsuzaki and Rominic Quiban round out the group with speed and left-handed offense. At designated hitter, Billy Ham’s emergence was one of 2025’s biggest storylines. After limited opportunities early in his career, he led the team in batting average and doubles last season, earning all-conference honors and becoming a key offensive piece. The pitching staff will likely be led by left-hander Alessandro Castro headlines the rotation following an all-league season defined by strike-throwing and efficiency. Transfers Aidan Brainard and Jordan Giacomini add velocity, experience, and competitiveness, while Dom Desch and Logan Saloman provide dependable bullpen options. Young arms such as Payton Dixon, Kainoa Kaneshiro, and Andres Castro bring additional upside. With a seasoned lineup, elite defense, and a deep pitching pool, Nevada is positioned to remain one of the Mountain West’s most formidable programs as it continues its push toward postseason baseball.

New Mexico 

The Lobos look like they have a similar type of squad headed into 2026 with an offense capable of carrying the load with a pitching staff still searching for consistency. The Lobos led the Mountain West in batting average and home runs and finished with a staggering .999 team OPS, making them one of the league’s most dangerous lineups on any given weekend. Losing  Jordy Oriach hurts but they have enough pieces to make up for his production. They return a strong core that includes CF Khalil Walker (career .396 avg.), catchers Brodey Williams and Caleb Herd, second baseman Luke Mansy, third baseman Akili Carris, shortstop Karsen Waslefsky, and several experienced role players. The addition of Damian Garcia from Texas Southern will help offset Oriach’s departure, as the proven slugger brings power that could slide seamlessly into a run-producing role. Pitching, however, remains a question. New Mexico finished last in the Mountain West in team ERA in 2025, and until that trend changes, the Lobos’ ceiling will remain tied to their ability to simply keep games manageable. The return of Ryan Castillo to the rotation at least provides a measure of continuity. In his second season, Castillo emerged as a key weekend starter, making 12 appearances with nine starts while working 42.2 innings. Though his 4-4 record and 8.65 ERA illustrate the staff’s overall struggles. Josh Barnhouse will be another important arm as last year he made a team-high 28 appearances while going 4-1 with a save over 43 innings. Tommy White also emerged as a reliable multi-inning option in his first season as a Lobo, posting a 2-0 record with a save across 19 relief appearances. White worked 40 1/3 innings, struck out 34 batters, and walked only 18. Ty Cunningham anchored the bullpen as the Lobos’ closer last year, earning 10 saves—the second-most in a single season in program history and the most since 1985. Luke Wiseman adds a bit more stability to this staff as he went 4-0 with a save and a 4.45 ERA across 17 relief appearances. If New Mexico can pair even modest pitching gains with its proven offensive firepower, the Lobos have the potential to be far more than just a dangerous lineup when conference play rolls around.

SDSU

Coach Vance wasted no time reshaping the program, diving headfirst into the transfer portal after bringing back a roster with just 12 returners. The position player group is intriguing. Catcher Zach Justice looks like an upgrade defensively and Tyce Peterson is a strong offensive centerpiece. The Oregon State transfer brings proven experience and performance and should be one of the conference’s most dangerous power bats once fully healthy. Middle infield defense should be a strong point for this squad with Jabin Trosky at shortstop and Dawson Santana at second, while Adam Magpoc adds speed, versatility, and switch-hit production. Freshman Max Farrell appears ready to contribute right away, and returning center fielder Jake Jackson remains a possible breakout candidate. The Aztec pitching staff has questions but there are interesting pieces. Arizona State transfer Rohan Lettow represents a classic buy-low, high-reward arm. Despite a rough spring, his summer dominance and his swing/miss arsenal give him legitimate Friday-night potential. Fellow ASU transfer Alec Belardes offers a contrasting look with plus changeup, elite extension, and similar upside if consistency follows. Oregon State transfer Drew Talavs might have the most raw arm talent on the staff; if healthy, his riding low-90s fastball and plus curveball could be difference-making. Returning arms like Aiden Russell, whose deception and experience stabilize the group, and Carson Johnson, now in his third season under Vance, provide important continuity. JUCO additions Nick Falla and David Ladjevic bolster depth as well. True freshmen Jake Frohn and Kalani Jauregui add intriguing long-term upside, while bullpen options like Colton LaFave and lefty Connor Shaw round out a staff heavy on projection. 

San Jose State

This year’s Spartan roster blends veteran experience, high-end arms, and an influx of impact newcomers, giving the team both depth and upside. Defensively, the club is anchored up the middle by catcher Vince Gamberdella and shortstop Rocco Caballero. Gamberdella is a hard-nosed, old-school catcher with a plus arm and an above-average contact bat, while Caballero’s elite baseball IQ, quick feet, and ability to make every throw make him a true stabilizer at short. His gap-to-gap approach and knack for big hits slot him naturally into the heart of the order. The infield features a dynamic mix of youth and power. True freshman Peyton Rowles brings plus range, speed, and advanced defense to second base, profiling as a true shortstop playing at second with the ability to hit for a high average. At third, JC Osrio-Agard adds real power and a plus arm, pairing improving plate discipline with smooth defensive actions. First base depth will complement a lineup already loaded with offensive threats. The outfield is led by athleticism and versatility. Alex Fernandes, a 70 runner with an above-average arm, sets the tone as the leadoff hitter, using the whole field and his speed to pressure defenses. Brent Cota provides veteran stability in center field with elite instincts and efficient routes, while Jake McCoy brings middle-of-the-order thump and all-fields power, with the potential to be one of the league’s most dangerous hitters. Rhone Klein serves as a physically imposing DH with raw power and advanced bat control. On the mound, senior Kyle Calzadiaz (4.13 ERA) headlines the rotation with a low-90s fastball that has touched 96 and a true plus 12/6 curveball. David Thomas and Dylan Smith offer proven durability and pitchability, each commanding a full four-pitch mix. EJ McGrew’s versatility gives the staff flexibility in both starting and high-leverage roles. Tyler Albanese (2.97 ERA) will be an intriguing follow in his junior season after a strong sophomore campaign. He stands out with his low-mid 90s heater and two strong breaking balls.

UNLV

UNLV enters the 2026 season with one of the more intriguing rosters in the Mountain West, built largely through the transfer portal and supplemented by a handful of key returners from last year’s club. The Rebels look notably deeper on the mound, and pitching projects as a potential strength as they try to climb the league standings. At the front of the rotation is right-hander Carson Lane, the clear ace and arguably the most “prospecty” arm in the conference. Lane struck out 85 hitters across 78 innings last spring while posting a 4.23 ERA, showing both durability and swing-and-miss ability. The rest of the rotation is expected to feature transfers Parker Dilhoff (Louisiana) and Jace Evangelista (Washington), both of whom reportedly made velocity and overall stuff gains during the offseason and will be leaned on for consistent innings. Returning right-hander Reese Leuck should also factor prominently, likely earning multiple starts after logging 48 innings with a 4.13 ERA a year ago. Out of the bullpen, senior Colton Sundloff profiles as a high-leverage option thanks to a plus breaking ball. Transfers Josh Donegan (Long Beach State) and Ryan Marton (Midland) add additional depth and should be important pieces in the late-inning mix. Offensively, UNLV will rely heavily on new faces, particularly early in the order. Reggie Bussey, a transfer from Ohio State, brings double plus speed and a strong track record of performance and is expected to open the season as the everyday center fielder. Drew Barragan, arriving from Western Kentucky, is a strong fit at third base and in the middle of the lineup after hitting .317 in 30 games in 2025. Power production will be critical, and the Rebels are counting on transfers Nin Burns II (Northwest Nazarene) in right field and Jonathan Rodriguez (Golden West JC) at first base to provide middle-of-the-order thump. Burns brings a proven ability to impact the ball, while Rodriguez adds a physical presence to the lineup. Among the returning position players, shortstop Cooper Sheff is a steady anchor after slashing .281/.354/.448 over 53 games last season. Gunnar Myro also returns and fits into a versatile utility role; he appeared in 43 games last spring, hit .260, and stands out as one of the most complete athletes on the roster. Behind the plate, UNLV may deploy a platoon approach with transfers Ayden Garcia and Gavin Taylor, giving the Rebels flexibility based on matchups. Overall, the 2026 Rebels feature a high-turnover roster with upside, particularly on the mound. If the transfer arms settle in quickly and the new bats produce as expected, UNLV has the pieces to be a competitive and potentially dangerous club in the Mountain West this spring.

Washington State

Washington State’s 2026 roster is defined by continuity and growth, with quality production returning across almost every area. At the center of everything is senior infielder Gavin Roy. Roy combines defensive reliability with strong instincts as well as some on-base ability, giving WSU a dependable catalyst at the top of the order. In the middle of the lineup, Max Hartman’s return provides an established offensive engine. His proven performance and experience makes him one of the most important pieces of the roster. The infield features a blend of physical upside and advanced skill. Kyler Northrop brings size, athleticism, and elite glove work, and his improving power gives him breakout potential. Sophomore INF Ollie Obenour’s feel for the barrel already stands out, and as his frame develops, his offensive ceiling will rise. Veteran Luke Thiele offers versatility, instincts, and a solid track record at the plate, making him a key variable piece. At first base, Ryan Skjonsby supplies stability with run producing upside. Catching depth is a strength as well. Junior college addition Cam Macleod brings some right-handed thump, while freshman Alex Giguere may possess the highest long-term ceiling on the roster. Giguere’s athleticism, arm strength, and adaptability give the staff multiple options. Joel Fernandez contributes raw power and defensive value, with Noah Thein offering toughness and consistency behind the dish. On the mound they bring a variety of options to cover every role. Veteran Luke Meyers leads the staff after moving into a starting role, combining pace, competitiveness, and a low-90s fastball with reliable offspeed offerings. He is the frontrunner to anchor the rotation. Southpaw Nick Lewis and right-hander Griffin Smith round out the core trio, both prioritizing command and durability over swing-and-miss stuff. Smith, in particular, proved capable of handling heavy workloads and high-leverage outings. Newcomer Erik Rodriguez has impressed with athleticism and plus velocity, giving him a chance to challenge for a rotation spot. The relief crew is headlined by submariner Rylan Haider, hard-throwing Trevor Stowe, and strike-throwing transfer Scott Rienguette. Additional upside comes from freshman Ryan Falke, sophomore Gavin Derr, and high-octane arms Brock Blatter and Kaden Wickersham, whose returns from injury could dramatically elevate the bullpen’s ceiling.

College | Story | 4/9/2026

Coppy's Corner: April 6 POY Deep Dive

Perfect Game Staff
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I’m beyond thrilled to be a contributor to Perfect Game, widely recognized as the premier organization for amateur baseball. Working in baseball operations for the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves for nearly 20 years, the importance of amateur baseball cannot be understated. Nobody does it better and I am honored to be working with great baseball people like Jered Goodwin, Vinnie Cervino, Craig Cozart, and many others.  Each week I huddle with Vinnie and Craig to discuss Top 25 rankings and Players of the Week. In "Coppy’s Corner", I will dive deeper into these Players of the Week, providing analysis from 20+ years working in baseball front offices at the highest level. My hope is that you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.  Player of the Week: Andrew Williamson – University of Central Florida (UCF)  Williamson can flat-out hit. While...
Tournaments | Story | 4/9/2026

Don't Boot the Loot Scout Notes

Cam McElwaney
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‘30 UTL Chase Jelks (GA) lifts this one deep into the gap & rolls around the bags for a triple. Loose LH swing w/ feel to lift. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/leF4GMTawJ — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) April 4, 2026 Chase Jelks (2030, Atlanta, Ga.) put together a great weekend for The Dream 14u Black in their run to a championship game appearance, hitting .444 with two triples and a double along with three RBI. He controlled the zone throughout the event in the box and finished with a 6:1 BB:K ratio because of it while also swiping five bags as well. It was a strong showing for Jelks, something that’s becoming common this spring in PG events.    ‘30 MIF Cohen Carter (TN) hits this one on the screws into the gap for a triple. Functional & compact swing. #DontBootTheLoot @PG_Tennessee pic.twitter.com/YVUfxbHBxx — Perfect Game...
Juco | Story | 4/8/2026

JUCO Top 25: April 8

Troy Sutherland
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Another week of conference play down and Johnson County continues there tear through the spring of 2026, they retain the top spot with Gaston nipping their heels at number 2 for the third consecutive week. McLennan jumps up to number 3 with a big series sweep over rival Texas powerhouse, Weatherford. Out west, Cochise just keeps rolling in the desert and California looks to be hotly contested all the way down the final stretch. A couple of debut appearances down the board with Harford, CCF, and Linn Benton all earning their spot on our top 25 for the first time in the first week of April. So many great records out there it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out with so many teams vying for seeding and conference championships on this final stretch run. Rank Team Record 1 Johnson County (KS) 38-2 2 Gaston (NC) 38-3 3 McLennan (TX) 29-7 4 Chipola (FL) 34-7 5 Walters State (TN)...
College | Rankings | 4/8/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: April 8

Nick Herfordt
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We are past the midpoint of the college baseball season and the stakes are rising by the week. Conference races are tightening, schedules are getting harder, and the résumés that will matter in the selection room are being written right now — one series at a time. This week's most significant development came in Division II, where North Greenville swept Young Harris in three consecutive one-run games to claim the top spot for the first time this season, knocking Tampa from a perch they've held most of the year. It's a genuine changing of the guard at the top, and it's exactly the kind of shakeup that makes this stretch of the season worth paying close attention to. Across all three divisions the picture is coming into focus. In Division I NAIA, Georgia Gwinnett remains the standard while Taylor and Cumberlands continue to make their cases from behind. In Division III,...
High School | General | 4/7/2026

Iowa Spring League Notes: Week 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Brooks Mitchell-Birdsell (2027, Atkins, Iowa) was solid on both sides of the ball this weekend. He was able to show a clean move working into it, with the feel to impact it out in front and drive hard through contact. He had good barrel accuracy with feel to drive the ball well, especially working pull-side. He was 4-for-8 on the weekend with a double to his credit, driving in 7 runs as well. Mitchell-Birdsell also put together a good outing on the mound, delivering 2 innings of scoreless work with 3 punchouts. He worked the low 80s with some run, flashing a mid-70s curveball with good 11-5 shape and depth.  Maddux Mueller (2026, Amana, Iowa) LH bat with plenty to like in the batter’s box, and he put together a solid showing this weekend. He finished 2-for-3 with a double, demonstrating both contact ability and the capacity to drive the baseball for extra bases. Mueller...
College | Story | 4/7/2026

College Players of the Week: April 7

Craig Cozart
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April 7th Perfect Game/Player of the Week:  Andrew Williamson, OF, UCF  The UCF Knights (20-9) are coming off one of their biggest series victories in years when they went to Morgantown and took down the Mountaineers to take control of the Big 12 regular season standings.  The offense put on quite the performance and Andrew Williamson set the tone by leaving the yard in his first at-bat of the weekend launching a towering home run over the centerfield wall.  The 6-0/195 lefty from St. Petersburg, FL has one of the sweetest strokes in the college game today and when he goes, so do the Knights.  In the 3-game series, the junior collected 6 hits in his 10 at-bats, scoring 6 runs, on 5 walks, a double and he launched 3 home runs all told.  While he had a stretch earlier in the season where he was searching for his stroke a bit, he is getting locked in at the...
College | Rankings | 4/6/2026

College Top 25: April 6

Vincent Cervino
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With another week in the books, some teams at the top continue to prove they are elite, and others continue to fall by the wayside.  Meanwhile, there were several teams that had been lingering outside the Top 25 that had huge weekends to put themselves in the thick of things as every weekend has significant consequences for good or for bad.  The No. 1 UCLA Bruins (29-2) have now pushed their win streak to an incredible 23-games as they swept USC (27-6) who was previously ranked No. 7 in the poll.  The Bruins are off to a perfect (15-0) start in Big Ten play and are without a doubt the most complete team in the country right now.  The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (26-5) move up to No. 2 this week after they dismantled now No. 12 Auburn (22-9) in the midweek and then swept Cal on the West Coast last weekend.  Texas (26-5) moves down one spot to No. 3 this week after...
Draft | Mock Draft | 4/3/2026

PG Staff Mock Draft

Jheremy Brown
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Welcome to another Perfect Game Mock Draft. This is not your typical mock draft as it features 15 different GMs drafting the first two rounds of the draft. Each member of the mock draft was assigned two teams and as such will be drafting all of the picks in the first two rounds for each responsible team. The actual draft order will be presented below and we will dive into how teams made their selections and how they feel about the players drafted. It is important to note that this is not how we think the draft will play out in almost any capacity. This is simply an exercise 4 months ahead of time with a large portion of the scouting staff and some picks fall under personal favorites, best available, and a multitude of other factors. Chicago White Sox 1:1 Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA | 1:41 Jack Radel, RHP, Notre Dame The White Sox don’t overthink here and select Roch Cholowsky, who has...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

High School Notebook: April 2

Steve Fiorindo
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Lennex Minor (‘28 CA) absolutely destroys this offering to the PS for a 2-run shot. 2-4 on the day w/ 4 driven in. Athletic in the box w/ a quick stroke and strength throughout the frame. Also closed out the game running the FB up to 88 in a St. Bernard win #PGHS @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/KF7BsKGcm7 — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) March 29, 2026 Lennex Minor, MIF/P, St. Bernard (2028) Minor had a massive day in my look this past Saturday in a game being played at the University of San Diego.  The sophomore had a pair of hits, one which was a no-doubt homer, and drove in four.  Minor’s athleticism jumps out on the field with twitchy actions both at the dish and in the dirt.  He features a 6-foot, 170-pound frame with room to add and generates from a strong lower half and exceptionally quick hands.  Showing two-way potential, he made an...
High School | General | 4/2/2026

NHSI Scout Notebook

Cam McElwaney
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An extended look at ‘26 RHP Wilson Andersen… 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K. @HailStateBB signee. #NHSI26 @JesuitBaseball @Florida_PG @PG_Draft @PGAllAmerican https://t.co/VLwECd2qZ8 pic.twitter.com/JbTFR3Gd2l — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 30, 2026 Wilson Andersen, RHP, Tampa Jesuit  Andersen got the ball on day two of the event and showed a quick tempo, pounding the zone with a power mix. He ran the fastball up to 97 mph, working comfortably in the mid-90s, with a power curveball/changeup mix he showed confidence in. He’s one of the top right-handers in the class that saw his stock rise in Cary. Andersen is signed with Mississippi State.    An extended look at ‘26 RHP Cooper Sides… 5 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. @LSUbaseball signee. #NHSI26 @olubaseball @PG_Draft @California_PG https://t.co/Ag1MfBAR5a pic.twitter.com/5wSszVjBn8...
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