The 2026 rankings update in Illinois is long overdue after a long summer season which featured the end of the IHSA season, a number of Prep Baseball Tournaments, showcases, as well as big invite-only events like the Future Games and the Illinois State Games.

There was plenty of movement throughout the rankings, as well as an expansion on the back end. 

+ Click HERE, to view the entire 2026 rankings board.
+ Click HERE, to read yesterday's 2026 rankings release story.

Today, we are taking a look at a number of prospects that saw themselves rise up the rankings in this update, and that can be found below. 

RISERS 

Landon Thome 2B / SS / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 3 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 230 / POS: 4 8/12/24 Future Games: Participating in his first ever Prep Baseball event, Thome continued to show to be one of the more advanced hitters in the class. Standing at an athletic 6-foot, 170-pounds, the left-handed hitter stood out with the bat throughout the week, both with results and his overall approach to the game. He started the week off with an impressive showing during the workout day where he posted a 6.87 60, an 85 mph infield velocity, and a max exit velocity of 94.2 mph. His bat speed metrics also impressed on the workout day with an average speed of 74.6 mph, and a max of 78.6 mph. Thome’s overall game translated even better in-game where his feel for the game shined. Offensively, he has been known to have a very mature and advanced approach, and that was no different down at LakePoint. In a tough left-on-left matchup during the last game of the week, Thome showed the ability to be patient, let the ball travel, and work the middle of the field for a hard single; which is something he did in the spring against tough southpaw arms. Defensively, he made one play in particular at third base in the same aforementioned game, where he made an advanced read on a tough ground ball, making the play look routine. Thome finished the week with three hits, including a double, two walks, and a stolen base.

Kamrin Jenkins SS / RHP / Oswego, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 236 / POS: 60 8/12/24 Future Games: There’s plenty to like about the upside and athleticism from Jenkins. The 6-foot, 174-pound middle infielder showed impressive defensive actions throughout his week in LakePoint, displaying soft hands, fluid feet, the ability to throw on the run, and a strong (T86 mph) and accurate arm across the infield. He’s a right-handed hitter at the plate with a calm and fluid approach, showing bat speed (avg. 73.8 mph) and twitch through contact. During the showcase, Jenkins produced a max exit velocity of 95.6 mph, staying on the barrel for an average of 87.4 mph. He also ran a 7.03 60 time while jumping a max vertical of 30.7 inches. The uncommitted incoming-junior has plenty of intrigue with his upside and all-around game.

Nolan Ramoley OF / Brother Rice, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 5 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 239 / POS: 36 8/12/24 Future Games: Recent Kentucky commit, Ramoley came away one of the event’s biggest winners. Listed at a muscle-bound 6-foot-1, 191-pounds, Ramoley boasts some of the loudest tools in the state across the board. Ramoley has a valuable combination of power and speed, cruising to a 6.52 in the 60 while also having reached up to 104 mph for his max EV. A right-handed hitter, he put up some eye-opening BLAST metrics in his workout, averaging 22.1 mph for his hand speed, 77.7 mph for his bat speed and 20.8 Gs of rotational acceleration. His defense continues to improve with more in-game reps, and he has the makings of a well-above average defender with his aforementioned speed and advanced arm strength (T92 mph OF). After an impressive workout day, Ramoley continued to show well throughout the week in gameplay; leaving the yard for a home run and also jumping on a fastball for a pull-side double in the nightcap. Currently ranked No. 10 in the state, the future Wildcat has cemented himself as one of the state’s top prospects.

Brody Landgraf 1B / RHP / Columbia, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 6 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 242 / POS: 10 8/12/24 Future Games: Landgraf proved to be a threat with the bat during his week at the Future Games. The big, 6-foot-4, 231-pound first baseman has all kinds of strength in his frame. His eye-opening performance came in the nightcap of Team Illinois’ final game on Saturday night, where he earned the Dicks Sporting Goods Player of the Game honors after going 4-for-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases. He took quality at-bats throughout the game, working counts, fouling off pitches, and creating tough outs for pitchers. Landgraf has power in his left-handed bat, showing the ability to barrel balls to the pull-side, and during Wednesday’s showcase, he posted a max exit velocity of 97.8 mph. He remains an uncommitted follow after the event.

Connor Elenteny RHP / RHP / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 8 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 268 / POS: 82 8/12/24 Future Games: Elenteny certainly turned some heads with his easy velocity and long-levered frame. Listed at 6-foot-3, 193-pounds, Elenteny has a loose and free-flowing delivery, working with minimal perceived effort into a drop/drive delivery that stays in-line, creating noticeable hip/shoulder separation. His arm works with a clean path and high ¾ slot to create a fastball in the 89-92 mph range, topping out at 93 mph while filling up the zone. His out-pitch was a slider at 76-77 mph, holding quality 10/4 shape with some depth and late action. He finished his two innings of work with no hits or runs allowed, one strikeout and one walk. High-ceiling right-hander with more velocity to come.

Brandon Thomsen C / 3B / St. Viator, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 13 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 384 / POS: 37 8/12/24 Future Games: Thomsen showed well all week behind the dish, a theme our staff has become accustomed to seeing out of the 6-foot-1, 188-pound backstop. The incoming-junior displayed advanced actions in the crouch and also seemed to be comfortable catching arms he had never handled in the past. His defensive tools shined brightly during the workout portion earlier in the week as well, where he had a 1.95 pop time, while tossing his best bullet at 80 mph from the crouch. Thomsen also showed the ability to barrel the baseball from the right side during batting practice, where his average exit velocity was 94.4 mph (T99), which was good for top-20 in the entire event. His average distance of 316 feet during BP, was another metric that found him among the event’s best.

Ian Tosi LHP / Mount Carmel, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 2 8/12/24 Future Games: Tosi was about as dominant as it gets over his two innings of work, not allowing a single hit, run or walk while striking out two. Listed at 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, the southpaw has been a mainstay at the top of Mount Carmel’s rotation as an underclassman, and he got to show his stuff on the biggest uncommitted stage. He fearlessly attacked the zone with his fastball, cruising in the mid-80s and touching 88 mph with carry through the zone. He showed feel for both his curveball and changeup, landing them both for strikes when he wanted. High-level compete factor paired with his advanced feel to pitch and arsenal makes him one of the more sought after southpaws in the state.

Gavin Michaels SS / 2B / Normal Community, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 18 / POS: 5 8/12/24 Future Games: Michaels left the Future Games a big winner for Team illinois. An athletic, wiry frame with plenty more to come, Michaels checks in at 6-foot, 155-pounds. Throughout gameplay, he reached base multiple times on infield singles, showcasing his speed and baserunning IQ around the base paths throughout the entire event. He’s an athletic, clean defender, too, showing the ability to play many different positions on the field. Michaels showed some intriguing tools during the showcase, starting off by running a 6.67 60 time and jumping 32.2 inches. During batting practice, he averaged 86.7 mph (T95.8 mph) off the bat, while sending his farthest hit ball 350 feet. His BLAST metrics were intriguing as well, as his average bat speed was 75.2 mph (T81.8 mph), and his average rotational acceleration was 21.5 mph, good for the second highest on Team Illinois. He’s a highly athletic prospect with plenty of upside, and he remains a must-know uncommitted prospect from the event.

Dylan Huff RHP / OF / Glenwood, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 19 / POS: 5 8/12/24 Future Games: Huff is yet another talented arm coming out of Glenwood High School. A multi-sport athlete, he still has plenty of upside in his 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. His delivery is loose and easy with minimal effort down the mound, and his arm has clean actions that work out of a high ¾ slot. His fastball sat 87-89 mph, and topped out at 90 mph multiple times. Huff’s slider is a standout off-speed pitch, sitting mostly 74-77 mph with 2400-2500 rpm, showing true swing-and-miss potential. He’s continued to polish up his repertoire since we first saw him this past winter, and he’s a must-know name in Illinois’ rising junior class.

Lucas Simulick SS / RHP / Joliet Catholic, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 21 / POS: 6 8/22/24: Simulick continues to improve his overall game with every look. An athletic 5-foot-10, 167-pounds, Simulick began the event by posting strong numbers all-around during the workout. He ran a 6.73 60, tossed an 87 mph bullet across the infield, while also posting a max EV of 93.6 mph. Simulick’s tools continued to be loud during gameplay where he made play after play up the middle, both at shortstop and at second base. He swung a flat, direct path that produced consistent hard contact - including a double and a homer during gameplay. Simulick is a must-know uncommitted name to follow in the state.

Luke Blackwell RHP / 3B / Valmeyer High School, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 7 8/12/24 Future Games: Blackwell is a talented arm from Southern Illinois to know. He stands in a strong, 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame with athleticism to pair. The big right-hander has simple and easy mechanics, with a compact and quick arm out of a ¾ slot. In his two-inning stint, he showed composure and confidence, and continued to show better as he went on. He worked his fastball up to 90 mph, touching it three times, but sat mostly 87-89 mph with mostly straight actions. Working off of his fastball, Blackwell showed feel for both a slider and a change-up, the former sitting 77-82 mph with short horizontal actions, and the latter sitting 81-83 mph with arm-side fade. He’s a multi-sport athlete with plenty of upside still to come on the mound.

Cory Les SS / 3B / St. Laurence, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 7 8/22/24: Les is fresh off a commitment to Louisville, and its easy to see why the Cardinals like him. Listed at a strong-bodied yet athletic 6-foot-1, 205-pounds, Les is extremely athletic for his size with a 6.92 in the 60 and 33.1” vertical jump. The left-handed hitter continuously shows well in front of our staff, and this week was no different, taking one of the better rounds of BP in the workout with a max EV of 99 mph and average of 90 mph (T361’). He has a polished approach at the plate, and was on the barrel multiple times in gameplay for some loud outs.

Dylan Kassab C / Hinsdale Central, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 3 8/22/24: Kassab was all over the barrel throughout his round of BP. The 5-foot-10, 191-pound right-handed hitter produced a max EV of 100 mph to pair with an average of 94.3 mph. There’s some controlled aggression in the swing, coiling his lower-half with a toe-tap before throwing his hands through the zone with a flat path. He showed some tools on the other side of the ball as well, reaching as low as 1.94 for his pop time with a max velocity of 80 mph from the chute.

Ryan Harris OF / RHP / Stevenson, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 26 / POS: 3 8/22/24: Harris gave arguably the loudest look in the entire event. His fastball exploded out of his hand in the 87-91 mph range, topping out at 92-93 mph early with nearly 2,500 rpm on it, playing with finish and carry through the zone. He throws his slider with fastball intent at 73-77 mph, flashing sharp 10/4 action at times. Some of the best raw arm-strength in the state, high-level 2026.

Johnny Nelson SS / RHP / Oak Park-River Forest, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 10 8/12/24 Future Games: Nelson was another member of Team Illinois that had a strong showing during the event’s workout portion. A lean and athletic 6-foot, 177-pounds, Nelson started the event by running a 6.98 60, while also reaching a max vertical of 30.9”. During batting practice, he showed some of the quicker hands on average for the event at 23.3 mph (T24.8), which allowed for added bat speed from the right side, with a max of 77.6 mph. A primary third baseman defensively, he showed a strong arm on the infield where his top bullet registered at 87 mph. Nelson would get time in the outfield as well during gameplay where he showed comfortable actions and athleticism.

Kaeden Schatsiek 3B / RHP / Brimfield, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 34 / POS: 4 8/12/24 Future Games: Schatsiek stands in a hard-to-miss 6-foot-3, 191-pound frame with plenty of strength and athleticism throughout. He works out of a stretch-only delivery, utilizing simple and easy movement patterns down the mound. His arm stays compact in the back with clear acceleration out front, working out of a high ¾ slot. His fastball sat 86-89 mph, topping out at 90.5 mph, with mostly straight actions, paired with a hard-throwing slider at 77-79 mph, playing with sharp, 11/5 actions. A must-know arm talent out of Central Illinois.

Ryan Duncheon Jr. C / RHP / East Peoria, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 36 / POS: 6 8/12/24 2024 Future Games: Duncheon continues to get better on the mound each time we see him. Standing in a strong 6-foot-1, 191-pound frame, Duncheon is an athletic mover down the mound. He works out of a stretch-only delivery with a loose, quick arm that works out of a ¾ slot. His fastball has life through the zone, topping out at 92 mph, while sitting mostly 86-91 mph with arm-side run at times. He also mixed in two separate breaking balls; his curveball showed 11/5 shape with feel to throw for strikes, sitting mostly 72-74 mph, and his slider showed more horizontal actions, sitting 78-81 mph. A must-know arm with more velocity on the way.

Jake Matise RHP / Mt. Carmel, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 9 8/22/24: Matise had a lights out showing over his two innings of work, allowing just one hit with no runs or walks, also striking out five. He filled up the zone with his three-pitch mix, starting with his fastball that played around 82-84 mph, topping out at 85 mph with some carry. He has confidence in both of his breaking balls, starting with his big-breaking over the top curveball that he can land for strikes at 65-68 mph. He also is comfortable throwing his slider often, playing with more horizontal break at 71-73 mph with feel for the zone.

Samuel Chin LHP / LHP / St. Laurence, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 39 / POS: 4 8/22/24: Chin is an upside arm to know in the state’s 2026 class. Currently ranked No. 53 in the state while standing in at a trim and long-levered 6-foot, 148-pounds. Chin has consistently shown to be a clean and easy mover down the mound paired with a long, clean arm from a low ¾ slot. His fastball sat 80-82 mph (avg. 2312 rpm) with ride (avg. 18.2” IVB) and arm-side run (avg. -13.6” HM). He then showed above average feel for a sweeping-curve at 68-69 mph (avg. 2583 rpm), while also mixing in a 68-70 mph slider (avg. 2635 rpm) with 17” of horizontal movement on average. Chin then rounded out his mix with a 74-76 mph changeup that flashed out-pitch potential with heavy arm-side fade (avg. -16.9” HM). A name to continue to follow moving into the summer months.

Brett Tucker SS / RHP / Lemont, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 40 / POS: 11 8/22/24: Tucker is an upside prospect in Illinois that’s coming off a State Runner-Up run this past spring. A wiry athlete in a 6-foot-1, 177-pound frame, Tucker is a strong defender up the middle with soft hands, range and a strong arm on throws across the diamond (T88 mph). His footspeed continues to improve, running a 7.10 60 time at this event, which is a big jump since his last 60 time with us (7.60). A right-handed hitter at the plate, Tucker has an athletic and easy swing, recording a max exit velocity of 95.3 mph. He finished gameplay 2-for-5 with three runs, two walks and three stolen bases. An uncommitted name-to-know, ranked No. 58 in Illinois’ 2026 ranked.

Martin Kinnane RHP / RHP / Lockport, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 43 / POS: 11 8/22/24: There’s a lot to like about Kinnane, who stands in an upside 6-foot-4, 170-pound frame with plenty of room for development still to come. He lacked some control during his outing, but still showed intrigue on the mound with his loose, easy actions down the mound, also showing a clean arm path with acceleration out front. His fastball sat 84-86 mph, topping out at 87.2 mph with clear ride through the zone (avg. 17.4” IVB), and he also mixed in a mid-70s curveball with short actions. Kinnane finished the day striking out three in 1 ⅔ innings of work, allowing one hit and three walks. A must-know arm in Illinois.

Johnny Andretich OF / 1B / Plainfield North, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 50 / POS: 6 8/22/24: Andretich stands in an athletic and upside frame at 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. He had impressive in-game performances, going 5-for-6 with a triple, double, four RBIs, one run scored, a walk and two stolen bases, earning himself Illinois State Games Most Valuable Player honors. A left-handed hitter, Andretich posted a max exit velocity of 91.6 mph, ran a 6.89 60 time, and recorded an 87 mph bullet on his best ball to home during the showcase portion of the event. An uncommitted prospect in Illinois.

Luke Schuckenbrock SS / RHP / Gillespie, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 52 / POS: 13 8/22/24: He presents a lean 5-foot-8, 150-pound frame with room to fill in the coming years. The right-handed hitter displayed a loose, handsy swing that utilizes a flat path for line drive contact. Defensively, what stood out the most about Schuckenbrock’s game were his overall actions up the middle paired with evident athleticism and motor for the shortstop position.

Tommy Georgelos OF / RHP / Lyons Township, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 55 / POS: 7 8/22/24: Georgelos is currently ranked No. 67 in Illinois’ now junior class. He’s an athletic prospect in a 5-foot-9, 162-pound frame with room for growth. Throughout gameplay, Georgelos showed some power in his left-handed bat, running hard down the line, while finishing the week 2-for-5 with a triple, one run and a walk. He posted a max exit velocity of 94.8 mph during his round of batting practice and an average bat speed of 73.3 mph, and defensively, showed athletic actions and a quality arm on throws to home, topping out at 84 mph.

Austin Borries RHP / 3B / Teutopolis, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 57 / POS: 16 8/22/24: Borries is a sturdy and durable 6-foot-1, 206-pound arm to follow. Borries features a simple and controlled delivery down the mound, filling the strike zone with all three of his offerings. His fastball sat 83-85 mph (T86) with 12.6” of arm-side run on average, as well as an average of 14” of induced vertical break - landing in the zone 67% of the time. His curveball had 12/6 shape to it at 72-73 mph, being thrown for strikes 71% of the time. Borries would then turn to a 75-76 mph changeup that had heavy sink to the arm-side (avg. 17.7” HM) and showed out-pitch capabilities. The uncommitted junior is another arm to follow out of the southern part of the state.

Anthony Perez LHP / OF / O'Fallon, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 62 / POS: 7 8/22/24: Perez is a high-upside uncommitted arm, standing in a wiry 6-foot-2, 166-pound frame. Finishing his day with four strikeouts in two innings of work, Perez’s fastball sat 83-85 mph (T85.7) with clear arm-side run (avg. -15.3” HM), and he also mixed in a slider at 75-78 mph with tight spin. An easy mover on the mound with a long, clean arm path, Perez showed the ability to throw strikes with both his fastball and slider, garnering swings-and-misses with both pitches. A Southern Illinois arm-to-follow.

Logan Nordentoft 3B / SS / Prospect, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 67 / POS: 8 8/22/24: Nordentoft is an athletic prospect with upside in his 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame. During gameplay, Nordentoft barreled a double off the right-field wall, showing a simple approach at the plate from the right-side. He’s also a clean defender up the middle, showing range to both sides with soft hands and a quality arm on throws across the diamond. A 6.99 runner, Nordentoft posted a max exit velocity of 95 mph (avg. 87.8 mph) during his round of batting practice, including an average bat speed of 72.5 mph. Ranked No. 80 in the state’s 2026 class, Nordentoft remains an uncommitted name-to-follow.

Kamran Alikhan OF / 2B / Nazareth Academy, IL / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 76 / POS: 11 8/22/24: Alikhan had a strong all-around showing at this year’s event. He stands in a strong 5-foot-11, 181-pounds with some projection still to come. At the plate, Alikhan is a right-handed hitter with some fluidity in his load that moves into a short stroke with a slight uphill path. He finished game play 4-for-5 with a double, one RBI and a stolen base. He showcased well at the event, posting some impressive athletic metrics during his 60 (6.95) and vertical jump (32.2”). During his round of batting practice, Alikhan posted a max exit velocity of 88.9 mph and a 70.4 mph average bat speed, and he finished his showcase with a quality round of defense with an above-average arm on throws to home (T85 mph). Another uncommitted prospect-to-know.

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