Canan Ready For ‘The Competitive Aspect’ At Wright State

Rhys Canan RHP / Walnut Hills, OH / 2026

CINCINNATI - A visit to Wright State made a college decision much easier for Rhys Canan.

“Going there, I can see why they’re so successful,” the Walnut Hills junior said. “What stood out is they have a very, very good culture. The coaches really care.”

Soon after the early October trip to Wright State, the sixth-ranked 2026 right-handed pitcher in Ohio committed to the university in Dayton just one hour from home.

“What started everything with Wright State was (associate head) coach (Jordan) Chiero, the former (scouting) director for Prep Baseball,” Canan reflected. “He saw me at Scout Day in January and followed me in the high school season and summer. With all the events I went to, the Top Prospect Games and Future Games, that firmed up the decision.”

Come Aug. 1, Cheiro made a midnight call to the 6-1 190-pounder.

“I have a great relationship with coach Chiero,” Canan explained. “I communicated with coach Chiero once a week and then he set up a zoom call with the new (pitching) coach (Travis Ferrick). I believe it's the right philosophy to help me.”

That was made clear on the visit.

“All their pitching philosophies stood out,” the 14th-rated junior in the state noted. “Coach Ferrick is really intelligent. I like how they work with all the guys, it’s a good setting to grow in. The culture being such, it’s why they’re such a competitive mid-major.”

There were other offers to consider following a hectic Aug. 1, the initial day college coaches can make contact with players in the 2026 class.

“It was crazy,” Canan related. “I had around 15 calls that day. It was overwhelming. Around September things settled in and I got used to it, but I’m glad it’s over and the weight is off my shoulders.”

Akron, Toledo and Campbell offered Canan, who also went to camps at East Carolina, Wake Forest and Cincinnati, while also canceling a November camp at Oregon after the commitment to Wright State.

“I had no idea what to expect,” the 16-year-old said about Aug. 1. “I knew from my summer coach that two or three schools were interested, but didn’t know much else. What made it nuts was the Future Games. Most that I talked to said we saw you there and liked what we saw. That made my recruitment 10 times better.”

Wright State certainly was impressed with the abilities of Canan.

“They really see me as a good culture fit with their program,” Canan explained. “Coach Chiero has a good relationship with my summer coach, Brandon Edwards. They know coming from a good summer program I’ll be a fit culture-wise for them.

“They also like that I’m someone on the field that can be a corner piece and help get the program where they want it to be, and that’s Top 25.”

An improved game has been important in earning the praise of college coaches.

“The biggest thing for me has been consistency in my training,” Canan related. “I love training, it’s my favorite thing in the world. Getting bigger and stronger, I’ve gained 20 pounds in the last year by being in facilities every day. More explosiveness has helped me a ton.”

The junior at Walnut Hills, who carries a 4.8 unweighted GPA and plans to major in business at Wright State, is excited about the prospects of helping out the Horizon League program.

“I can do what they want, be a corner piece of the rotation and build that culture every day,” Canan said. “I’m a good person to be around. I feel I care more than a lot of people. I’m a very good teammate that cares more than anything. On the field I think I can be a beast.”

Canan, who pointed to his parents as his biggest influences while also crediting coach Edwards with playing an important role in his baseball journey, is ready for the challenges ahead being a student-athlete at the next level.

“I’m looking forward to the competitive aspect,” Canan concluded. “I love high school baseball and seeing the guys every day. In college you’re going to be around the guys even more, building those bonds.

“They play a competitive schedule at Wright State and I’m also ready to compete against those schools, like Ole Miss and NC State.”