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Updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings (March)

During the Fall and Winter, we saw many names came off the board to some of the top programs around the nation, saw numerous prospects update measurables at showcases, and saw many new names came to the forefront of the recruiting scene. With that information, we are updating each of our class rankings based off what we have seen. We started with the Class of 2024, next up was the Class of 2025, and now we are onto the 2026 class.

As the spring season is about to get underway, we will take a look at "The Risers”, “Spring Breakouts", "Winter Showcase Standouts", a look some of the top uncommitted prospects by position, and a close look at the Top 10.

To view the Class Rankings, click below:

• Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027

To view the Prospect Reports, click below:

• Uncommitted Spotlights | Commitment Insider | Overall News

To view the entire Class of 2026 rankings, please click here.

New #1

Matt Ponatoski SS / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 1 / POS: 1 OverallRank: 34 / POS: 10 Report: The 6-2, 185-pound left-handed hitting shortstop put together one of the top performances at our biggest showcase in the winter, the ProCase. Smooth swing from the left side with pop to all fields. Defensively, the glove works, the feet work and the arm is plus plus (95mph across the diamond). Athletic actions in the field, at the plate, and on the mound (91mph on 6/8/23). Also a high level QB1 for Archbishop Moeller on the gridiron.

The Risers

Cameron Anderson RHP / RHP / West Clermont, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 9 / POS: 3 Report: After a strong NPI in 2023 and Midland Scout Day this January, the 5-10, 155-pound righty has made his way into the top 10. A clean delivery and quick arm with the fastball up to 89.8 highlight just some of what Anderson has to offer.

Matthew Mansbery SS / RHP / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 29 / POS: 6 Report: Starting at shortstop at Walsh Jesuit is no easy feat, to do it as a sophomore is even more impressive. The 6-3, 181-pound R/R SS looks the part offensively and defensively. Look to Mansbery to continue to climb as we move through the years.

Izaiah Amarise SS / RHP / Elyria Catholic, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 31 / POS: 7 Report: The 5-11, 170-pound athletic R/R two-way is a name to note. Good actions in the box, at short and on the bump has us excited about Amarise.

Braydon Johnson C / OF / Lakota West, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 4 Report: The 6-0, 195-pound R/R catcher showed out at the Midland Scout Day this spring. Well put together. Athletic actions ooze from the Lakota West product.

Luke Applegate OF / OF / Manchester, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 42 / POS: 6 Report: An outfield prospect who stood out this winter was Luke Applegate, who showed well at the PF Flyers Scout Day. The 5-10, 178-pound R/R outfielder looks the part at the plate, with a short/compact swing. The arm plays well at 94 mph.

Ethan Malek RHP / SS / Beachwood, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 61 / POS: 22 Report: A two-way that was a riser this winter was the RHP/SS we saw at the B2 Scout Day, Ethan Malek. Up to 87.8 on the bump, while putting together a good bp in the cage.

Spring Breakouts

Drew Oerther 1B / LHP / Loveland, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 23 / POS: 1 Report: Well put together at 6-1, 205-pound, the L/L 1B/LHP from Loveland has a chance to have a big spring season. One of the best put bats in the class, who can also hop on the bump in the upper-80s from the left side.

Mason Springs SS / RHP / Marysville, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 4 Report: The athletic Springs was a top performer at the JFG in 2022, and we can't wait to see what for former Team Ohio participant does this spring. We expect big things from the 5-9, 165-pound two-way.

Isaac Sullivan RHP / SS / Chaminade-Julienne, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 28 / POS: 9 Report: A name that broke onto the stage as a freshman, was Isaac Sullivan. The 6-2, 187-pound R/R was as one of the top hitters/arms for one of the top programs in the state. Look for more success from the two-way.

Mack Hieber RHP / SS / Patrick Henry, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 33 / POS: 10 Report: Already labeled as one of the higher projectable arms in the class, look for the 6-6, 193-pound righty to continue to ascend this spring for Patrick Henry. An athlete who is a talented basketball player has a chance to be one of the top prospects in his area as a sophomore.

Jack Rhoades RHP / OF / Findlay, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 34 / POS: 11 Report: Our first time seeing the talented two-way from Findlay was this past winter and there wasn't much we didn't like. The projection is there with the 6-5, 197-pound frame. Already up to 87.3 on the bump, look for that velo to continue to rise.

Newcomers

Regan Christ RHP / 3B / Arcanum, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 53 / POS: 17 Report: The highest ranked newcomer is the two-way from Arcanum, Regan Christ. The 6-0, 185-pound RHP/3B prospect put together a solid showing at the Bo Jackson Elite Scout Day which saw him climb into the rankings at 53.

Beau Chaney RHP / OF / Badin, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 55 / POS: 18 Report: 6-0, 190-pound RHP with a fastball up to 88.1 mph is something that certainly is going to get into the rankings. The performance at the Midland Scout Day helped Beau be seen, and we look forward to seeing what the future has for the Badin product.

Matt Galich RHP / SS / Bishop Hartley, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 62 / POS: 23 Report: A prospect who was seen at the Central Ohio Preseason ID, jumping into the rankings, is Matt Galich from Bishop Hartley. Two-way prospect with the fastball up to 87.5 mph.

Clayton Macaluso RHP / OF / Jackson, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 66 / POS: 25 Report: A prospect who was seen at the Northern Ohio Preseason ID, jumping into the rankings, is Clayton Macaluso from Jackson. 6-0, 180-pound right-handed pitching prospect with the fastball up to 87.4 mph.

Jaden Starcher OF / RHP / Vandalia Butler, OH / 2026 Rankings  StateRank: 70 / POS: 11 Report: Toolsy 5-10, 172-pound right-handed hitting two-way OF/RHP from Vandalia Butler put on a show at the Canes Scout Day. 103 exit velo in the cage and a 87.2 mph fastball on the bump.

TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BY POSITION

Below we look to name the top 5 prospects in specific categories based on primary position in profile for the 2024 class rankings. Beyond this group, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity.

• Top Right-Handed Arms: Cameron Anderson | Ben Hanley | Johnathan Brenner | Grant Lashutka | Nathan Bryant
• Top Left-Handed Arms: Casey Myser | Landon Thiel | Dominic Singleton | Manny Camacho | Kenyon Oakes
• Top Outfield Prospects: Chandler Taylor | Zander Triplett | Enzo DiCocco | James Haupt | AJ Goldmeyer
• Top First Basemen Prospects: Drew Oerther | Liam Sander | Zach Elchert
• Top Second Basemen Prospects: Nicholas Hood
• Top Shortstop Prospects: Matt Ponatoski | Mason Springs | Garrett Dilcher | Matthew Mansbery | Izaiah Amarise
• Top Third Basemen Prospects: Jack Ryan | Conner Cuozzo | Aidan Sullivan | Landon Wolf | Drew Jones
• Top Catching Prospects: Owen Mikin | Keaton Bowers | Dax Redman | Braydon Johnson | Tyler Zimmerman

***** To view the entire rankings, please click here.

OHIO CLASS OF 2026 TOP 10