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It is with great excitement that we release to you today, our first update to the VA/DC Class of 2026 rankings with our Top 25 release. Following today's Top 25 release, we will unveil the Top 75 on Thursday. So far this week we have highlighted new faces and risers. 

Now today we turn our attention to the Top 25, including the Top 10 list below. To go along with the Top 10, we would like to highlight a few players that have made some moves.

We have a new #1 in the 2026 class. Glen Allen right hander and UVA commit, Daniel Nienaber, has made a move into the top spot in the VA/DC class. Nienaber was the frontline arm for perennial power Glen Allen as a freshman and made a significant jump this summer. Nienaber very well may have been the highlight arm of the Mid-Atlantic Procase, showing his velo jump into the low 90's, as well as his very appealing starter profile. Three pitches for strikes and feel for two quality secondary offerings. While the velo jump helped push him up one spot, it is the starter profile and pitchability that the 6-foot-4 right hander possesses that helped him make that climb.

Most impressive arm of the day for me was ‘26 Daniel Nienaber (#GoHoos ).

6-4, 190-lb frame w/ proj left. Easy 89-91 mph that played at both ends. Feel for secondary. CB 73-75. CH 82-83 played well off FB esp vs LHH. Starter makeup.@ShooterHunt @prepbaseball #MidAtlProcase pic.twitter.com/WYpCq9trOF

— Jason Burton (@ksallday19) August 14, 2023

 

Right hander Jayden Grant (Manchester) moved up three spots to #12 after a few standout performances this summer in front of our staff. Long limbs, thin, room to add, and getting up to 87 this summer. Grant is athletic, long loose arm, and competes in the zone. While the slider has shown flashes of being a solid out pitch, it is the fastball that tends to dominate hitters. Has shown some swing and miss with the ability to pitch up in the zone with ride. 

‘26 Jayden Grant (Manchester)

Lanky, athletic frame. Long levers w/ loose arm. #PBRJFG22 alum

FB 84-86 T87
CB 71@ShooterHunt #PBRVADCSG23 pic.twitter.com/1J51WSteEU

— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) June 20, 2023

 

Turner Ashby backstop Brooks Bowman stays inside the Top 20 and is currently the third ranked catcher in the class. Energy giver, has some leadership qualities, and plays hard. Contact bat, line drive tendencies, accurate thrower, and solid receiver behind the plate. The arm strength is average, but he gets himself into throwing position and has a fairly quick exchange and release to slow down the opposing running game. Another quality catcher in the 2026 class.

‘26 Brooks Bowman C/OF (@tahs_baseball)

Quiet load w/ quick hands and uphill bat path gets the first hit of the ball game with a line drive single to left field.#PBRVADCSG23 pic.twitter.com/cDOMYHdg7s

— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) June 20, 2023

‘26 Brooks Bowman (Turner Ashby)

Athletic, active defender behind the plate. Receives well. Bowman getting it done on both sides. 16th overall player in ‘26 class in VA.@ShooterHunt @ksallday19 #PBRVAOpen pic.twitter.com/bChIkN4eO8

— PBR Virginia/DC (@PBRVirginiaDC) June 11, 2023

 

VA/DC Class of 2026 Top Ten

1	Daniel Nienaber	VA	Glen Allen	2026	RHP	Virginia
2	Bryant James	VA	Gonzaga	2026	SS	Duke
3	Jason Kruczek	VA	Bishop O'Connell	2026	RHP	East Carolina
4	Connor Quill	VA	Tuscarora	2026	3B	Virginia Tech
5	Barrett Bucholz	VA	Atlee	2026	C/OF	Virginia
6	Jalen German	VA	Trinity Episcopal	2026	RHP
7	Lawson McLeod	VA	Trinity Episcopal	2026	RHP
8	Oscar Hickey	VA	St. Anne's Belfield	2026	OF
9	Tristan Lange	VA	North Cross	2026	RHP
10	Mandela Browman	VA	Miller School	2026	OF

Complete Top 25 Rankings