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It is with great excitement that we release to you today, our most recent rankings class, the class of 2026. We unveil the Top 25 players from across the Commonwealth. 

While it is very early in the process, these are the players that we have identified as twenty-five of the best players in the state. 

*The class will expand more and more as we get a chance to see more players in the class, whether it be at events, tournaments, or high school games.*

Checking in at #1 in the initial 2026 rankings is recent Duke commit, Bryant James (Gonzaga). James offers an advanced run tool with some physical tools that show up at the plate and in the field. 

Our #2 and #3 ranked players are a pair of UVA commitments. Daniel Nienaber lands at the #2 spot. The 6-foot-3 right hander was up to 86 in the fall and has an easy operation with a lot of projection left in his future.

2026 RHP/OF Daniel Nienaber @Dnienaber26 (@GAHS_BSB/@RichmondBraves)

One of the standouts, lanky long 6-3 frame, ton of projection. Easy quick loose shorter AA, 3/4 slot. 7.18 runner, 92 exit

FB 84-86
CB 64-66
CH 72-75#PBRScoutDay @PBRVirginiaDC @ShooterHunt @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/l9hrnRek1d

— John Nolan (@PBRVADC_Nolan) September 14, 2022

Nienaber's fellow UVA commit, Barrett Bucholz (Atlee), lands at the #3 spot. Advanced physicality and athleticism for the frame and class. Catch and throw ability with the versatility that will allow him to move to the outfield as well. Bucholz made a strong statement in front of hundreds of coaches in late July at the Junior Future Games. 

‘26 Barrett Bucholz C/OF (@AtleeBaseball)

Swinging it here at #PBRJFG22 @PBRMaryland @PBRVirginiaDC #TeamMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/APWVqFS2md

— PBR Mid-Atlantic Ground Forces (@PBRMAGF) July 26, 2022

VA/DC Class of 2026 Top Five

1	Bryant James	VA	Gonzaga	2026	SS	Duke
2	Daniel Nienaber	VA	Glen Allen	2026	RHP/1B	Virginia
3	Barrett Bucholz	VA	Atlee	2026	C/OF	Virginia
4	Jalen German	VA	Trinity Episcopal	2026	RHP
5	Jason Kruczek	VA	Alexandria City	2026	RHP

Complete Top 25 Rankings