Q&A With Kentucky Commit Nolan Ramoley
January 7, 2025
When thinking of players that took full advantage of the Future Games to raise their stock, one of the first names that comes to mind is OF Nolan Ramoley (Brother Rice, 2026). We knew going into the event that Ramoley would be one of the toolsiest players there, as he’s shown numerous times in the past, but he took it to another level when he dominated in gameplay as well, committing to Kentucky not long after the event.
Currently ranked No. 5 in Illinois, Ramoley boasts a highly impressive power and speed combination. He’s a 6.52 runner in the 60 with game-changing speed both in the outfield and on the basepaths, and his right-handed swing can create some of the best raw power in the state with exit velocities north of 104 mph.
We recently had the chance to talk to Ramoley about his recruitment process and much more, found below.
Our Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Nolan: Going into August 1st I had no idea what to expect and although I hoped to have some great conversations, I tried not to put the pressure of that date on me. I was looking for a program that has a great culture and could help me develop. I wanted a school that I knew I’d have a chance to make an impact at while also competing against the best.
P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
N: I was hoping to go anywhere south to get a little better weather but I still wanted to be within driving distance of my family.
P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
N: The recruiting process really heated up for me after the summer of my freshman year. Kentucky first saw me at one of their camps and then proceeded to watch me all throughout spring, summer, and at the Future Games.
P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
N: My favorite part about the University of Kentucky is the culture, the coaches, and the people. The culture in the UK program is like no other and it's a place that I can develop into the teammate, player and person I want to become.
P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
N: The best player I have faced is 2025 LHP Jack Bauer. Up to 95 mph from the left side and a wipeout slider was pretty tough to hit against.
P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
N: Playing high level college baseball has always been a dream of mine. The summer going into my freshman year was when I realized that this could be a reality. The transition into high school baseball was a big turning point.
P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
N: I would tell younger players to surround yourself with people, coaches and players that make you better and motivate you. I would also say be ready to push yourself, physically and mentally, but the hard work will pay off.
P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
N: Brother Rice has a ton of talent this year. Our senior class is strong with Gavin Triezenberg, Jackson Natanek and Aidan Nohava. We have a talented sophomore class coming up. We also have strong pitching with Braydon McKendrick and Tadgh Callaghan. We have been working hard this off season and are coming into the season with the highest of expectations. Brother Rice is going to be a tough team to beat.
P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?
N: The Future Games was an amazing event and played a tremendous role in my recruitment. PBR did an awesome job with the Future Games. It was packed with colleges. Many of the schools I talked to on August 1st said they saw me there. It was a great opportunity to showcase the tools but more importantly using those tools in gameplay while playing against incredible talent.
P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?
N: If I could steal any quality I would steal my teammate Jackson Natanek’s leadership quality.
P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
N: My younger brother, Carson Ramoley is a 2028 outfielder and is a name to know. He's been working out with me getting bigger and stronger. He's got a great bat and speed. He's at Brother Rice with me and also plays for the Sparks.
P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.
N: Prep Baseball was a big part of my recruitment. Showcases really helped me get on the radar. Tweets also helped coaches see videos of my gameplay.